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Ranking the World Cup groups

By Adam Stocker

CHORZOW, POLAND - MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during international friendly match between Poland and Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Lukasz Sobala/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
CHORZOW, POLAND - MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during international friendly match between Poland and Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Lukasz Sobala/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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CHORZOW, POLAND – MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during an international friendly match between Poland and the Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018, in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Lukasz Sobala/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
CHORZOW, POLAND – MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during an international friendly match between Poland and the Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018, in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Lukasz Sobala/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /

4. Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan

Group H is the only group in the tournament without a clear favorite. It’s also one of only two groups in which the four countries come from four different FIFA confederations. That clash of styles, coupled with the unpredictability, should make up for the lack of an elite team. There, however, a few elite players.

Poland are the seeded team in the group, using a string of friendlies against lesser opponents to up their ranking. The Eagles cruised to first in their qualifying group, picking up 25 of 30 points. Robert Lewandowski was excellent in qualifying and led the Bundesliga in scoring at club level. If Poland are going to make a deep run, it will be because of their captain.

Senegal reached the 2002 quarterfinal in their only other World Cup. The center-back pairing of Kalidou Koulibaly and Salif Sane might not be known to the casual fan but are one of the better pairings in the tournament, while Liverpool’s Sadio Mane will lead the attack. With a midfield containing several Premier League starters, Senegal could make another run.

Colombia have emerged as a popular underdog pick to win the tournament. The Colombians have big star power with James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao and Davinson Sanchez. Rodriguez and Falcao bring offensive flair and goalscoring, and Sanchez looks like one of the best young center-backs in the world. The problem with Colombia is the supporting cast around their stars.

Japan have qualified for every World Cup since 1998, getting out of the group stage twice. The Japanese roster is headlined by Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki. While Japan will be able to score goals, the question is if they can defend. A late coaching change ahead of the tournament will also test their cohesion as a group.