Spotlight falls on the big guns

The phoney war is over and most of the big guns have arrived. takes a look at how the favourites shape up.

AFP Sport Brazil

In 2014, Brazil were being widely tipped for success on home soil but their campaign unravelled in spectacular fashion with a 7-1 semifinal rout by eventual winners Germany. Now the five-time champions look the real deal again as coach Tite has transformed their fortunes.The absence of the injured Dani Alves at rightback is a blow but Neymar has proven his fitness, scoring in wins against Croatia and Austria. His goal in Vienna on Sunday, after his first start following a foot operation three months ago, was stunning. Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus has been the most prolific goalscorer during Tite’s time in charge, in which the team have won 17 out of 21 matches.

Germany

The holders have a reputation of being a team that delivers on the big stage despite doubts arising from their performances in recent friendlies. Joachim Loew’s side went five games without a win before labouring to a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in their final warm-up in Leverkusen on Friday. The fact that first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has hardly played since September after injury is a concern but the Germans have made at least the semifinals in each of the past four World Cups and are bound to feature again in Russia.

Spain

Like Brazil, Spain have come to Russia with something to prove after a poor showing in 2014, when they were knocked out in the group stage. They are yet to lose in two years under Julen Lopetegui, completing their preparations with a 1-0 win over Tunisia on Saturday in Krasnodar. It was not the most convincing performance but Iago Aspas advanced his case for a starting role in attack in Friday’s Group B opening clash against Portugal with a late winner. Rodrigo of Valencia and the bruising Diego Costa are the other options up front. Lopetegui has overseen changes but there are still likely to be as many as seven starters against Portugal who also started the 2-0 defeat against Italy at Euro 2016.

France

Optimism has been growing in France, but Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the United States was a timely reminder for Didier Deschamps’ side that they still have work to do. They needed a late Kylian Mbappe goal to earn a draw in their final friendly, which followed wins against Ireland and Italy. However, Paul Pogba’s performance was a boost for Deschamps. A diamond midfield accommodates Pogba and allows Antoine Griezmann to play just behind Mbappe and Olivier Giroud up front, but there is maybe a worry in goal, where Hugo Lloris no longer looks so reliable.

Argentina

Argentina are lucky to be in Russia at all after a chaotic qualifying campaign and their build-up to the finals has been far from smooth. The cancellation of last week’s friendly against Israel in Jerusalem denied Jorge Sampaoli’s side much-needed match practice. The build-up has been further hampered by the loss to injury of Manuel Lanzini and critics say Argentina are relying solely on Lionel Messi for success. That may be unfair though, because Sampaoli has talent in his squad, including the exciting Giovani Lo Celso in midfield and an attack also featuring Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria. However, even if they manage to win a challenging group, Spain could lie in wait in the quarterfinals for the 2014 runners-up.