Top 5 contenders to win the FIFA World Cup

#2 Brazil

This Brazil side is one of the most experienced, heading into 2018

After getting crushed by a scoreline of 7-1 against Germany, in the heaviest Brazilian defeat in World Cup history in 2014, many thought that the Seleção would never recover in time for 2018. And these critics were not far from being right, if not for Adenor Bacchi taking charge of the national team in 2016.

Brazil suffered two major blows since 2014, with the first being an elimination against Paraguay in the quarter final of the Copa América in 2015, followed by a humiliating group stage exit from the Centenario edition in 2016. It seemed that Brazilian footballs was in shambles and could never recover, but a young generation inspired the country to triumph in the Olympic games for the first time in history.

Shortly after, Tite guided Brazil to a 3-0 victory away to Ecuador at high altitude. And ever since, the national team has absolutely been the best of the South American continent, with win after win. Brazil would eventually climb from 6th place, to end up on top with a comfortable lead over Uruguay.

This Brazilian team is experienced and relies on players who have already proven themselves at the top level, such as Dani Alves, Marcelo and Neymar. Meanwhile, the midfield looks to be at its finest since a long time, with the likes of Carlos Henrique Casemiro and Paulinho - who are considered pillars at Real Madrid and Barcelona - not to forget Fernandinho and Philippe Coutinho, who are big stars in the English Premier League.

The attacking line has been as good as ever, with Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino and Neymar JR inspiring Brazil to big victories against Argentina (3-0), Uruguay (4-1) and Chile (3-0).

There is no doubt that Brazil is the best team in South America at the moment, but it remains to be seen how they will cope against the best European defenses.