The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia has been an entirely unpredictable tournament so far, with several powerhouses falling by the wayside. Starting with the group stages and then the knockouts, no team looks adequately poised to go all the way and win the World Cup.
These low-margin games make for exciting viewing and really raise the tension, with no one knowing which will be the next team to drop out of the competition. Each of the contenders seems to be on even footing to beat the other.
With only Brazil, Uruguay, France and England, erstwhile cup winners, still surviving in the competition, the field is wide open for a new country to claim its triumph this year. Which team do you think is deserving of the FIFA World Cup this year? Take your pick.
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Be sure to notice the lack of Lionel Messi’s Argentina or even Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal – the reigning European champions. Instead, Belgium and Croatia have emerged as forces to be reckoned with, after impressing with their group stage performances and topping the group.
African teams have also had a disappointing tour, with no team from the region making it to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 1982. Senegal was close to qualifying, but was pipped by Colombia, who look confident and incisive, capable of spelling trouble for the England squad.
The 2010 champion, Spain, and the 2014 champion, Germany, have been the most high profile casualties till date. Both were pegged as favourites and but fell victim to the champions curse. Mexico and Sweden have made confident runs to round 16.
Some of these teams are on collision course and are slated to knock each other out. With hosts Russia riding high, being the wild card, your selected team has a great chance to secure the coveted cup this year.
(This Poll was published during the Round of 16 stage of the FIFA World Cup.)
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