With the best World Cup track record and rated FIFA’s #1, the Germans probably think that they have this group sewn up.
And, if we’re honest, so do we! The race is on for second place with Mexico and Sweden equally good prospects.
Although the Republic of Korea team will be keen to make their mark, the East Asian footballers face a tall order when they have been ranked by FIFA at least 38 places lower than other group members.
Of the other teams, Germany has had the easiest route so far. If Mexico’s Marco Fabian can continue to produce his spectacular goals and Sweden can repeat their performance of the 1958 World Cup in which they lost the final to Brazil’s Pele team, the game is most definitely on!
Champion
1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
Quarter-finals
1970, 1986
Runners up
1958
4th place
2002