Brazil
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/16
Qualification: Brazil beat off the competition in the South America qualifying group very comfortably, finishing a clear 10 points ahead of closest rivals Uruguay. Gabriel Jesus and Neymar were fantastic going forward as Brazil racked up 41 goals in 18 games, conceding just 11.
Injuries and Team News: Star striker Neymar has been vocal in his struggle to get fully fit for this year’s World Cup. The PSG forward has been out of action since late February after fracturing a metatarsal and has suggested that going to the World Cup after such a long lay-off is going to be a huge challenge. Winger Douglas Costa is nursing a muscle injury and will likely miss upcoming friendlies, but Brazil are confident he’ll be ready to go soon after. Veteran right-back Dani Alves will miss the World Cup after picking up a knee injury in PSG’s French Cup final win over Les Herbiers.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Allison and Ederson will be vying to be the no.1 in goal – Allison seems to be the preferred choice but one mistake from him could give Ederson his opportunity. Dani Alves’ injury means a headache at right-back. Manager Tite has a few varying options – Corinthians’ Fagner will probably slot in but versatile Manchester City defender Danilo will offer competition. Thiago Silva and Miranda appear to be the favoured pairing in central defence if recent friendlies are anything to go by, despite Marquinhos playing there during qualifying. Surprisingly, Fernandinho is usually behind both Casemiro and Paulinho in the pecking order. The formation used during qualifying was regularly 4-2-3-1, but recently Brazil have rolled out a 4-3-3 with those on the right and left flanks pushing further up. Brazil are a very attacking outfit and this will often be the case regardless. Gabriel Jesus is set to start as centre-forward but will surely share minutes with the fantastic Roberto Firmino.
Fantasy Potential: 4.5/5. Brazil are full of great looking options. For a route into their defence, Miranda and Marcelo appear to be the safest picks. Inter’s Miranda is expected to be the cheaper of the two, but offers far less goal threat than Marcelo who racked up 5 goals and 8 assists for Real Madrid this season. Philippe Coutinho is more prolific in front of goal than Willian for this Brazilian side and has 8 goals in his last 22 caps for Brazil. Paulinho has actually scored 6 in his last 9 for Brazil and could come in at a budget price. Neymar and Gabriel Jesus may well be the two with the highest ceilings. The former is nailed on, takes penalties and has 53 goals in 83 games for Brazil. However, Gabriel Jesus is a man in form and will come in cheaper than Brazil’s talisman – he could prove to be a nice differential.
Prediction: This Brazil side is far superior to the one thumped 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup by Germany. Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino can offer far better support for Neymar than Fred, for example. Perhaps a slight alleviation of pressure on the PSG man might help him find his best form and spearhead Brazil to a tournament they are more than capable of winning. I expect them to top the group.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/16
Qualification: Brazil beat off the competition in the South America qualifying group very comfortably, finishing a clear 10 points ahead of closest rivals Uruguay. Gabriel Jesus and Neymar were fantastic going forward as Brazil racked up 41 goals in 18 games, conceding just 11.
Injuries and Team News: Star striker Neymar has been vocal in his struggle to get fully fit for this year’s World Cup. The PSG forward has been out of action since late February after fracturing a metatarsal and has suggested that going to the World Cup after such a long lay-off is going to be a huge challenge. Winger Douglas Costa is nursing a muscle injury and will likely miss upcoming friendlies, but Brazil are confident he’ll be ready to go soon after. Veteran right-back Dani Alves will miss the World Cup after picking up a knee injury in PSG’s French Cup final win over Les Herbiers.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Allison and Ederson will be vying to be the no.1 in goal – Allison seems to be the preferred choice but one mistake from him could give Ederson his opportunity. Dani Alves’ injury means a headache at right-back. Manager Tite has a few varying options – Corinthians’ Fagner will probably slot in but versatile Manchester City defender Danilo will offer competition. Thiago Silva and Miranda appear to be the favoured pairing in central defence if recent friendlies are anything to go by, despite Marquinhos playing there during qualifying. Surprisingly, Fernandinho is usually behind both Casemiro and Paulinho in the pecking order. The formation used during qualifying was regularly 4-2-3-1, but recently Brazil have rolled out a 4-3-3 with those on the right and left flanks pushing further up. Brazil are a very attacking outfit and this will often be the case regardless. Gabriel Jesus is set to start as centre-forward but will surely share minutes with the fantastic Roberto Firmino.
