World Cup 2018 – which 32 teams have qualified for Russia.
GERMANY
The World Cup holders are in good shape to defend their title after being unbeaten in all games in 2017.
They have effectively gathered a trophy in Russia in the development of the World Cup, winning the Confederations Cup in July and utilizing the warm-up competition to test new alternatives like late designer Lars Stindl.
World Cup qualifying was finished with 10 wins from 10 and a European-record 43 objectives.
- Key player: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid) – Germany’s new leader, Kronos keeps the side ticking from midfield, where his intelligence, precision and composition on the ball inspires teammates going forward.
- Coach: Joachim Loew – Juergen Klinsmann’s assistant during the 2006 World Cup, Loew took over after that tournament and has overseen steady progress culminating in the 2014 title.
RUSSIA
When the Russians launched their bid to host the World Cup for the first time, they were on a high after reaching the semifinals at the 2008 European Championship.
Russia goes into the draw as the most minimal positioning of the 32 groups, having neglected to progress past the gathering phase of any competition since 2008. Driven discuss achieving the quarterfinals or even elimination rounds has blurred.
There are off-field issues as well, with reports of debate amongst players and the mentor. Criminal frenzies at Euro 2016 discoloured Russia’s picture, with the nation undermined with ejection from the competition in France.
- Key player: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow) – A talented goalkeeper who captains the team, Akinfeev has tended to make mistakes in big games.
- Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov – After experiments with expensive foreign recruits like Fabio Capello and Guus Hiddink, Russia goes into the World Cup with a dour, defence-first former goalkeeper.
ARGENTINA
A team featuring Lionel Messi can never be ignored, even though the 2014 runner-up barely made it to this World Cup
However, other key abilities like Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain have been a long way from being in top frame for Argentina. That is the reason little-known Boca Juniors striker Daria Benedetto has been sent in advance.
- Key player: Messi (Barcelona) – Doubted by fans, yet the five-time world player of the year delivered. Argentina would not be going to Russia without his goals and leadership. Turns 31 during a tournament that could yet crown his career.
- Coach: Jorge Sampaoli – The 57-year-old Argentine is his country’s third coach in less than a year. His team has not impressed so far, with only one win in four official matches. His team is the biggest question mark in the World Cup.
BRAZIL
The gloom that engulfed Brazil after the 7-1 debacle against Germany in the 2014 World Cup has lifted.
Brazil was the first team to clinch qualification for Russia and had memorable wins on the way, including a 3-0 success over Argentina in the same Mineirao stadium of the 2014 semifinal humiliation.
It took the arrangement of Tite in September 2016 to restore Brazil. Under his rudder, there have been 13 wins, three draws and just a single misfortune – in an agreeable against Argentina.
- Key player: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) – Should be at the pinnacle of his diversion matured 26 in Russia, the forward will have his most obvious opportunity to topple Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in best player grants if Brazil wins.
- Coach: Adenor Bacchi – Universally known as Tite, he diverted Brazil from slump to top picks. Disregard Dunga’s solid 2014 World Cup group that depended vigorously on Neymar. Brazil is currently about association and style.
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