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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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GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – MARCH 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal warms up prior to the International Friendly match between Portugal and Holland at Stade de Geneve on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – MARCH 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal warms up prior to the International Friendly match between Portugal and Holland at Stade de Geneve on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

6. Portugal

Portugal may be better than the squad victorious in France two years ago. Cristiano Ronaldo is still the chief purveyor of goals for his nation, but the supporting cast around him is stronger.

Gelson Martins and Goncalo Guedes will offer something different from the flanks than the aging Ricardo Quaresma. Yet it’s in central midfield where Portugal are one of the best teams at this World Cup.

Joao Moutinho still knows how to create chances, but there is less onus on the 31-year-old this year. There’s less onus because Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva will bring his own style to bear.

Silva’s technique will work well with the movement of Bruno Fernandes. The Sporting Lisbon No. 8 is one of the best young players set to be involved in Russia.

Still just 23, Fernandes has the touch, control and timing to break beyond the front and emphatically finish an exchange of passes at any moment. His industry and craft will add a new dimension to coach Fernando Santos’ team.

Santos can still lean on the experience, brawn and influence of Pepe at the back. His partnership with Jose Fonte will keep the door closed long enough for Ronaldo, Silva and Fernandes to make the difference in the final third.

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