Fifa World Cup 2018 could turn out to be a big bag of surprises; here's how

Since drawing of teams in December, Argentina's defensive problems have risen, Portugal and France have struggled to find fit defenders, Brazil has lost Dani Alves, and Spain has let go of its manager

FIFA World Cup 2018: If there was a sense that the build-up to the 2018 Fifa World Cup was a bit dull, it was punctured on Wednesday when Spain decided to sack its manager Julen Lopetegui two days before the team plays its opening match against Portugal. Here, perhaps, lies the magic of the World Cup. When everything looks certain, an astonishing turn of events lurks in the corner.

The Spain fracas should be a reminder to everyone who thinks the World Cup in Russia will play out on expected lines. When the teams were drawn last December, the group stage seemed rather benign for the major teams. Since then, Argentina’s defensive problems have multiplied, Portugal and France have struggled to find fit defenders, Brazil has lost its first-choice right back Dani Alves to injury, and now Spain has chosen to dispense with its manager.

Even though the top four contenders – Brazil, Spain, Germany, and France – remain formidable, it takes very little to dislodge the best of sides. However, it would be no less shocking if any of them were to fall before the knockouts. There exists a considerable gap between the top four sides and the rest, with Brazil arguably edging ahead of everyone at the moment.

Among the rest, Argentina is arguably the biggest force with feet of clay. Despite possessing arguably the most talented of footballers on the planet in Lionel Messi, there is a discernible lack of pace to the rest of the team. 

Belgium is better placed, but, under manager Roberto Martinez, the side h

as a soft underbelly. England’s history of underwhelming displays at the World Cup means that it will be rated lowly. But the English side’s underdog credentials are strong since its pacey youngsters can hurt any opponent on their day.

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