There are some groups at the 2018 World Cup that could witness a keen tussle for second place quite as much as Germany’s Group F. Going by the ranking and form, the Germans are expected to progress into the last 16 from this tricky group, but history tells a different story as both Italy and Spain, who came to the 2010 and 2014 editions carrying the tag of defending champions, had to bow out in the group stage itself. Will anybody be able to stop the German juggernaut in Russia?
Placed in Group F with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea, Germany certainly are the favourites to win the group, and the real battle will be among the other three to join them in the knockout stage.
Here's our preview of the teams drawn in Group F.
Sweden
FIFA ranking: 23
Head coach: Janne Andersson
Sweden will be flying to Russia without their self-styled superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In the European qualifications, they finished second behind France in a tough group which also had Bulgaria and the Netherlands. The Swedes qualified for their first World Cup since 2006 with a play-off win over four-time champions Italy. In the absence of Ibrahimovic, their attack will be led by RB Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg.
Strengths: Sweden do not rely on star power. They are an extremely skilled team that plays attractive, yet effective soccer. In fact, Ibrahimovic was dropped after the coach found it difficult to build a cohesive unit around him.
Weaknesses: Apart from Forsberg, no player in this squad has had a good club season. Defender Victor Lindelof struggled throughout the season at Manchester United, making only 20 appearances in his first season.
Number to remember
Sweden have won medals at three Olympic Games – gold in 1948, and bronze in 1924 and 1952. They were the runners-up in the 1958 World Cup.
Germany
FIFA ranking: 1
Head coach: Joachim Low
The reigning champions sit atop the betting board at 9/2. However, Germany got a wake-up call when they lost 1-2 to Austria in their first warm-up tie before the quadrennial extravaganza. Of course, some of their star players including Bayern Munich’s Thomas Mueller and Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos did not feature in that game.
Manchester City’s formidable winger Leroy Sane's omission from the World Cup squad testifies to the incredible depth Germany possess. If the Germans play to their potential, they will be getting their hands on the trophy yet again.
Strengths: Germany’s biggest strength is their collective strength and an astounding amount of depth behind the playing XI. All the other teams would be wary of this organised, strong and physically fit team which follows a precise strategy and specific tactics.
Weaknesses: Their biggest concern is captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's fitness. Though he played against Austria in the friendly, it is to be seen whether the 32-year-old 'sweeper-keeper' is fit enough to play the entire tournament. Barcelona’s shotstopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a more than capable deputy and is expected to fill in for Neuer if required.
Number to remember
Germany sealed their spot for the finals in style, winning all 10 of their games, scoring 43 goals and conceding only four.
South Korea
FIFA ranking: 61
Head coach: Shin Tae-yong
South Korea, who will be taking part in their ninth World Cup in a row in Russia, are Asia's most successful World Cup nation. The country’s best performance came at the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by them where they reached the semifinals before being eliminated by Germany.
Unlike their campaigns in the past, it was not an easy ride for the Koreans in the qualifications. They scraped through by virtue of the goalless draw with Uzbekistan on the final day of the qualification campaign after Syria failed to get past group leaders Iran.
Strengths: Quick and skillful in attack, South Korea have plenty of strength up front which was underlined in their 2-1 win over Colombia in a friendly last November.
Weaknesses: Rivals will be looking to exploit their defence comprising relatively short players. They often fail to keep out set-pieces and their aerial ability is a big question mark.
Number to remember
South Korea have appeared in 10 World Cups, the best by any Asian country. Their third-place finish in 2002 also remains the best performance by an Asian nation.
Mexico
FIFA ranking: 15
Head coach: Juan Carlos Osorio
Mexico are the perennial pre-quarterfinalists of the World Cup. In the last six editions, they were knocked out in the round of 16 each time.
Veteran Rafael Marquez, who can play as a central defender, sweeper, or defensive midfielder, will hold the key to the team’s defensive solidity. Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, who currently plays for West Ham United, is the poster boy up front for Mexico. The short-tempered Osorio is an obsessive tactician and expert man-manager.
Strengths: Rock-hard defence. If Marquez, who has been included in the 23-member squad despite being identified by the US Treasury in a drug trafficking case, does not feature in the starting line-up, Nestor Araujo and Hector Moreno may have to step into the shoes of the big man.
Weaknesses: Mexico lack the ability to play possession-retention football. They play long and direct which will obviously contribute to losing possession in the midfield.
Number to remember
Mexico hold the record for the maximum number of appearances without winning the World Cup. Their best results came in 1970 and 1986 when they reached the quarterfinals as hosts.