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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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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – AUGUST 31: Thomas Meunier of Belgium celebrates scoring a goal with team mates Mousa Dembele, Kevin De Bruyne and Yannick Carrasco during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Belgium and Gibraltar at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on August 31, 2017 in Liege, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – AUGUST 31: Thomas Meunier of Belgium celebrates scoring a goal with team mates Mousa Dembele, Kevin De Bruyne and Yannick Carrasco during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Belgium and Gibraltar at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on August 31, 2017 in Liege, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /

5. Belgium

While the likes of Argentina, Portugal, Uruguay, all present a strong case for being on this list, it’s Belgium who edge them all out. The Red Devils, much like France are spoilt for choice when it comes to the talent pool.

Led by Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens, their attacking prowess is probably the best in the world.

But the question is, if manager Roberto Martinez is the right man for the job. Quite a few eyebrows were raised when he was appointed. And Kevin de Bruyne was also critical of his manager last month.

Next: World Cup Profile: Nigeria

The Belgians have taken the English Premier League by storm in recent years and have been some of the best performers in England. It remains to be seen if they can get on the same page and perform together, especially against the more illustrious opponents. Expect them to at least reach the quarter finals, where a clash against Brazil could await them.

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