Fifa World Cup: Who will win the 2018 World Cup?

Before the quarterfinals, Michael Burgess looks at the identity of the world champion.

There is the impression that there has never been a better chance for a new World Cup winner. These tournaments have already produced remarkable stories, and maybe there will be more in the next 10 days.

In the last 40 years, there have been only two new engravings on the Jules Rimet Trophy. in 2010) but maybe, maybe, there could be another fresh champion on July 15th. Croatia and Belgium both have offensive arming to go far, while England (1966) and Uruguay would appear to new winners.

World Cup Power Rankings:

1. Brazil

Coach Tite has managed to bring back the flair for men in yellow, without sacrificing the pragmatism necessary for modern football. At best, they play with speed and skill that no one else can match, with the rhythm of the samba in action.

They also look defensive, with a good goalkeeper and Thiago Silva and Miranda impressive in central defense. The Selecao seemed compelling at times, but have not yet faced a really difficult 90-minute test.

They may still be vulnerable, especially with the space they leave behind and Neymar's temperament when things go against him. worry

Verdict: Favorites, but the hardest possible to run to the finals.

2. France

After being pioneered through the group stages, France came to life against Argentina. They produced a superb counter-attacking game, although Argentina's defense was chaotic.

The team of Didier Deschamps is superbly balanced, with probably the best defensive core, still the vital element of the tournament. It is a well-trained team, but it seems to lack real leaders, which can put them at a disadvantage when the pressure continues.

Verdict: We must shake Uruguay, setting up another World Cup semifinal for Les Bleus. the vein of 1982, 1986 and 2006.

3. England

Are the three Lions about to roar? After all the misfortunes, bad luck and regrettable incidents over the years – from the equalization of West Germany in 1990 to Wayne Rooney's red card in 2006 – something different is in the wind in Russia. They are without injury, in shape, and have the best possible draw. One has the impression that their time has come, even if their naivety at the back can eventually cost them, along with Jon Stones, Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker who all tend to play too much.

Verdict: Pass Sweden, and are a great chance to reach the final.

4. Croatia

Croatia used some lives against Denmark, while the Scandinavians raised their game over stodgy levels exposed in the group game. But Croatia has survived, and the pressure is now a little stronger, since they reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998. They also got the best result possible, as Russia could no longer boost their levels.

Verdict: Will repeat his unforgettable series to finish four in France 98, and could even get better.

5. Belgium

Their golden generation is expected to be back in Brussels right now, facing another investigation into the failure of a major tournament. But after their great escape against Japan, their quest for the title is back. Roberto Martinez's men will also take a lot of confidence and conviction from this game, and have scorers across the park. But like Brazil, they have the toughest possible race to fame

Verdict: If they can succeed Brazil, anything is possible, but they still have a touch of fragility
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