The wait is nearly over, the field for the FIFA 2018 World Cup is now set. On Thursday next week; lights, camera, and action will turn to Russia when football biggest tournament kicks off. If you ever believe in chances just, then the latest FIFA global football rankings have something to signal that the winner is perhaps not far from the top ranked teams. The ranking is based on the team’s recent results where the most successful teams are ranked highest. Since being introduced in December 1992, eight countries namely; Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Belgium, France, and Spain have (all currently in Russia), have held the top position for most times than any other country On the other hand, it is without any doubt that, this week’s top ten new entrants such as Portugal, Switzerland and Poland might pull off a surprise. What you should maybe notice is that group placing and the frictionless-ness of a team’s draw will also weigh into countries’ chances to make it to advances stages of the World Cup finals. Going by the latest rankings released this Thursday, the four-time champions, Germany, top the global rankings, with Brazil, Belgium and Portugal ranked second, third and fourth, respectively. Despite being winless in five games, and having lost their past two friendly matches in a row, Germany are on history hunt to become the second team in World Cup history to win a hihgly coveted trophy back-to-back. Still, football-mad Brazil, which is ranked second, is another team not to be written off in any way. After suffering a disastrous 7-1 loss in the semi-finals to Germany at home four years ago, the Samba boys will be hungry for revenge this time around. Well, they might have won the title five times, but they will have very stiff competition if they are to add a sixth title. Led by striker Neymar, along with Gabriel Jesus, and Philippe Coutinho, La Seleção are another force to reckon with. By luck of the draw, heavyweights Brazil and German are favorites to dominate their groups or at least finish as runners-up. Early exit is unlikely for both giants. Lighthearted Belgium are third on the world ranking, their fans are shouting from rooftops ‘we can win it’ but deep down they are not holding their breathe. What is very tricky to know is which way the wind will blow Belgium. For Brazil, the team is better than the 2014 side. The most important difference is the World Cup experience brought in by their key players who were in Brazil four years back such as; Jan Vertonghen, Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard. On the other hand, Portugal also has got what it takes to be a strong contender for the World Cup. With Cristiano Ronaldo at the fore-front, the Seleção das Quinas can be as dangerous for any opponent as they were two years ago when they defied odds to win the Euro 2016. Now ranked fifth, Argentina, or call them Team Messi, are another giant highly awaited at the Russia World Cup. After losing to Germany in the 2014 final, they will be more determined and optimistic to go a step higher for the top prize. Do I think they can? YES! They can. Messi will have to do his magic on the pitch if they are to win the country’s third World Cup title. The recent history shows that Argentina can’t do much without the Barcelona forward, the more lethal he will be in Russia, the further Argentina will go in the tournament. France is 7th on the rankings but make no mistake, they are never out of the top contenders list. Over the last decade, the complexion of Les Blues has changed and this could be their time to realise their full potential under former captain Didier Deschamps. The 2010 World Champions, Spain, complete top ten in the rankings and will be attempting to win the world’s most prestigious title for a second time in eight years. But what makes the team a major contender is coach Julen Loptegui. The former Spain international has got La Furia Roja back to playing their aggressive style of football that made them one of the most notorious and most respected teams between 2008 and 2012 where they claimed three major titles, two Euro Cups (2008 & 2012) and the World Cup. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
