AUBG Students Predict the World Cup

A very controversial World Cup started on Sunday in Qatar. Even though there are a lot of problems surrounding this tournament such as human right violation, corruption, and many more (all explained in this article by Independent UK), the host nation will not be changed. Right now the fans have no other choice but to abstract from these troubles and enjoy the beautiful game. That is why a survey was taken from AUBG football fans. 45 students of freshman, junior, sophomore, and senior standing expressed their opinions on which are the five teams most likely to win the World Cup. 

5. France

Approximately 8.9% of the interviewed AUBG students backed the champions of Russia 2018 to win their third World Cup. The spine of the Didier Deschamps team is almost the same as four years ago, except for the midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante who are now injured. On paper, France once again looks like one of the most powerful teams in the competition. But the absence of key players combined with their bad form can stop them from defending the champion’s crown.

Coach: Didier Deschamps

Expected formation: 4-2-3-1

Starman: Kylian Mbappe

One to watch: Ousmane Dembele

4. Germany

Die Mannschaft collected 11.1% of the vote. The World Champions from Brazil 2014 are not in their best form, having won only two of their last eight matches. Another problem for Germany is the lack of firepower due to the injuries of Wirtz, Werner, and Reus. Only a few players that won the competition in Brazil are still on the squad sheet, but when Germany plays, nothing is decided before the final whistle.

Coach: Hans Dieter Flick

Expected formation: 4-2-3-1

Starman: Joshua Kimmich

One to watch: Jamal Musiala

3. Portugal

The Euro 2016 champions gathered 13.3% of the surveyed AUBG students’ votes. The tournament in Qatar will be the last for the captain of the Portuguese national team Cristiano Ronaldo. That would be his last chance to bring the most wanted international football trophy to Lisbon for the first time in their football history. The Iberians are in good form and have only one key player missing the tournament (Diogo Jota), so their chances to go deep into the competition are huge.

Coach: Fernando Santos

Expected formation: 4-2-3-1

Starman: Cristiano Ronaldo

One to watch: Rafael Leao

2. Brazil 

Seleção received 24.4% backing from AUBG students. The 5-time world champions enter the competition with great expectations of winning the title since they have lost only once in their past 27 games. Their last appearances in the tournament ended up with disappointment but this year Neymar and his teammates are ready to sit at the top of the football world for the first time since 2002.

Coach: Tite

Expected formation: 4-2-3-1

Starman: Neymar Jr.

One to watch: Vinicius Jr.

1. Argentina 

La Albiceleste is the favorite to win the World Cup according to the AUBG students with 27.7% of the vote going to them. The team led by Lionel Scaloni was beaten for the first time since 36 games in their opening World Cup game against Saudi Arabia. They will want to get their revenge for the lost final in Brazil in 2014 and win for the first time since 1986. Their captain Leo Messi will have a tough job - he needs to inspire his team the same way Diego Maradona did 36 years ago.

Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Expected formation: 4-3-3

Starman: Lionel Messi

One to watch: Lautaro Martinez