Onto another group with a clear favorite and multiple teams that will fight for the second spot.
Countries in Group F
Germany, Sweden, Mexico, South Korea
Germany is a world power and will look to continue its dominance. They are a rare team that has many of its player all play for the same club at Bayern Munich. This has helped them tremendously with chemistry and knowing how to play to each others strength. After winning four years ago Germany remains a favorite to win and be the first repeat champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. With the talent they have and one of the greatest coaches in Low Germany will be a force to be reckoned with.
Sweden impressively beat Italy to get the last qualify spot for UEFA. They have talent and can contend in the group. All of this will be overshadowed by the absence of the greatest Swede to possibly ever play. Zlatan continues to be retired from national soccer while playing in the MLS this year. With Zlatan, Sweden has a goalscorer who is always a threat but without their attack leaves something to be desired. Their defense is strong and if they find goals somewhere they could surprise with a trip to the knockout stages.
Mexico have proven adept at making it out of the group stages as evidence by 6 straight appearances in the Round of 16. Unfortunately for them it has ended there each time. Can this be the group that elevates the nation and brings them to the quarterfinals? With a similar cast of characters they will like their chances this time around. For many of their longtime players this could be the last World Cup so they will look to make the most of it. Chicarito, Dos Santos, Guardado, and Marquez will look to finish it off on this talented but aging squad.
South Korea has a possible star in Tottenham man Son Heung-min. He has been in great form and is the man South Korea need for them to find a way into the knockout round. South Korea has had a nice run of qualifying for 9 consecutive World Cups. They have not had much success in the event however, only reaching the knockout phases twice in that span. They did make an incredible run to fourth place when they hosted the event in 2002 though. Making out of the group will only be possible if Son is playing his best and the defense holds strong.
Here's how I see it playing out
Germany
Sweden
Mexico
South Korea
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