THE CONTENDERS - Germany, underdogs with a bit of bite

Germany have come into this World Cup ranked at No. 10. They have been among the10 best teams in the world for a long time but, after their 2014 triumph, they have twice failed to come out of the first round, tarnishing their reputation of being a fearsome tournament team.

Tarnished doesn’t mean eradicated and, while they have fallen down the totem pole of the best teams in the world, it would take a brave pundit to bet against them.

At 1-1 against Curacao, maybe there might have been some jitters, but when the scoreline read 7-1 at the end, optimism in Germany’s ruthless efficiency returned.

Still, Curacao's goal against Germany also suggests there are some frailties in a side traditionally seen as impregnable.

The champions of 2014 and four world titles to their name, the Germans have seen a massive fall from grace since their glory days and have failed to make it past the group stages in 2018 and 2022, respectively.

However, Die Mannschaft will be looking to erase the ghosts of the past with a perfect blend of rising stars and a reliable cast of experienced stalwarts.

There are also questions surrounding the shape of Manuel Neuer, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who had to come back out of international retirement, as Germany are yet to find a suitable successor.

Players to Watch: Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlovic

Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ecuador, Ivory Coast

FIFA RANKINGS

1.        Argentina

2.        Spain

3.        France

4.        England

5.        Portugal

6.        Brazil

7.        Morocco

8.          Netherlands

9.        Belgium

10.      Germany