The countdown for the 2018 World Cup in Russia has already begun. With the FIFA Confederation Cup played as a rehearsal for next years world cup. I take a look at the favorites to lift the world cup next year in Russia.
Brazil
The powerhouse of International football, Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times. They always go into the World Cup as the favorites. After their horrendous 7-1 defeat at the hands of Germany in the last world cup, Brazil have improved a lot. Under their talismanic superstar Neymar Brazil can dream about lifting the world cup once again. Neymar isn't the only superstar playing for Brazil. Likes of Philipe Coutinho, Willian and an emerging young talent Gabriel Jesus; Brazil are well capable of defeating any team on the world. They looked untouchable in their qualifying campaign. Its already been 16 years since Brazil won the last world cup. So, Brazilians are desperate to get their hand on the trophy once again.
Key Player : Neymar
Germany
Current World Champions Germany are looking as strong as ever. With the team full of young talents Germany can rise on the pinnacle of World Football and become the most successful international team alongside Brazil by claiming their 5th title in Russia. With World Cup winning heroes Lahm and Schweinsteiger retired, Germany have huge task in replacing them but with the amount of talent they have it looks an easy job for them. Their last campaign was a brilliant they might want to go one step further to claim back to back titles and become only the third team to achieve that feat. They have Thomas Muller on their ranks who has already scored 10 goals in 2 world cups he has participated and has won a golden boot in 2010 World Cup.
Key Player : Thomas Muller
Spain
Spain have been the dominating force in international football for the last 10 years. World Cup winner in 2010, European Championship winner in 2008 and 2012, it was going all well for Spanish national team until the 2014 World Cup. It all went wrong for La Roja in the 2014 World Cup when they were humiliatingly defeated by the 2010 runners up Netherlands 5-1 before being knocked out of the group stage by Chile. Spain's performance in the Euro 2016 wasn't the best to remember. Vicente Del Bosque announced his retirement from the national team and Julen Lopetegui took over from him. He has a huge task in finding the right players for the next summer. He has huge task in finding the right players who can replicate what the likes of Casillas, Puyol, Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Villa did in the winning era. Despite the retirement of big name Spain still has immense talent in their bags.
Key Player : Isco Alarcon
France
France are the favorites to lift the World Cup in 2018. After a shocking defeat at the hands of Portugal in the Euro 2016 Final, France are desperate to win a major international tournament. Their only ever triumph came in 1998 when they hosted the World Cup. They were a dominant force during the turn of the century but slowly faded away after the 2006 World Cup Final defeat. Now they have the best chance of lifting the World Cup once again. They have got a huge squad depth full of top quality players playing in biggest clubs in Europe. With the likes of Griezmann, Pogba and emerging young talent Mbappe France have the best squad going into the World Cup next year.
Key Player : Antonie Griezmann