Five of the last seven World Cup winners have come from Europe, and that includes the last three champions in Germany (2014), Spain (2010) and Italy (2006). Brazil, in 2002 and 1994, are the only team from outside the continent of empires to break through over that span.
Given recent history, it’s easy to see why the bookmakers are backing the elite Euro countries to shine at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Among the four nations with the best odds, three emerge from UEFA. In perusing the William Hill World Cup lines, you’ll see the top contenders as dominated by UEFA and CONMEBOL countries. Overall, it looks highly likely that Europe will extend its World Cup winning streak to four in a row.
European Nations with a Very Optimistic Outlook
Germany
The reigning champions are the favorites, as they should be. Joachim Low’s side is as safe a bet as you can make, as the Germans boast the perfect balance of talent and Gestalt. They know who they are, and everyone plays and fits in according to their role. Die Mannschaft know what they want to do, and they are precise in executing their game plan.
Spain
Russian President, and many would say the most powerful man in the world, Vladimir Putin, said Spain has “played a beautiful brand of football,” in a recent interview with China Media Group. The leader of the host nation backs La Roja to win it all, but adds “there will certainly be other contenders, but only the best will win.” Putin sees Spain’s main competition for the title coming from Argentina, Brazil and Germany.
A major key for Spain will be goalkeeper David de Gea. He must rebound mentally and psychologically from a bad gaffe in a warm up contest last week that cost his side dearly. When he’s at his best, he’s arguably the best #1 in the world.
It’s obviously been a very eventful and extremely news worthy World Cup for the Spanish, and not a single ball has been kicked yet. They will hit the ground running, facing Iberian peninsula rivals Portugal in their first game on the tournament’s second day. Let’s see how that interim manager thing works out.
European Nations with Tremendous Talent but Disappointing Track Records
England
No matter how well things are going, at any point in time, there is still a sense of imminent doom. No matter how stacked and loaded the roster is with elite talent…well, “30 years of hurt” are now up to a half-century and counting. Do we need to bring up the Brazil World Cup in 2014? How about the 2016 Euros?
Looking at their team sheet, it’s tempting to let it ride on Three Lions, but seriously who would willingly sign up for inevitable heart break and/or lost money?
France
Les Bleus are loaded with top-tier talent, and will provide a very difficult test to anybody they encounter in the knockout round, should they advance beyond the group stage. One of their best traits is experience, as France’s 23-player roster carries an average of 25 caps, and an average age of 26 years, 14 days.
However, France is infamous for underachieving, especially so under current manager Didier Deschamps, who will likely find himself on the hot seat should his side crash out of this tournament. Their failure to live up to recent expectations has led to their own fans heckling them, including many hissing at star midfielder Paul Pogba.
The Manchester United man is a very polarizing figure, as he’s paradigmatic of France’s overall perception – loads of talent, hasn’t fully optimized it yet. France will only go so far as Pogba can lead them.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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