France is young. They looked solid against Argentina. Belgium hasn't looked good.... almost got ousted by Japan.
Japan are incredibly underrated.
France is young. They looked solid against Argentina. Belgium hasn't looked good.... almost got ousted by Japan.
I'd argue that Belgium have looked the best from game 1 till now of any team. They are 4-0 with a +9 GD and despite Japan sneaking out to a 2-0 lead, Belgium were in control of that game.
France beat Australia on an own goal, struggled to finish against Peru and played maybe the most boring game of the entire tournament vs. Denmark. Plus they gave up 3 goals to Argentina.
Having said that, I'd give Brazil the slight edge over Belgium despite Brazil missing Casemiro.
My rankings to win this thing from here...
Brazil
- They have Neymar, Willian and Coutinho. Despite my feelings about Belgium being the most "complete" team, their top 3 I don't rate as high as those three. Lukaku, Hazard, De Bruyne are close though.
Belgium
- I think they need to make a few changes to beat Brazil. Fellaini in for Mertens, Chadli for Carrasco, and Vermaelen (if healthy) for Vertonghen. Fellaini can get forward with Witsel in there to disrupt the middle for Brazil. Belgium have the edge in the middle with Casemiro out, Brazil have the edge on the wings. Should be entertaining!
England
- For me, the fastest team in the Cup. They finally broke their PK curse and surely these young kids now believe they can win it all! Sweden will be a tough matchup, but unlike Switzerland, England have a target forward to give Granqvist trouble.
France
- I put them below England only because they will have a more difficult semi-final (on paper). Their most dynamic player is 20 years old and I don't trust Lloris at all. For me, France have the best LB in the world (now that Marcelo is hurt) but Griezmann and Giroud are underperforming.
Croatia
- Maybe the best and deepest central midfield in the entire tournament. Kovacic has been coming off the bench and he might be their 2nd best MF overall. Subasic seems to be in a zone in goal and their wingers are very dangerous. I'm not a fan of Mandzukic.
Russia
Sweden
Uruguay
I don't see Russia beating Croatia. Russia will drop in and defend, but if this goes extra time again they will simply just be gassed.
Sweden get Larsson back which will help control the MF, but England are the fastest team they will have played yet. Sweden won't be able to out muscle England (McGuire, Kane, Henderson, etc.) like they did Switzerland and Mexico.
I don't see anyway in the world Uruguay make it through France, Brazil/Belgium winner and then have enough left to win the WC Final...especially with Cavani being hobbled.