Fantasy Potential: 4.5/5. Brazil are full of great looking options. For a route into their defence, Miranda and Marcelo appear to be the safest picks. Inter’s Miranda is expected to be the cheaper of the two, but offers far less goal threat than Marcelo who racked up 5 goals and 8 assists for Real Madrid this season. Philippe Coutinho is more prolific in front of goal than Willian for this Brazilian side and has 8 goals in his last 22 caps for Brazil. Paulinho has actually scored 6 in his last 9 for Brazil and could come in at a budget price. Neymar and Gabriel Jesus may well be the two with the highest ceilings. The former is nailed on, takes penalties and has 53 goals in 83 games for Brazil. However, Gabriel Jesus is a man in form and will come in cheaper than Brazil’s talisman – he could prove to be a nice differential.
Prediction: This Brazil side is far superior to the one thumped 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup by Germany. Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino can offer far better support for Neymar than Fred, for example. Perhaps a slight alleviation of pressure on the PSG man might help him find his best form and spearhead Brazil to a tournament they are more than capable of winning. I expect them to top the group.
Switzerland
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/1
Qualification: Switzerland won 9 of their 10 games in qualifying. Despite that, they lost out on an automatic qualification berth to Portugal on goal difference. This led them to a two-legged playoff with Northern Ireland, which they won 1-0 on aggregate. The tie was decided by a controversial penalty after Northern Ireland’s Corry Evans was judged to have handled the ball in the box. Replays showed the ball clearly coming off his shoulder. Nevertheless, Ricardo Rodriguez tucked the ball home and Switzerland closed out the second leg to book their ticket to Russia.
Injuries and Team News: There don’t appear to be any pressing injury concerns for manager Vladimir Petkovic.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
The projected back 5 should all start. Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki will be keeping Yann Sommer on his toes. Young centre-back Manuel Akanji has displaced Johan Djourou and was impressive over the play-off legs against Northern Ireland. Denis Zakaria or Valon Behrami may step in for Remo Freuler to partner Granit Xhaka. Steven Zuber and Admir Mehmedi will compete for the left-wing spot, though the latter is coming back from a ligament injury in March and might have to wait for his opportunity. Up front Switzerland will likely start with Haris Seferovic, but Breel Embolo and Josip Drmic will be waiting in the wings. The three of them make up a less than prolific, injury-prone front line.
Fantasy Potential: 2.5/5. Ricardo Rodriguez is the stand-out pick of the Swedish backline. The 25 year old bombs forward from left-back, has excellent crossing ability and may be on penalty kick duty. Granit Xhaka may chip in with the odd assist, but Xherdan Shaqiri is once again the biggest danger in the Swiss team, assisting 5 goals in qualifying. After relegation with Stoke City, the powerful winger will be looking to draw the attention of top division clubs and enjoys getting off as many shots as possible. They take on Brazil in their first game though – a wait and see approach might suffice for now.
Prediction: Switzerland will fight for second place with Serbia. The bookies are siding with the Swiss but as the odds suggest, it’s a close call.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/1
Qualification: Switzerland won 9 of their 10 games in qualifying. Despite that, they lost out on an automatic qualification berth to Portugal on goal difference. This led them to a two-legged playoff with Northern Ireland, which they won 1-0 on aggregate. The tie was decided by a controversial penalty after Northern Ireland’s Corry Evans was judged to have handled the ball in the box. Replays showed the ball clearly coming off his shoulder. Nevertheless, Ricardo Rodriguez tucked the ball home and Switzerland closed out the second leg to book their ticket to Russia.
Injuries and Team News: There don’t appear to be any pressing injury concerns for manager Vladimir Petkovic.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
The projected back 5 should all start. Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki will be keeping Yann Sommer on his toes. Young centre-back Manuel Akanji has displaced Johan Djourou and was impressive over the play-off legs against Northern Ireland. Denis Zakaria or Valon Behrami may step in for Remo Freuler to partner Granit Xhaka. Steven Zuber and Admir Mehmedi will compete for the left-wing spot, though the latter is coming back from a ligament injury in March and might have to wait for his opportunity. Up front Switzerland will likely start with Haris Seferovic, but Breel Embolo and Josip Drmic will be waiting in the wings. The three of them make up a less than prolific, injury-prone front line.
