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Five early favorites for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

By Tushar Bahl

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Philipp Lahm of Germany lifts the World Cup trophy with teammates after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Philipp Lahm of Germany lifts the World Cup trophy with teammates after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – OCTOBER 05: Sebastian Rudy of Germany is mobbed by team mates after scoring during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Germany at Windsor Park on October 5, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – OCTOBER 05: Sebastian Rudy of Germany is mobbed by team mates after scoring during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Germany at Windsor Park on October 5, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /

1. Germany

The defending champions may have endured a disappointing campaign at the Euro 2016, but Joachim Löw’s men have been nothing short of sensational since then. They won all 10 of their qualifying games, scoring a whopping 43 goals and conceding just 4 in the process.

And their squad depth and quality was on show earlier this year as they won the Confederations Cup, despite fielding an experimental squad. Germany have a great mix of youth and experience in their squad.

Many of their players were part of their World Cup winning team four years ago and so was their manager. So having that know how could help the Germans triumph again in Russia next year.

Not many nations can better the defense boasted by Germany, led by Bayern Munich trio Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. They have a solid midfield, with Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira leading the charge.

And they almost have an embarrassment of riches in the attacking positions, with Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Marco Reus, Julian Draxler, Leroy Sane and Mario Gotze all vying for a starting spot. Their attack will be led by Timo Werner, who is the most lethal German striker in the Bundesliga.

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