2018 FIFA WORLD CUP GROUP F PREVIEW
At first glance, Group F appears to contain two clear favorites and two also-rans. Barring some rather significant surprises from South Korea and Mexico, that is what will likely play out as well. Germany and Mexico are simply a class above at this point.
GERMANY
Current FIFA World Ranking: 1
19th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 4x champion
Like clockwork, the Germans come in not just as defending champions, but the odds-on favorite to win it all. While their qualifying opposition was middling, they still impressed as they marched through with an astonishing +39 goal difference.
Perhaps the most impressive thing is the depth that afforded them the luxury of leaving out names like Mario Götze, Leroy Sane, and Andre Schürrle. Instead, Toni Kroos and Mesut Özil will be counted on for this campaign.
With the understanding that anything can happen in knockout stages, it would be more of a surprise if the Germans did not make it to at least the semifinals. Otherwise, this squad definitely has the makings of a World Cup-winning roster.
MEXICO
Current FIFA World Ranking: 15
16th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 1970, 1986 quarterfinals
In spite of a long tournament history, Mexico has somehow failed to advance to a World Cup quarterfinal outside of their home soil. This crop of players seems to provide the best chance at doing so, as they have great balance and chemistry.
With a solid defense to marshal things and Hirving Lozano and Javier Hernández leading the charge, Mexico can be a force to contend with on their best of days. On their worst, however, a temperamental midfield will pose question marks.
The 17th of June will prove pivotal, as the Mexicans and Germans face off in the group opener. The smart money is on the outcome of this match determining the Group F winner, who would thus avoid a Round of 16 matchup against Brazil.
SWEDEN
Current FIFA World Ranking: 23
12th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 1958 runners-up
Despite the international retirement of the talismanic Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedes have proven to be a resolute team. Any chance they have in Russia will depend on their cohesion and discipline against some tough opposition.
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Emil Forsberg will be the primary option for this team, and in spite of a rough season at club level, he will be counted on to recover some form. The problem for Sweden is that they do not have many other options beyond Forsberg.
They will be organized and show plenty of team spirit. However, at the end of the day, they will likely only be fending for pride.
SOUTH KOREA
Current FIFA World Ranking: 61
10th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 2002 semifinals, 4th place
Long regarded an Asian powerhouse, South Korea has most recently looked more like a team that has been scraping by. Their qualification route was so bumpy that they even endured a managerial change, an unusual development for one of the leading teams contending for a berth.
As Son Heung-Min goes, so will the fortunes of South Korea. Be it goals or assists, his contribution to any team he plays for often proves to be significant. Conversely, if other dependables like Ki Sung-Yueng or rising stars like Lee Seung-Woo struggle, it will be easy for opponents to negate Son’s threat.
By the time the Koreans meet Germany in the final group round, the Germans might have already accumulated enough points and goals to dial back and be “less German.” There might be potential for an upset at that point to allow South Korea to exit with a bang. Stranger things have happened.
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Group A Preview
Group B Preview
Group C Preview
Group D Preview
Group E Preview
Group G Preview
Group H Preview
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