Fantasy Potential: 2.5/5. Ricardo Rodriguez is the stand-out pick of the Swedish backline. The 25 year old bombs forward from left-back, has excellent crossing ability and may be on penalty kick duty. Granit Xhaka may chip in with the odd assist, but Xherdan Shaqiri is once again the biggest danger in the Swiss team, assisting 5 goals in qualifying. After relegation with Stoke City, the powerful winger will be looking to draw the attention of top division clubs and enjoys getting off as many shots as possible. They take on Brazil in their first game though – a wait and see approach might suffice for now.
Prediction: Switzerland will fight for second place with Serbia. The bookies are siding with the Swiss but as the odds suggest, it’s a close call.
Serbia
Odds to Qualify from Group: 6/5
Qualification: Serbia edged out a tricky group that included Wales, Republic of Ireland and Austria to finish 1st and qualify for the World Cup automatically. Aleksander Mitrovic and Dusan Tadic led from the front, scoring 10 goals between them. Since qualifying, the Serbian hierarchy have taken a gamble and brought in Mladen Krstajic as manager for Slavoljub Muslin who refused to give a chance to some of the country’s younger talents.
Injuries and Team News: Schalke centre-back Matija Nastasic injured his knee in April. A decision will be made imminently on whether he’ll be fit to travel with the rest of the squad.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Serbia’s first 11 contains plenty of familiar names. Ex-Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic plays in the centre for his country, and will captain them this summer. Dusko Tosic should partner him if Nastasic fails to recover from injury. The two holding midfielders comprise of Manchester United star Nemanja Matic and Crystal Palace FPL legend Luka Milivojevic. Torino’s Adem Ljajic will compete with the gifted Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and winger Filip Kostic for a place behind Mitrovic. In recent friendlies, Serbia’s new boss has been experimenting with both personnel and formation. More information might need to be acquired during the tournament itself.
Fantasy Potential: 2.5/5. The Serbians face off against Costa Rica then Switzerland before they take on group favourites Brazil. They will pinpoint those two games as vital if they are to proceed to the knockout stage so could come out firing. Ivanovic is no stranger to a goal and has 12 for his country. 6’4” Lazio midfielder Milinkovic-Savic scored 14 goals and assisted 9 this past season, attracting the attention of Manchester United. He could be in for a breakout tournament if he starts regularly. Dusan Tadic had a great qualifying campaign, finished the season in good form for Southampton and takes penalties for his country. Mitrovic has been in fantastic form for Fulham in the Championship but will be often facing much sterner opposition this summer.
Prediction: Serbia are hard to pin down. They have a lot of talent in their ranks but we’re yet to see how they’ll respond to their first major tournament in 8 years under a new manager and different system. Their game against Switzerland might decide which of the two countries will progress.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 6/5
Qualification: Serbia edged out a tricky group that included Wales, Republic of Ireland and Austria to finish 1st and qualify for the World Cup automatically. Aleksander Mitrovic and Dusan Tadic led from the front, scoring 10 goals between them. Since qualifying, the Serbian hierarchy have taken a gamble and brought in Mladen Krstajic as manager for Slavoljub Muslin who refused to give a chance to some of the country’s younger talents.
Injuries and Team News: Schalke centre-back Matija Nastasic injured his knee in April. A decision will be made imminently on whether he’ll be fit to travel with the rest of the squad.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Serbia’s first 11 contains plenty of familiar names. Ex-Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic plays in the centre for his country, and will captain them this summer. Dusko Tosic should partner him if Nastasic fails to recover from injury. The two holding midfielders comprise of Manchester United star Nemanja Matic and Crystal Palace FPL legend Luka Milivojevic. Torino’s Adem Ljajic will compete with the gifted Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and winger Filip Kostic for a place behind Mitrovic. In recent friendlies, Serbia’s new boss has been experimenting with both personnel and formation. More information might need to be acquired during the tournament itself.
