Fansided

Why you should watch every team at the 2018 World Cup

By Harrison Hamm

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Ecuador during their 2018 World Cup qualifier football match in Quito, on October 10, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Juan Ruiz (Photo credit should read JUAN RUIZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Ecuador during their 2018 World Cup qualifier football match in Quito, on October 10, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Juan Ruiz (Photo credit should read JUAN RUIZ/AFP/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Manchester United’s David De Gea during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer – CameraSport via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Manchester United’s David De Gea during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer – CameraSport via Getty Images) /

Spain

If their 6-1 friendly demolition of a Messi-less Argentina in March is any indication, Spain are one of the world’s best teams, and are primed for a rebound from their 2014 disappointment.

Their goalkeeper, David de Gea, was one of the very best in the world this year. Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal still anchor a world-class backline. Andres Iniesta is going to Russia for one last ride with a magnificent midfield, alongside David Silva (who was a joy to watch at Manchester City this year) and Sergio Busquets.

David Villa, 36 and scoring buckets of goals for NYCFC, should have been in this squad, but that Marcos Alonso and Alvaro Morata also missed out is an indication of its quality. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Spain after their 2008-12 dynasty of trophies, but this is probably the best they’ve looked since.

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