BRAZIL

Ranking 2. Last time Fourth place. Manager Tite — the man charged with healing the wounds of the ‘Mineirazo’, that 7-1 humiliation at the hands of Germany on home soil during the last World Cup and, to a lesser extent, their poor showing at the 2016 Copa America Centenario. The signs so far have been promising. Brazil qualified with ease and Tite has restored confidence in the dressing room.

They’re a bit like Real Madrid — all-conquering at their best and stylish.

Key man Neymar (right) — four years ago their talisman suffered an injury and they crashed out. Little wonder there has been such an appetite for updates on Neymar’s fractured toe. Not everyone in Brazil loves the Paris Saint-Germain star but any character flaws will certainly be forgiven if he inspires the Selecao to their sixth World Cup success.

Rising star Gabriel Jesus — made a stunning start to his career at Manchester City. Tite was the manager who handed Jesus his debut as a teenager two years ago, a move considered a gamble, but it has paid off handsomely. Scored seven goals in qualifying and has nine overall for his country. Prospects One of the most talented teams. No reason why they can’t go all the way.