The groups have been picked and the stage is set for the 2018 FIFA World Cup this June. While the traditional power house teams from Europe appear set to dominate on European soil, there are a number of teams from across the world that have the talent and depth to contend with the best from the host continent. There always seems to be a number of surprises at these major soccer tournaments so we’ve identified a couple of sleeper teams that appear primed to make deep runs alongside a couple of favorites at this year’s tournament in Russia. Here is a look at the four best bets to succeed in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil
Odds To Finish In Top 4: 2.06
After a humiliating performance in the 2014 World cup, Brazil will have something to prove at this year’s tournament. This team is absolutely loaded with talent from top to bottom with Neymar leading the way up front and they are coached well by manager Tite. Perhaps just as important is the fact that Brazil has a fairly straightforward path to the semi-final as long as they don’t play Germany in the round of 16, which they shouldn’t so long as they finish atop their group. Brazil hasn’t won a World Cup on European soil since 1958. This team has what it takes to go all the way and win it all in Russia.
Spain
Odds To Finish In Top 4: 2.31
Spain is another team that will be playing for redemption after a disappointing performance in 2014. Spain was the reigning World Cup champion and a two-time European winner in 2014 when it lost 5-1 to Netherlands and 2-0 to Chile to be eliminated in the group stage. The expectations are considerably higher for this year’s team after they scored 36 goals and allowed just three markers in total while going undefeated in qualifying. David Silva, Andres Iniesta and Isco lead an absolutely loaded roster while manager Julen Lopetegui has done an exceptional job since taking over. Nobody will be surprised if Spain regains its dominance and wins it all in 2018.
Peru
Odds To Finish In Top 4: 19.0
While there has been a lot of talk about traditional powerhouses such as France and Germany, one team that has flown under the radar somewhat is Peru. While it’s easy to overlook certain teams in tournaments played on European soil, this group is talented and coached well enough to make a serious run. Ricardo Gareca is one of the best managers in the world and his roster is loaded with talent led by Christian Cueva, Edison Flores and Raul Ruidiaz. Peru should be able to beat Denmark and Australia to get out of the group stage and could even surprise France to finish atop its group. If that happens, it could pave the way for Peru to make a deep run to the final four of the 2018 World Cup. One thing is for sure: this team is good enough to take a chance on at long odds to go deep in to the tournament.
Iceland
Odds To Finish In Top 4: 23
It seems like no matter what this team accomplishes Iceland still doesn’t get any respect from the oddsmakers. After all, Iceland just finished ahead of Croatia in its UEFA qualifying group and yet Croatia is listed at 6.5 to win it all while Iceland is listed at 22. Iceland will need to once again best Croatia in Group D where they will also play Argentina and Nigeria. If they can get out of the group stage then anything can happen from there. After all, this is the same side that upset England in the 2016 Euro Cup before bowing out to eventual finalists France in the Quarterfinals. At long odds to win it all, don’t be surprised if Iceland shocks the world again and makes a deep run in the 2018 World Cup.
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