2018 FIFA World Cup Group E Preview

It seems premature to label the 2018 FIFA World Cup’s Group E as merely “Brazil and three other teams,” but upon further review, that looks to be a realistic summation. The highest interest in this group will likely come from keeping tabs on the tussle for the second qualifying position.

BRAZIL

CBF, Group E

Current FIFA World Ranking: 2
21st World Cup Finals
Best finish: 5x champion

An Olympic gold medal and cruising through CONMEBOL qualifying have helped restore a lot of luster to a proud tradition that became tarnished following the 7-1 semifinal humiliation at the hands of Germany in 2014.

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This is a star-studded lineup, and household names like Neymar, Marquinhos, Gabriel Jesus, Renato Augusto, and Coutinho will lead the charge. However, this squad is not as dependent on Neymar, as was the case in 2014. This is probably for the better, given that he is only just returning from a foot injury.

The level of talent on this squad is undeniable. In essence, they have a very good chance of replicating the feats of the 1958 squad, which remains the only South American team to lift the trophy on European soil. Along the way, purists can also expect Brazil to demonstrate both defensive tenacity and attacking flair.

SWITZERLAND

Current FIFA World Ranking: 6
11th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 3x quarterfinals

The Swiss have never seemed like fashionable picks and usually, their style of play is best described as methodically conservative. Their lack of a proven goalscorer in international play is a huge concern as well. All that said, their recent track record shows they have the ability to hold their own against top-caliber opposition.

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The creative engine is Xherdan Shaqiri, who possesses that rare ability to turn a game on its head in an instant. His vision and powerful runs forward combine well with Granit Xhaka‘s technical ability, so long as the latter maintains his composure.

The Swiss should have enough to earn the qualifying berth, and their second fixture against Serbia will be pivotal. 4 points should be enough to qualify here, making goal difference an issue. This is where Switzerland could consequently trip up.

COSTA RICA

Current FIFA World Ranking: 25
5th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 2014 quarterfinals

The surprise package of 2014, Los Ticos are nevertheless going to be hard-pressed to repeat that level of success. They can at least boast of having one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament behind a solid backline, which should at least keep their games close.

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So long as Keylor Navas is in good form, this team will stand a fighting chance. Anything less than that, and they will have a hard time going against their defensive nature. The core of the 2014 team is here, consequently raising the possibility of age as an issue.

A win against Serbia in the opening match is imperative before heading into the matchup against Brazil. Anything less ultimately leaves them with a must-win scenario against Switzerland in the final match, potentially opening things up. The question will remain about how the aging legs cope.

SERBIA

Current FIFA World Ranking: 35
12th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 1930, 1962 semifinals, 4th place (as Yugoslavia)

Serbia’s U-20 World Cup run back in 2015 led to plenty of optimism for the future. As a result, hopes have been high for their World Cup debut as an independent nation. No less than a half-dozen players from that squad look forward to proving themselves on the senior stage.

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Veterans like Branislav Ivanović, Dušan Tadić, and Nemanja Matić will lead the way, but youth will likely lead the way if they advance. Much is expected of Sergej Milinković-Savić and Aleksandar Mitrović, and their chances of advancing become much brighter if they can deliver.

Managerial upheaval following their qualification has not helped. Likewise, neither does the appointment of someone with no experience at this level. That being said, Serbia might thrive as an unknown quantity. Should new manager Mladen Krstajic roll the dice , namely on someone like Andrija Živković, he could unearth a hidden gem.

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2018 FIFA World Cup Group E Preview