World Cup 2018 Power Rankings
9. Portugal
Having fit the bill for seven World Cups, including Russia 2018, it's a country that has maybe failed to meet expectations when it is important, given its footballing family.
Yet, with a sparkly Euro 2016 title added to its repertoire — an outcome that came to a limited extent because of some dreary football and a solid cut of fortunes en route — Portugal may now feel it at long last has the competition know-how to make a sprinkle in Russia.
Ronaldo is the gem in the crown of a powerful outfit, which scored 32 objectives in 10 capability amusements to top its UEFA qualifying gathering, in front of Switzerland.
Other objective scoring dangers come as AC Milan striker Andre Silva — scorer of nine objectives in qualifying — while Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva gives a risk from the flanks.
An Iberian conflict with Spain is the feature of Group B in what could be a fight for a first and second spot, and keeping in mind that the Portuguese barrier might be a touch over-dependent on the maturing Pepe, it ought to have excessively for any semblance of Iran and Morocco.
10. England
The lacklustre displays at the 2014 World Cup and particularly at Euro 2016 can possibly leave mental scars, however, Gareth Southgate has swung to the young in his brief span as England supervisor, and will trust that naiveté could demonstrate leverage.
Southgate has even moved to explore different avenues regarding a back three trying to liven up an England group that while difficult to beat, once in a while excited in the assault. A gathering that should offer just a single genuine test — Belgium — could urge Southgate to keep on being more daring in the assault.
This World Cup additionally comes at an ideal time for some of England's players to improve and affirm their notorieties with solid worldwide exhibitions — Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, John Stones and all the more other than have work to do to legitimize the buildup.
It's difficult to ever focus on the certainty with regards to England and competition football, such as its history of hurt, and this squad does not contain the class nature of a decade ago's "brilliant age". Be that as it may, some energetic extravagance and a cushy draw should see an enhanced return.
11. Colombia
The Cafeteros completed fourth in South American qualifying following an insane last night of activity, pipping Peru and Chile to the last programmed capability spot.
It was James Rodriguez — the player who lit up the 2014 World Cup more than some other — who scored the significant objective to send Colombia to Russia, yet such a large amount of the group's troubles have concurred with stagnation in his club vocation.
James should be taking care of business — as will Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado — to achieve those assaulting statures once more, while much confidence will be placed in a youthful protection that contains skilled however crude players like Davidson Sanchez and Eder Alvarez Balanta.
Yet, as demonstrated in Brazil, this is a Colombia agree with the possibility to engage, and it appears like anything from bombarding out in the gathering stages to a raced to the last eight or past is conceivable.
12. Mexico
Two quarter-last appearances — in 1970 and 1986 — still remain as Mexico's best exertion, and keeping in mind that any rehash of that execution would likely require a prevail upon Brazil, there is an inclination this is Mexican group is prepared for a World Cup charge.
It's a group that highlights more well-known names than you may expect — Javier Hernandez in advance, Guillermo Ochoa in objective, Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano on the wings, Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera in midfield — and keeping in mind that mentor Juan Carlos Osorio isn't altogether adored in Mexico, he guided this group to capability in cruisy design.
On paper, it's a group that should complete second in Group F yet there are concerns. Hernandez's turn to West Ham has been a disappointment, and he might be shy of the required sharpness, and there is an inclination the protection could be defenceless against the better global assaults, as in the 7-0 misfortune to Chile at Copa America or the 3-3 well disposed of a draw with Belgium.
In any case, in a gathering that should see a nearby fight for the second spot, Mexico may well be best set.
