FIFA World Cup 2018: Group F Preview

The sixth group of the FIFA World Cup is Group F. Defending Champions Germany, South Korea, Mexico, and Sweden are part of it.

Let’s take a look at the contenders.

Germany:

The 2014 World Cup Champions Germany are eyeing the elusive feat of being the first team to defend their World Cup title in the history of the sport.

Coach Joachim Loew took over the reigns of the team in 2006 and has since kept improving the team after every single tournament they took part in.

His quest for the WC title came true in 2014 where Germany beat two favourites for the cup back-to-back in Brazil and Argentina.

They are yet to announce their full squad but it is could be quite possible that their World Cup hero Mario Gotze might not be selected.

Manuel Neuer is expected to be given the captaincy armband. Being one of the best goalkeepers of his generation the German is known to be a passionate player.

Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng, Joshua Kimmich are some of the Bayern Munich players in the team and will form the defensive line.

Where Germany propels itself as one of the best teams in the world and the number one ranked team is their attacking prowess.

Marco Reus, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil are some of the finest examples of the world-class talent within the team. Midfielders Leroy Sane, Julian Draxler, Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira also do their part.

Key Players: Marco Reus, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos

Verdict: Finals

South Korea:

The Asian side will be making its ninth consecutive appearance at the World Cup.

Having started off the qualifiers in a flier, the team diverted from their gameplan at the latter stages and barely qualified for the tournament.

Regardless, the team has decent attacking power with the likes of Tottenham Hotspurs’ Son Heung-min, captain Ki Sung-yeung and Lee Chung-yong.

The team has done exceptionally well at the AFC Asian Cup in the recent time and will be looking to emulate the same momentum at the World Cup.

Key Players: Son Heung-min, Ki Sung-yeung, Kim Young-gwon

Verdict: Group Stage

Mexico:

2012 Olympic Gold Medalists Mexico will be making their 15^th appearance at the World Cup.

The team finished fourth in 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Coach Juan Carlos Osorio has one of the most vibrant squads in the tournament.

Javier Hernandez, Giovani dos Santos, Hector Herrera and Guillermo Ochoa are some of the world-renowned stars in the team.

Furthermore, young talents such as Diego Reyes, Hirving Lozano are getting rave reviews from the experts and fans alike.

Having made the Round of 16 in the last six tournaments, the team will be looking to break duck and progress further.

Key Players: Javier Hernandez, Giovani dos Santos, Diego Reyes

Verdict: Round of 16

Sweden:

The country previously led by recently retired Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

After failing to make the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, the team had a disappointing show at the Euro 2016.

Looking for rejuvenation, the team will have to rely on Marcus Berg to fill the void left by Ibrahimovic.

Meanwhile, defender Andreas Graqvist will wear the captain’s armband. Hugely experienced Sebastian Larsson has been given the vice-captain role.

Emil Forsberg is one of the rising talents from the country and will be looking to make his mark at the first World Cup appearance of his career.

Key Players: Marcus Berg, Emil Forsberg, Sebastian Larsson

Verdict: Group Stage