Four years have come and gone and it's now finally time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. I've been keeping up with the games since the 2010 cup in South Africa, and it has been the only sporting event I watch to date. How can one not get involved? The whole world tunes in for this month-long tournament as 32 teams compete for the coveted winning title and trophy. Unfortunately, this year the American team failed to make it into the group stage, which brings up the question: Who do we root for? Though we can't display our pride and patriotism at this year's tournament, there's a whole source of talent, both old and new, to choose from and look out for.
1. Argentina, Ranking #5
Lionel Messi. Do I need to say more? The man is a living legend but has yet to bring his team to achieve a winning title. They lost to Germany four years back but I'm hoping to see a comeback with the team both stronger and more unified than ever.
2. Brazil, Ranking #2
This is the team most people think of when they first hear "World Cup." They hold the record of most cups won for a total of five trophies. Still recovering from their humiliating loss against Germany in the semi-finals, the team has been back on a winning streak, even without their strongest player, Neymar. Even without him, the team is well balanced in all their positions and ready to maintain their high standing.
3. Germany, Ranking #1
They hold the current title of world champions, but they may not be as strong as they once were. Their first win this year wasn't until a recent match played against Saudi Arabia, yet they qualified with a record of 43 goals. The team is a true army and definitely something to look forward to in the upcoming games.
4. Switzerland, Ranking #6
It's a little harder to predict how this team will do in the long run. In all their world cups, they have only made it to quarterfinals three times, and never beyond. However, the team has potential to prove the world wrong this year. Composed of players who are both young and at the height of their careers, the team qualified into the group stage with nine straight wins. Placed against other strong members of the group, Brazil, Serbia, and Costa Rica, they may either lose very quickly and poorly, or battle through with some of the world's best.
5. Panama, Ranking #55
This Central American nation is not very known for their soccer skills. With an extremely low ranking compared to the other four teams, this will be Panama's first world cup. Starting with group matches against Belgium, Tunisia, and England, I'm curious to see how this team will do.
FIFA summers are always an exciting time. Though some big players including the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, and Chile couldn't make it past the qualifying rounds, the lineup is still as impressive as always. I'm ready to hear the chants sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the Telemundo commentator to yell "GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLL."
