2018 FIFA World Cup Dark Horses: Belgium to Portugal, Five Teams That Can Spring a Surprise in Football WC Russia

The term favourites can go for a toss in a tournament with as high a stakes as the FIFA World Cup 2018 and there are those odd dark horses which have the potential to pull off a surprise. These teams are those that have their strength coming from the cohesiveness more than their individuals who are not much in news. While only eight teams have managed to get their hands at the coveted trophy is an indication of the dominance and trend certain group of nations have had on the World Cup, the neutrals will be more than willing to see one of the dark horses go all the way and win it. Here are our picks for the dark horses in Russia 2018. FIFA World Cup 2018 Schedule in IST.

Belgium: Apart from the top sides, Belgium is the only ones that have some really top players in every department. In fact, it is a galaxy of stars with players coming to the World Cup on the back of strong campaigns with their respective clubs. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Vincent Kompany were instrumental in Manchester City claiming the English title. The striking department has the burly presence of Romelu Lukaku and one of the world’s best footballers in Eden Hazard. With such quality, you would always expect Belgium to go the fair distance in Russia. If they are able to top their group and avoid a top side in the round of 16, they can make a memorable stay in Russia a real possibility. Belgium Squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Switzerland: They are sixth in the latest FIFA ranking and you will struggle to name six players from the squad who are in the news for their exploits with the club but then football is a game of complexities and it is also a game where unity and mental strength can move mountains. Buoyed by some good technical footballers who although are not of Swiss origin, but have made Switzerland their adopted country. Popular among those are midfielders Valon Behrami and Xherdan Shaqiri who are both effortless runners on the pitch. It is their captain Stephen Lichtsteiner who offers them the biggest source of inspiration with him being a serial winner with Juventus. Switzerland Squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Colombia: This South American nation made it to the last 8 of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and gave a tough fight to Brazil in the quarter-finals. But the team in Russia will have added experience and would have learned a lot from the mistakes of 2014. The inclusion of players who have risen from the youth ranks means Colombia will not be short of energy and passion in Russia. James Rodriguez who had scored six goals in Brazil is back in fine form after impressing for Bayern Munich. His struggles under Zinedine Zidane had prompted many to say he might not make it to the big event in Russia but that has been well left behind. Expect some giant killing from this Colombian side in the 2018 World Cup. Colombia Squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal: The defending European Champions is the biggest bet among all the dark horses because their players are known to step it up when it matters the most. Led by the talismanic forward and one of the greats of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo and coached by the calm and composed Fernando Santos, the duo has the capability to churn out victories. Santos has left out ten players from the victorious 2016 Euro campaign in France but added quality with the likes of in-form striker Andre Silva. They will have Spain as their group opponent and the tie will have a huge saying in who finishes top of the group. Portugal Squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Croatia: The Croats have Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic as the two main central defenders-a sight enough to send the opposition thinking. They have quality in the squad and make a formidable force going into the World Cup. Although they disappointed in the European Championships in France losing out to the eventual winners Portugal, the team has constantly shown improvement. It is just about time when they will combine well enough to get those results. A World Cup in Russia just might be the right time for the Croatians to come of age. Croatia Squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup.

We will be keeping an eye on the progress of these teams in World Cup in Russia and keep everyone posted. If these teams do well, it might lead to top nations put under severe pressure and make up for a fascinating tournament.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2018 12:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).