The 2018 FIFA World Cup squads submission deadline is finally closed with Germany submitting their squad on the final day and raising brows with their 23-man squad. There were many surprise selections and shock omissions this year, which we’ve talked about in our ensuing analysis.
We’re going to provide you with a short insight and analysis of major teams and also share some important names which were excluded from their respective squads.
Let’s get it started with the reigning world champions:
1. Germany
Strengths: Versatility and depth in the squad; Creative midfield; Experienced “big game” players.
Weaknesses: Lacks an experienced proper centre-forward.
Shock omissions: Leroy Sane, Sandro Wagner, Sven Ulreich.
Top players: Mesut Ozil, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos.
Team Analysis: Squad depth is their greatest strength and they have a manager who knows his players in-and-out and knows how to get the best out of them. Germany has a good mixture of youth and experience in their squad and has every chance of retaining their title.
2. England
Strengths: Clinical strikers; Depth at the bench; A promising and motivated team with a young core.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced defense and keepers; Prone to fumble against any opposition.
Shock omission: Jack Wilshere, Adam Lallana.
Top players: Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Kyle Walker.
Team Analysis: Although England lacks experience compared to the other teams, they have a fresh lineup of promising players. The Three Lions have plenty of talent on their side from the Premier League. They might not have achieved any major success recently but they cannot be ruled out until the last minute, either.
3. France
Strengths: Brilliant attacking line; Top players with plenty of pace to boast about.
Weaknesses: Lack of experience for the national team, no depth in defense.
Shock omission: Adrien Rabiot, Lucas Digne
Top players: Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, N’Golo Kante, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti
Team Analysis: France is in the top-most contention to win this tournament as they have a more complete squad than anyone else (except Germany).
They also have some young gifted players leading from the front and carrying their responsibilities well. Although a little less experienced, the talent in their squad can be a problem even for the experienced teams.
Related: In Pics: The Top Ten Youngsters To Watch Out For In The FIFA World Cup 2018
4. Portugal
Strengths: Lethal forward line; Experienced players.
Weaknesses: Defense.
Shock omission: Andre Gomes.
Top players: Cristiana Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Rui Patricio, Ricardo Quaresma, William Carvalho
Team Analysis: Having Cristiano Ronaldo as their team’s talisman and captain, there will be no lack of goals when Portugal are playing. He leads the team from the front and always gets good support from his teammates.
With him or without him, Portugal is still capable of winning every game which they proved in the Euro 2016 final. Since the finals, the Portugal national team has been different then what they were before and seem to be in top form for the big occasion.
5. Brasil
Strengths: Star-studded forward line; Pacy wingers; Top quality midfielders.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent defense.
Shock omission: Alex Sandro, David Luiz, Felipe Anderson.
Top players: Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Marcelo.
Team Analysis: From attack to defence and even the Goalkeepers, the team comprises of top quality players who can single-handedly win games for their team.
Even though they might be relying too much on Neymar to get the goals but this time it will not be all about him. Leaving the bitter past of 2014 World Cup behind, they will be looking to go all the way this time to clinch the biggest prize in football.
6. Argentina
Strengths: Deadly forwards in top charts of their own leagues.
Weaknesses: Defense; Lack of fluency in midfield.
Shock omission: Mario Icardi, Federico Fernandez.
Top players: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Otamendi.
Team Analysis: Argentina has Messi in their team who has shouldered the burden to find a way and drag his team out of trouble every single time.
They are heavily dependent on him but still, they have a squad of some big names who on their day can cause heavy damage to the opposition. They have the best attack on paper but have been largely incoherent on the field, something which they’ll need to fix to stand a chance this year.
7. Spain
Strengths: Creative midfield and resolute defensive line; A squad of veterans for clubs as well as country.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced attackers; Haven’t settled on a proper starting 11 since the 2014 World Cup.
Shock omission: Sergi Roberto, Gabi, Marcos Alonso.
Top players: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, David De Gea, Isco.
Team Analysis: With few players of the golden era of Spanish football still in the team, the Spanish national team will always be a threat to any opposition. The squad has new faces but all of them are talented and skillful players.
The 2018 World Cup kicks off on 14th June 2018 at 8:30 PM (IST). The road leading to this tournament was full of surprise and shocks with some big teams excluded out of the tournament and some nations making their World Cup debut.
Let us know in the comments if we have missed anything from your team!
Russia, here we come!
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: BBC, FIFA, Sky Sports + more
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