5 TEAMS AND PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
GERMANY
Champions in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 The engine is chugging with all pistons firing and German efficiency tends to peak at the World Cup finals.
FRANCE
Quarter-finalists in 2014; Champions in 1998. Perfect mix of grace and power, they want to make up for Euro 2016
Key player: Antoine Griezmann
BRAZIL
Semi-finalists in 2014; Champions in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002 Seething from the 7-1 defeat to Germany at home in 2014, nothing less than winning it all will serve as revenge.
Key player: Neymar
ARGENTINA
Finalists 2014; Champions in 1978 and 1986. It’s probably Lionel Messi’s last WC and his last chance to truly join the ranks of Pele and Maradona Key player: Lionel Messi
BELGIUM
Quarter-finalists in 2014. The golden generation has matured. The only reason they may not win is because they’re Belgium, but that has also been said about Spain
Key player: Kevin De Bruyne