As the 2018 World Cup heads into its second week it is fair to say that some of the more fancied teams haven’t performed as well as they might have expected.
Pre-tournament joint favourites Germany and Brazil both failed to win their opening games, while Argentina are in danger of going out after picking up just one point from their first two matches.
Spain and France are well-placed to qualify for the knockout stage, although neither have hit the heights they are capable of just yet.
Read on as we look at how the big nations have fared in the World Cup so far.
Germany
Germany were poor in their opening game against Mexico, although credit should go to their opponents for the way they played on the day.
Further group games against Sweden and South Korea could be tricky, but it would be a major shock if the Germans didn’t progress to the last 16.
The reigning champions are still prominent in the outright betting market to win the World Cup and it would be a brave move to back against Germany retaining the trophy this summer.
Brazil
Brazil had plenty of reasons to feel aggrieved about drawing their first group game against Switzerland.
Steven Zuber’s push on defender Miranda before heading the Swiss level wasn’t picked up by the officials, while Brazil could have had a second-half penalty for a challenge on Gabriel Jesus by Manuel Akanji.
Brazil should beat Costa Rica and Serbia in their last two group matches and they are strongly fancied to reach the later stages of the tournament.
France
France have been unimpressive in victories over Australia and Peru, although the mark of a good side is winning when you are not playing well and that is what they’ve done.
Les Bleus have imploded at previous major tournaments, but they are already through to the last 16 and their forwards should improve as the World Cup progresses.
Manager Didier Deschamps has come in for criticism over his team’s performances, but that won’t bother him if France keep winning.
Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick prevented Spain from winning their opening game and they laboured to a 1-0 victory over Iran in their second match.
They should qualify for the next stage alongside Portugal, but they will need to turn possession into goals over the next few games.
Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal from the manager’s job before the tournament doesn’t appear to have caused any lasting damage and Spain are fancied to reach at least the semi-finals.
