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World Cup 2018 power rankings

By James Dudko

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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DAEGU, South Korea – MAY 28: Son Heung-Min of South Korea in action during the international friendly match between South Korea and Honduras at Daegu World Cup Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Daegu, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
DAEGU, South Korea – MAY 28: Son Heung-Min of South Korea in action during the international friendly match between South Korea and Honduras at Daegu World Cup Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Daegu, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) /

18. South Korea

South Korea scraped through qualifying, but still have enough quality going forward to make things happen in Russia. Most of said quality comes from Tottenham forward Son Heung-min.

He’s versatile enough to unlock defenses from the flank or lead the line through the middle. Son’s pace and ability to spot a pass make him the obvious talisman of this team.

Coach Shin Tae-yong will also be counting on the Spurs man’s knack for a spectacular goal or two. Son will be helped if midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is given time on the ball.

Ki’s technique makes him a natural conductor of possession in the middle. He’ll work in tandem with Crystal Palace man Lee Chung-yong to keep Son supplied with chances.

Even with their notable names on form, it’s difficult to imagine South Korea thriving in Group F. Germany and Mexico will simply be too strong.

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