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Football's biggest festival is closer than ever and the fans have never been more winsome about it. The mega-stars of the game would line up in national colors to make millions of people proud every time they step onto the pitch.
One can hardly believe that it has been four years since "that" Robin Van Persie goal. Boy, seems like yesterday.
The FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia would also be witnessing something special in this edition of the tournament. However, surprises are something which does not come at a premium in such a grand event.
No team enters the fixture assuming an easy encounter. On a given day, the passion of some debutant country smashes a giant team with some effort.
That said, here are the four under-dog teams the elite nations and the fans need to watch out for going into the competition:
#5 Mexico
The North American giants have been one of the most consistent participants in the competition's history. Since 1994, they have qualified for every edition of the World Cup and made it to the round-of-16 on every occasion.
They might not have the biggest names in the game but they sure possess the spirit to be the party spoilers. To get an evidence of the same, one needs to go back only to 2014 where they almost knocked out the Dutchmen in the round-of-16.
However, a couple of unlucky officiating decisions saw them lose 2-1 eventually in the dying minutes.
Anyway, they won the hearts with some stellar displays. Mexico's brand of football was widely appreciated by all.
This time around, individuals like Guillermo Ochoa, Giovani dos Santos, and Javier Hernandez would be the key players to watch out. The Mexicans booked a place on the flight to Russia with a victory against Panama, with three games yet to be played.
The confidence among the players would be instrumental in determining their campaign in Russia.
They have been grouped with Germany, Sweden, and South Korea. Can they break into the last-eights this time?
#4 Croatia
Croatia is an interesting team to look at ahead of the World Cup. They qualified for their fifth world-cup after a goalless draw against Greece.
The likes of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Rakitic is all one can ask for in a midfield. At the back, they have some vastly improved defenders like Dejan Lovern and Sime Vrsajlko. Leading the lines is an in-form Mario Mandzukic alongside a pacy Ivan Perisic.
With so much talent, they are a side promising entertainment every time they step on the pitch.
However, their group is one of the trickiest this time around. They have been drawn alongside Argentina, Iceland and an unpredictable Nigeria.
After showing enough mettle in the 2016 Euros, they must be looking forward to pull some surprises in Russia.
It is to be seen if they can get the better of their group competitors to make it to the knockouts eventually.
#3 Uruguay
The South American side didn't have a memorable journey in the Brazil edition of the tournament in 2014. After being humiliated with Luis Suarez's ban, they were knocked out by Columbia in the round of 16 only.
However, they have worked themselves since then. Uruguay were the runner-ups in the CONMEBOL on their way to Russia. They possess all the firepower to beat any top side on their day.
The strike duo of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez would be the one to watch out for. The two-time champions have an easier group with the likes of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the hosts, Russia being a part of it.
The likes of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez provide them with enough spine at the back. Uruguay must be looking forward to improving over their performance in Brazil.
It is a big tournament for them too.
#2 Colombia
Colombia is certainly a hot prospect getting into the tournament this time around. The South American outfit edged their way ahead of Peru and Chile into the World Cup.
This very team had the football fans bewitched with their sublime and complete football showcased in Brazil, back in 2014.
They humbled Uruguay in the round of 16 and progressed to the last eights to face mighty Brazil. The game was close enough but the five-time-champions turned up to be the eventual winners.
Much of the spotlight would be on their star, James Rodriguez who had a stunning 2017/18 with Bayern.
The likes of Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, Davinson Sanchez and Luis Muriel wouldn't make it easy for any opponent to grab the maximum points against them.
Colombia have been drawn in a group containing Poland, Japan and Senegal. Their chances of winning the group are quite high.
They would very much like to repeat the run they had in 2014 but can they improve on it?
#1 Portugal
The European Champions are one of the most under-rated teams in the competition. Portuguese football has always been about the individuals like Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, they have assembled quite a remarkable set of players this time. Players like Bernardo Silva, Cedric Soares and Gelson Martins have been impressing with their clubs and would be looking forward to deliver at the big stage now.
Not to mention, the best forward in the game, Cristiano Ronaldo, who could be heading to his final World Cup, on his day, he doesn't need much help to turn the odds in his team's favor.
Portugal has a challenging group in the form of Spain, Iran and Morocco. Their fairy-tale triumph in the Euro 2016, have left them high on spirits.
It doesn't need a master-mind to say that this team cannot be written off yet again.
Which of these teams could spring a surprise at the World Cup? Sound off in the comments section!
