Football is a game of uncertainty, as it change within moments and anything can happen at any moment of the game.
Football news: These nations have the ability to beat the superior nations and lift the cup
The FIFA World Cup, world’s biggest sporting event, is already knocking at the door and the teams have already started to announce their ultimate squad which they will be taking to Russia to compete in the tournament.
On pen and paper Brazil, Germany, Spain and France are being considered as the heavyweights and are being considered the favourites to loft the cup.
But there are some teams who can become the dark horses of the tournament and with dedication and hard work can prove their mettle and show the entire world their capability.
Here is the list of 5 such nations who has the ability to pull up a major upset in the tournament.
5. Croatia
The Croats have been tagged as the dark houses in every World Cup and now it is their time to live up to the tag. Having finished as runners-up behind Iceland in qualifying campaign, their performances have elevated their chances.
Croatia have to put up a strong fight as they have been drawn in a tough group with Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria.
The team will depend on the midfield which has players like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic and Marko Rog.
Experienced players like Dejan Lovren and Sime Vrsaljko will control the defence while strikers like Mario Mandzukic and Nikola Kalinic will look to score. Much will also depend on the tactics of their coach Zlato Dalic.
4. Mexico
They have lost just a single match in the CONCACAF qualifiers and the Gold Cup winners have a serious chance this year, to alter their previous success in 1970 and 1986 where they had reached the quarterfinals.
Their coach Juan Carlos Osorio knows that if everything goes according to their plans they can go past the group stage, which has Germany, Sweden and Korea Republic, without much trouble.
The team’s weakest spot is their defence and Rafael Marquez and Hector Moreno would have to be always in caution. The midfield will be controlled by Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera. Their attack, which is their strongest, will be led by Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano.
3. Uruguay
The La Celeste are desperate to bring back their glory days when they won the prized tournament in 1930 and 1950. Oscar Tabarez’s men would like to top their group as they have comparatively easy opponents in the likes of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and hosts Russia.
The team has some star players with Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez and Maxi Perreira in the defence. The midfield will be controlled by Cristian Rodriguez, Gaston Ramirez and Matias Vecino, while the scoring will be depended on Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
They have some good substitute players in the likes of Christian Stuani, Diego Rolan and Abel Hernandez who can complete the task when being called upon.
But their weak midfield and over-dependence on Suarez and Cavani might fire back and cost them dear.
2. Portugal
Fernando Santos’ men have already proved everyone that they can surprise everyone as they beat France to win the Euro Cup and will look to bring their best string of performance to Russia.
Under Santos, the team has transformed totally and is now not a one-man team. With the firepower at their disposal, they are expected to qualify to the knockouts from a group which features Spain, Morocco and Iran.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo is their talisman, the team has some talented youngsters in the likes of Goncalo Guedes, Gelson Martins and Bernardo Silva. The experience of Joao Moutinho, Nani, Quaresma and Pepe will be very important.
Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho, Adrien Silva and Andre Gomes will control the midfield while Pepe, Jose Fonte, Luis Neto, Cedric Soares, Raphael Guerreiro and Fabio Coentrao will control the defence.
1. Belgium
This is the team who has associated with the dark horse most of the times. They would love to exceed their best performance which came in 1986 when they finished fourth.
Roberto Martinez’s men are considerably in an easy group alongside England, Tunisia and Panama. The team is also solid with Thibaut Courtois as the goalkeeper, besides Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen being the defenders.
Kevin De Bruyne will be the main midfield man and will be assisted by Moussa Dembele, Radja Naingolan, Maraoune Fellaini and Axel Witsel.
The forward line will be handled by Eden Hazard mainly, who will be partnered with Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batsshuayi or Dries Mertens.