5 BEST NATIONAL TEAMS SINCE 2010 ACCORDING TO FIFA WORLD RANKINGS 

5

PORTUGAL (1,281 points)

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Portugal were dumped out of the Euros last night by Belgium in the Round of 16, as stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota failed to fire. Given the talent in the Portugal squad, this result can only be construed as a disappointing one.

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Portugal were the surprise winners of the 2016 Euros, and they achieved that feat with what was supposedly a weaker squad compared to the one that played in 2020. Manager Fernando Santos could come under pressure, after his team failed to defend the title.

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4

BRAZIL (1,377 points)

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Brazil are currently competing in Copa America 2021, where they have been one of the better teams in the competition so far. Tite has done well with the Brazil team since taking over as their manager in 2016. The debacle of the 2014 FIFA World Cup still looms large on the national team, though.

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But Brazil won the Copa America in 2019 and will hope to replicate that success on home soil once again. Neymar remains Brazil's superstar and is complemented by talented players like Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior.

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3

ARGENTINA (1,395 points)

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Argentina's struggles last decade on the international scene are well-documented. Much was expected from their 2014 World Cup squad, but they lost to opponents Germany in the final. The pressure on talisman and captain Lionel Messi has been intense.

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Messi is under heavy scrutiny following Argentina’s two losses in the finals of Copa America. Argentina have done well so far at Copa America 2021, with Messi one of their best players at the tournament. A successful campaign would could reduce the burden on Messi's shoulders.

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2

SPAIN (1,466 points)

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Since Spain's incredible success under Vicente del Bosque, they have gone through a period of rebuilding. Their current Euro 2020 squad is filled with technically gifted players but no recognisable match winner. Spain are a work in progress right now, but manager Luis Enrique has a plan.

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Spain did not do well at the FIFA World Cup in 2018, and they are not among the favourites to win Euro 2020. Nevertheless, they pulled off a sensational win against Croatia to progress into the quarterfinals. This win could be a major confidence booster for the Spanish side.

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1

GERMANY (1,472 points)

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Since winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014, the decline of the German national team has been evident. Long-serving manager Joachim Low is set to depart after Euro 2020. Germany were abysmal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, exiting the competition after the group stage.

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Die Mannschaft have not impressed at Euro 2020 as well. With a new era set to begin post the competition, Germany will want to give Low the send-off he deserves. Germany face England in the Round of 16, and will fancy their chances against their old rivals in the tournament.

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