Fantasy Potential: 2.5/5. The Serbians face off against Costa Rica then Switzerland before they take on group favourites Brazil. They will pinpoint those two games as vital if they are to proceed to the knockout stage so could come out firing. Ivanovic is no stranger to a goal and has 12 for his country. 6’4” Lazio midfielder Milinkovic-Savic scored 14 goals and assisted 9 this past season, attracting the attention of Manchester United. He could be in for a breakout tournament if he starts regularly. Dusan Tadic had a great qualifying campaign, finished the season in good form for Southampton and takes penalties for his country. Mitrovic has been in fantastic form for Fulham in the Championship but will be often facing much sterner opposition this summer.
Prediction: Serbia are hard to pin down. They have a lot of talent in their ranks but we’re yet to see how they’ll respond to their first major tournament in 8 years under a new manager and different system. Their game against Switzerland might decide which of the two countries will progress.
Costa Rica
Odds to Qualify from Group: 7/2
Qualification: Costa Rica had a mixed run in their qualification group. They finished 3rd to automatically qualify but were inconsistent and could only beat USA and Trinidad of the five teams they played. They finished their campaign with late goals to draw with both Mexico and Honduras, before being defeated by Panama in the final game.
Injuries and Team News: Much of the team selected by boss Oscar Ramirez is made up of those who made it to the quarter finals in 2014 – Costa Rica are one of the oldest teams at the tournament. DC United midfielder Ulises Segura was a surprising omission.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas is Costa Rica’s main man. The defence is mostly settled - Bryan Oviedo and Cristian Gamboa will both start at full-back. Joel Campbell will be fighting for a place in the first 11 but his career hasn’t taken off since his impressive World Cup performances in 2014 and will likely have to take a place on the bench. Veteran midfielder Celso Borges is nailed on in the centre and has 21 goals in 108 games for his country. Sporting Lisbon winger and national team captain Bryan Ruiz will add to his 100+ caps on the left of midfield, while LA forward Marcos Urena will likely start up front – he grabbed 3 goals in qualifying.
Fantasy Potential: 1.5/5. It’s difficult to pick out fantasy assets from a veteran-oriented team widely expected to exit the competition at the first hurdle. Keylor Navas might come in on various sites at a nice price and as a world-class goalkeeper could accumulate plenty of save points if Costa Rica are under the cosh. Ruiz and Borges are potential budget enablers, both taking their share of set-pieces.
Prediction: Costa Rica stunned the world four years back when they topped a group including Uruguay, Italy and England. However, I can’t see similar success this time around and expect them to finish bottom of the group.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 7/2
Qualification: Costa Rica had a mixed run in their qualification group. They finished 3rd to automatically qualify but were inconsistent and could only beat USA and Trinidad of the five teams they played. They finished their campaign with late goals to draw with both Mexico and Honduras, before being defeated by Panama in the final game.
Injuries and Team News: Much of the team selected by boss Oscar Ramirez is made up of those who made it to the quarter finals in 2014 – Costa Rica are one of the oldest teams at the tournament. DC United midfielder Ulises Segura was a surprising omission.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas is Costa Rica’s main man. The defence is mostly settled - Bryan Oviedo and Cristian Gamboa will both start at full-back. Joel Campbell will be fighting for a place in the first 11 but his career hasn’t taken off since his impressive World Cup performances in 2014 and will likely have to take a place on the bench. Veteran midfielder Celso Borges is nailed on in the centre and has 21 goals in 108 games for his country. Sporting Lisbon winger and national team captain Bryan Ruiz will add to his 100+ caps on the left of midfield, while LA forward Marcos Urena will likely start up front – he grabbed 3 goals in qualifying.
Fantasy Potential: 1.5/5. It’s difficult to pick out fantasy assets from a veteran-oriented team widely expected to exit the competition at the first hurdle. Keylor Navas might come in on various sites at a nice price and as a world-class goalkeeper could accumulate plenty of save points if Costa Rica are under the cosh. Ruiz and Borges are potential budget enablers, both taking their share of set-pieces.
Prediction: Costa Rica stunned the world four years back when they topped a group including Uruguay, Italy and England. However, I can’t see similar success this time around and expect them to finish bottom of the group.
UPDATE (5/06/18): Switzerland – Granit Xhaka suffered a knee injury in training recently, but has recovered to make the finalised Swiss squad. Serbia – Matija Nastasic failed to recover from injury so won’t make it to Russia.