ARGENTINA

Ranking 5. Last time Finalists. Manager Jorge Sampaoli — the third coach of Argentina’s rollercoaster qualification campaign did manage to get them over the finish line thanks to a 3-1 win in Ecuador on the 18th and final matchday. Sampaoli had insisted on a contract to carry him through to 2022 just in case. Guided Chile to Copa America success back in 2015, defeating Argentina on penalties in the final.

They’re a bit like Manchester United — plenty of success but a good few question marks about them just now.

Key man Lionel Messi — time is fast running out for the greatest player of modern times to finally make his mark on the World Cup. At 30, they are as reliant on his magic as ever.

Rising star Giovani Lo Celso (right) — has broken through impressively at Paris SaintGermain having been forced to assume a more defensive role than the one he enjoyed at his first club Rosario Central.

Prospects Lots of question marks but if that man Messi is in sparkling form, then anything is possible.