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The FIFA World Cup 2018 is right around the corner, and once again the South American teams look strong going into this one. Four years ago in Brazil, the hosts, Columbia, Argentina and Chile were all stand out teams.
South American sides excelled in the last World Cup - Chile's fluid attack consisting of Sanchez, Valdivia and Vargas saw past Spain in the group stages.
Columbia's potent attacking threat which included the excellent James Rodriguez got them to the quarter-finals without their talisman Radamel Falcao. Argentina reached the final conceding just 3 goals en route.
Brazil with star man Neymar looked to go all the way before falling apart against Germany in the semi-final. Honorable mention also goes to Uruguay who despite losing their first group game to Costa Rica, defeated England and Italy to advance in the group stages before being knocked out by fellow South Americans Columbia.
The fact that the winners of the last two Copa América's, Chile, did not qualify, tells you a lot about the strength of the other South American sides that advanced at their expense from the CONMEBOL section.
Whether the South Americans can flourish outside their continent has always been a question put to them, a team from this region has never won a World Cup in Europe, but this tournament could be a first.
There are some very good reasons to expect that a team from South America could go all the way this time around, here are 5 of them.
#1 Peru
Peru are a team that should not be underestimated. A progressive, possession based side who like to play it out from the back and work angles for each other, they have gained a reputation for being one of the most attractive sides to watch.
They were excellent in qualification, and with 27 goals were the third highest scorers in the CONMEBOL section, a stat which helped rank them as FIFA’s 11th most dangerous attacking side.
Peru have their captain and all-time leading goalscorer, Paolo Guerrero back after his drugs ban was overturned.
At 34-years-old, Guerrero provides vast experience for La Blanquirroja and alongside Luis Advincula and Nilson Loyola at the back, Peru posses a tremendous amount of know-how.
Peru certainly do not boast of star power compared to other South American sides, but what they lack in this area they more than make up for in team ethic and being a well drilled outfit.
They posses the tactical flexibility and a brave style of play that saw them finish above Chile in qualification and that is something that can give them the belief to go far in Russia.
Despite being drawn with France in group C, Denmark and Australia are two sides they are capable of outplaying and beating. Even France could struggle against the potent attacking threat that Peru pose.
#2 Uruguay
It's a common mistake to think Uruguay is reliant on the attacking duo of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani being in form to stand any chance of doing well in the World Cup.
However Uruguay are a much more well rounded side, they have a solid defense and a good balance in midfield which can protect the back line and supplement the attack.
With Atletico Madrid center backs Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez, La Celeste have already inherited two defenders who have the understanding and relationship developed at club level under guidance of their head coach Diego Simeone.
They have become part of one of the most formidable defenses in all of Europe at club level. Godin is also a threat from set-pieces, as he showed in the 2014 World Cup when he scored the winning goal, a header from a corner, which knocked out Italy in the group stages and took Uruguay to the knockout round.
Uruguay posses an impressive midfield with Matias Vecino and Lucas Torreira, two hugely talented players that can combine both a defensive instinct with creativity in attack. Vecino is a skillful midfielder who can provide a threat from deep, whilst Torreira has brilliant close control and ball carrying ability as well as being strong in the tackle.
This could provide a balanced midfield that can protect an already impressive back line, but also supplement Suarez and Cavani in attack.
Uruguay have been placed in Group A along with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Despite Russia being the hosts and Egypt possessing one of the more in form players in the world right now, Mohamed Salah, Uruguay should have no trouble getting through this group. Such is their formidable back line and potent attacking duo.
#3 Columbia
Colombia were one of the most impressive sides in 2014, even without their star striker Radamel Falcao.
With him back and in fine form for club side AS Monaco, along with the likes of James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado, there is no reason think that Colombia can't go even further this time around.
Spurs center back Davinson Sanchez has strengthened Colombia defensively, whilst defensive midfielder Wilmar Barrios has shone at club side Boca Juniors.
Barrios' impressive displays at club level have led to him being linked with some of Europe's top sides, and as an all action midfielder, he can help push Los Cafeteros towards glory in this year's World Cup.
Head coach José Pékerman has been in charge of the Colombian national team since 2012. He has the experience and coaching skills to ensure that his side is well prepared for Russia.
With Radamel Falcao fit to play in this World Cup, along with James Rodriguez, Colombia are a formidable force.
Colombia have been drawn in Group H along with Poland, Japan and Senegal. Few would bet against Colombia topping this group, and with their last World Cup's exploits to draw upon, they could be a threat this time around.
#4 Argentina
Despite being somewhat maligned, it is worth remembering that Argentina reached the final of the 2014 World Cup, where they narrowly lost out to Germany in the final. They did not receive many plaudits, Argentina finished runners up without being particularly spectacular.
Under the guidance of head coach Jorge Sampaoli, they have someone with the tactical knowledge and experience of having coached a top level international side at a World Cup.
Sampaoli managed Chile to a Copa America title and were impressive in Brazil in 2014, playing some attractive football along with an excellent pressing game.
With the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria, Argentina have one of the most impressive forward lines in world football.
They have been criticized in the past for being a team of individuals, but under the guidance of Sampaoli, they can be transformed into a team unit, this would mean trouble for other countries.
Despite being described by many as being 'top heavy', Argentina conceded just 4 goals at the 2014 World Cup. The Argentine's also had the second best defense in qualification, conceding just 16 goals in the CONMBOL group.
With Marcos Rojo and Nicolas Otamendi at the back, La Albiceleste have a solid back line and can draw on the experience of veteran Javier Mascherano.
This could very well be Lionel Messi's last World Cup, and having never won the trophy before he will be hungry to push his team to glory this year. Argentina have the ability and the know how, this year could finally be their moment.
#5 Brazil
Many are tipping Brazil to win the World Cup in Russia, and for good reason. Brazil scored 41 goals in qualification, the most in the CONMEBOL group and conceded just 11, the fewest of any team in the same section.
In many ways Brazil look stronger than the team which agonizingly went out 7-1 to Germany when they hosted the World Cup four years ago.
Alisson and Ederson have provided a selection headache for coach Tite. They also have the talented Casemiro in midfield, who they can call upon along with Manchester City's Fernandinho, who has improved under his club coach Pep Guardiola.
Up top they have improved considerably, with Roberto Firmino, Douglas Costa and Gabriel Jesus able to slot in along with star man Neymar.
Brazil posses a plethora of talent and tactical flexibility, such is the options that are at their disposal on the pitch and on the bench.
Losing Daniel Alves is a blow, but Brazil look a well rounded side who will be out to avenge their 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014.
Brazil and Germany are tipped as the favorites for this World Cup, but if Neymar can get to 100 percent fitness after his metatarsal injury, the 5 time World Cup winners will certainly have more star power than the Germans and will be considered the favourites.
