The five-time World Cup winners from Brazil will lead Group E into Russia in 2018. The most interesting battle could be for second spot between Switzerland and Serbia, and don’t count out Costa Rica in what is a surprisingly intriguing Group E.
Brazil
Odds To Win Group E: 1.31
Brazil won the World Cup in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002, and they have made the quarterfinals in each World Cup since 1994. However, their fans will remember the bitter 7-1 loss at the hands of Germany at home in 2014, when they finished fourth. Neymar could be the best player in the world by the time the World Cup kicks off (he was injured for the Germany game in 2014), and everyone knows he is great. But who is going to step up to help Neymar? Will it be Philippe Coutinho? How about Gabriel Jesus, who scored seven goals as Brazil romped through CONMEBOL? How strong are Brazil really at the back? Brazil has enough to win this group, no doubt; but to win the World Cup, they’ll need more than just Neymar.
Switzerland
Odds To Win Group E: 6.5
Switzerland has made it to the round of 16 in two of the last three World Cups, and they have made it to the quarterfinals three times, but not since 1954 at home. Switzerland was the top team in the UEFA playoffs, but they labored to a 1-0 two-legged win over Northern Ireland to get to Russia. Haris Seferovic scored four goals for Switzerland and this might be their problem; they might have trouble scoring against the top teams. Switzerland is a good team, and they are stout at the back, so that could get them out of the group stage. But it remains to be seen if they’re simply just one of the better mid-tier team going to Russia.
Serbia
Odds To Win Group E: 8
Serbia, on its own (they were paired with Montenegro and of course, part of the former Yugoslavia) has not gotten out of the group stage in two trips to the World Cup. They won their group in UEFA to book their ticket to Russia, and Dusan Radic scored four goals. They have a strong midfield led by Nemanja Matic, but there isn’t a lot going forward outside of Tadic and like Switzerland, that could hurt them. The second group match between Serbia and Switzerland could decide who goes through to the next stage and if Brazil stumbles, it could be even bigger than that.
Costa Rica
Odds To Win Group E: 17.00
Costa Rica made it to the quarterfinals in 2014 in Brazil and they finished second in CONCACAF to go back to the World Cup. Marco Urena has scored 14 goals for his country and could be their best goal threat, while Bryan Ruiz is 32 years old and might be more in the role of a playmaker now. If Costa Rica can get a result against Serbia in their opener, maybe a draw, they will get some confidence and when they’re confident, they don’t fear anyone.
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