If you are world champion, Confederations Cup winner and number three in the world for three or four years, then you will be especially hunted. German coach Joachim Low says that his squad has a target on it's back but remains focused on winning another title (via the Daily Nation): If Germany’s young players can stay composed, this is going to be arguably the most difficult nation in the field to defeat. None is more notable than Timo Werner, the 22-year-old forward that is poised to shine on the grand stage. The side returned many of its key players from four years ago-including standouts such as midfielder Tony Kroos, keeper Manuel Neuer-and sports a promising group of youthful talent to boot. According to sportsbooks, Die Nationalmannschaft’s chances of doing so are just a hair behind Brazil’s, as the team opened at +405 to repeat as victors. The 2014 Cup winners are aiming to become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since Brazil won consecutively in 19. Which #UCL players will make the biggest splash in Russia? /YZkquO5fg3Īs for the aforementioned Germans, there may be no more skilled and experienced squad in this year’s field. #UCL stars Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho score the goals as Brazil defeat Austria 3-0 in their final friendly before the FIFA World Cup.

UEFA Champions League noted that Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Coutinho all scored in Brazil’s last tune-up before Russia: With star player Neymar looking fully recovered from a foot injury that threatened his chances of participating in this tournament, the Brazilians should have little resistance waltzing through a Group E field that includes Switzerland -the team Brazil will start its run against on Sunday -as well as Costa Rica and Serbia. With expectations higher than ever, the Brazilians should and will be disappointed with any result other than bringing back a trophy from Russia. As the host nation, Brazil was stunned in a 7-1 loss in the semifinals to eventual champion Germany. The Selecao will be playing with a chip on their shoulder as they seek to avenge their heartbreaking exit from the 2014 World Cup.

The Brazilians are currently +400 chalk, meaning bettors would return $4 for every $1 risked should they win. Oddsmakers believe that Brazil is the side to beat in 2018, opening the squad as the favorite to bring home a title for a record-extending sixth time. All World Cup matches can be live streamed via FOX Sports GOĢ018 FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage Schedule And Matchups

2018 fifa world cup schedule