- Denmark
The plucky Danes who dared to dream reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, the place they had been eventually undone with the aid of Harry Kane scoring from the rebound of a penalty. Debate will no doubt rumble on in the u . s . as to whether or not or now not that was once fair.
The Danish are a robust outfit even though with masses of brain throughout the pitch and a well-coached device from Kasper Hjulmund. Perhaps they shall be a darkish horse for Qatar.
- Mexico
They’re constantly there at the World Cup, they alway get a win right here or there and they typically get to the subsequent spherical earlier than being humbled – in fact, Mexico are one of two international locations alongside with Brazil to have made it out of the team stage over the ultimate seven World Cups. Impressive.
These days, Mexico have a black and crimson domestic package (strange), have thrashed Nigeria 4-0 this yr and nonetheless – nevertheless – have fuzzy-haired Guillermo Ochoa in goal. With the likes of Raul Jimenez, Hirving Lozano and Jesus Corona in assault though, it is a respectable group they have – ninth area appears fair.
- Portugal
The Portuguese hugely underwhelmed at Euro 2020, inserting Hungary to the sword and getting torn limb from limb by way of the Germans earlier than Belgium put them out of their misery.
For all that wonderful Genius in Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias (we ought to go on), they’ve struggled to make it gel. Still, eighth-best in the world appears about right.
- Spain
Spain reached the Euros semi-finals off the lower back of blended performances, having hammered Croatia however struggled to smash Sweden down. La Roja’s golden technology has lengthy retired – however possibly we mustn’t choose them by way of that anymore.
The Spanish nonetheless have fantastic throughout the pitch and technicians in midfield who can skip you to death. With some pinnacle intelligence coming out of the us of a at the moment, Luis Enrique’s facet will fancy their probabilities to spring some other shock or two, come subsequent iciness at the World Cup.
- Argentina
Argentina have been underachievers in the worldwide sport for as lengthy as any of us can remember. They should’ve received the 2006 World Cup, whilst Chile’s pair of penalty-aided Copa Americas in 2015 and 2016 advised that possibly Leo Messi would in no way win an global trophy.
2021 modified all that, thanks to Emi Martinez in goal, the emergence of Rodrigo De Paul and Cristian Romero, and Lautaro Martinez assuming the baton from Sergio Aguero in attack. Argentina seem extra rounded than ever and much less reliant on Messi – they’re a higher group for it.
- England
Apparently, there are 4 facets higher than the biggest England crew of a generation. Pffft, whatever…
England’s exploits at the Euros have put them in precise stead for a robust World Cup subsequent 12 months – and the aspect should even get higher with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Mason Greenwood all creating too. Fifth on Earth is not terrible at all…
- Italy
The European champions Italy have had a constant upward shove lower back to the pinnacle after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup at all. Now, Roberto Mancini’s facet are well-drilled, gritty and tough to beat, but with lots of aptitude in attack.
The Italians are searching ahead to the World Cup in Qatar, the place they will no doubt be one of the favourites. Though with lynchpins in defence Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci now not precisely getting any younger, they’re going to want to exchange their getting old backline faster alternatively than later.
- France
France have simply received the Nations League and if we’re being completely honest, they have been cruelly unfortunate to be eradicated from the Euros on penalties.
Les Bleus nonetheless have the envy of the world to name upon, with the most splendid depth of any state on Earth. They’ll be the crew to beat as soon as extra at the World Cup in 2022, absolutely due to the fact they’re so strong.
- Brazil
A Copa America ultimate defeat over the summer time might not have dented too an awful lot self belief in the Brazilians, who discover themselves up to 2d in the world rankings.
The Selecao have underwhelmed or crashed and burned when you consider that 2002 however with arguably the high-quality crew of gamers on the grounds that – led by way of Neymar – the 20-year anniversary of their closing world title would possibly see them with their first-class shot at prevailing a sixth. Tite is in cost now with incredible Genius at his fingertips.
- Belgium
The perennial underachievers who may also properly be previous their prime, Belgium definitely had to win Euro 2020 if they had been to fulfil the Golden Generation’s promise.
Alas, Roberto Martinez’s Red Devils stumbled again, that means there isn’t always a great deal existence left in this series of Belgians, as Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Eden Hazard and a now-30 Kevin De Bruyne creep nearer to the different facet of the hill. Still, they’re the no.1 crew in global soccer – and everybody who beats them will see it as a scalp.
