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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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SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 10: Fuenzalida (L) of Chile and Neymar of Brazil in action during the match between Brazil and Chile for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Allianz Parque Stadium on October 10, 2017, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 10: Fuenzalida (L) of Chile and Neymar of Brazil in action during the match between Brazil and Chile for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Allianz Parque Stadium on October 10, 2017, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images) /

2. Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia

Like Group F, Group E features one heavy favorite and three evenly-matched sides battling for second place. With Neymar fit again, and this time surrounded with a squad capable of helping him out, Brazil are expected to dominate the group and make a deep run in the competition. They’ll be desperate to put that 7-1 loss to Germany behind them in Russia.

Despite not losing a game in qualifying, Switzerland had to go through a two-leg playoff to qualify for the World Cup. Switzerland have a good defense that could frustrate other teams, but there are questions about the attack. Xherdan Shaqiri has shown he can create goals wherever he plays, but he needs support. This summer could be a breakout tournament for Schalke’s Breel Embolo.

Serbia won their qualifying group, losing only one game, but like Switzerland don’t have an particularly impressive attack. Luka Milivojevic scored 10 goals this season and will have to continue scoring if Serbia are going to get out of the group. Aleksandar Mitrovic had a strong season in the Championship with Fulham, earning the club promotion into the Premier League.

Costa Rica made a surprising run to the quarterfinals last World Cup behind Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell. The two players will continue to lead the attack in Russia for the Ticos. Keeper Keylor Navas was fantastic for Real Madrid in the Champions League, and will have to play his best to help Costa Rica reach the quarterfinal again.