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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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TOPSHOT – Brazil’s striker Neymar (R) high-fives Brazil’s midfielder Willian (L) as they take part in a training session at Tottenham Hotspur’s Enfield Training Centre, north-east of London, on May 30, 2018 ahead their international friendly football match against Croatia. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Brazil’s striker Neymar (R) high-fives Brazil’s midfielder Willian (L) as they take part in a training session at Tottenham Hotspur’s Enfield Training Centre, north-east of London, on May 30, 2018 ahead their international friendly football match against Croatia. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) /

1. Brazil

Brazil have the best forward line at the tournament. The difference between now and four years ago is the greater level of security behind the marquee attackers at the Selecao’s disposal.

Security comes from Real Madrid destroyer Casemiro. He’s the best defensive midfielder in Europe, one whose positional sense is flawless, while his tackling is forceful and consistent.

Brazil didn’t have a player like Casemiro in 2014 when their midfield was overrun by Germany on home soil. The selecao were drubbed 7-1 by the eventual winners at the semifinal stage in Belo Horizonte while key man Thiago Silva was missing from the heart of defense.

Next: The best player on every team at the World Cup

Keeping the 33-year-old center-back fit will be vital for coach Tite. It will also be important for Barcelona duo Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho to be forward-thinking in midfield.

Getting the ball to the forwards quickly has to be Brazil’s de facto way of playing. Tite can choose any combination from Neymar, Willian, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino and Douglas Costa, and still be assured of goals and flair.

No other squad is as well-equipped in every area as this group. Brazil look like obvious winners.

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