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It's 2018, the year when the entire world comes together to join hands and support their favourite teams as the most popular sporting extravaganza kicks off - the FIFA World Cup. Only twenty days are left for the grand event to commence in Russia and fans around the globe are excited.
The World Cup is a matter of honor that can make legends out of mere players or can make a mockery of the footballing icons who have become famous owing to their performances in club football. Hence, it is heavily contested and the eleven players on the field give their all to win the match.
Germany were the winners of the last edition of World Cup, that was held in 2014 in Russia and they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to lift the coveted trophy.
We take a look at the five teams that are strong favorites for the title.
#1 Germany
Mario Gotze broke many Argentinean hearts when he volleyed in Andre Schurrle's cross past Sergio Romero in extra time and won Germany the World Cup in 2014. Die Mannschaft became the first European country to win on American soil.
Germany has become a pool of talent ever since, with some really good youngsters coming out of the country and performing well for their clubs. They look incredibly strong both on paper and on the pitch. Having topped their WC qualifying group, they must have one eye on the title.
They have an exciting team that is a mixture of freshness and experience. Youngsters like Leroy Sane, Joshua Kimmich and Timo Werner have already become household names in world football and much will be expected of them.
Experienced players like Thomas Muller, Marco Reus, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer will need to take up responsibility for the national team if they desire to retain the trophy.
Key Player: Thomas Muller
#2 Brazil
Ever since the drubbing 7-1 at the hands of Germany in the semi-finals of World Cup 2014, Brazil have come a long way. Much of the team has changed since then, with a lot of young players bagging a place in the 23-man squad that will represent the team.
The Selecao have been winners of the World Cup on five previous occasions and pose some threat to their opponents, if one considers the firepower they possess in all departments of the team. They finished on the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying group with 41 points, 10 points ahead of second-placed Uruguay.
Brazil will be led by the world-class striker Neymar who can tear down opposition defences with ease. They have the supremely experienced Marcelo and Thiago Silva in the defense.
The creativity in the midfield comes from Phillippe Coutinho and Fred, while Casemiro and Fernandinho are very dependable as defensive midfielders. Firmino and Jesus will join Neymar in the attack, along with Douglas Costa and Willian.
Key player: Neymar
#3 Spain
Spanish football reached its heights in 2010, when they lifted the World Cup riding on some wonderful performances by the star-studded team. Their World Cup win was sandwiched between two Euro titles of 2008 and 2012.
However things went on the decline for La Furia Roja as they lost to Brazil in the Confederations Cup 2013, failed to qualify from the group stage in WC2014 and were knocked out by Italy in Euro 2016 in the round of 16.
However they have managed to build a really strong team that is again a mixture of young and experienced players. They have players like Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba who are experienced stalwarts in their own positions.
Youngsters such as the flamboyant Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez can make the difference whenever required. Koke, de Gea, Carvajal, Diego Costa and David Silva complete the team roster.
Key Player: Isco
#4 France
Les Blues have undergone a resurgence in the last three years, with many players coming into the limelight that have shone for their respective clubs.
Even though the French lost the final of Euro 2016 to Portugal courtesy of a late-winner by Eder, they still have enough potential match-winners in their squad who could destroy the opposition on their day.
The major problem for French coach Didier Deschamps has been selecting the team that'll board the plane for Russia because there are too many good players to choose from. They will be raring to go out and win a second title for their countrymen.
The French cavalry will be led by Antoine Griezmann from the front alongside Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, and Nabil Fekir. The attacking midfield boasts of stars like Paul Pogba and Thomas Lemar, while Blaise Matuidi and N'Golo Kante function as the defensive midfielders. The defense has Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti who can give strikers nightmares.
Key Player: Antoine Griezmann
#5 Argentina
Argentina have selected a strong team that can probably go all the way to win the title. Their recent 6-0 defeat at the hands of Spain explains the need for many tweaks that need to be done in order to function as a well-oiled unit.
Argentina often dominate the tournaments they participate in and somehow fail to clear the hurdle in the final. That has been the case in World Cup 2014, Copa America 2015 and Copa America Centenario 2016.
The midfield consists of Lucas Biglia, Ever Banega, Cristian Pavon and Lanzini, whereas the defense has the solid Nicolas Otamendi, Javier Mascherano, Mercado, Federico Fazio and Marcos Rojo.
The attack line consists of lethal strikers like Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, who are aided by Messi, Paulo Dybala and Angel di Maria. Lionel Messi helped the Albiceleste qualify for WC2018 by scoring a hat-trick in the final match of CONMEBOL qualifiers. Will Argentina be fourth time lucky?
A lot of other teams like Belgium, Portugal, and England are strong as well, but they are more of dark horses and not genuine contenders considering the depth of the squads.
Who will be crowned world champions on 15th July?
Key Player: Lionel Messi
