Top 5 contenders for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

#2 Spain

Spain v Italy - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier

In 2014, the elimination of 2014 champions Spain in the group stage, one that was instigated by their 5-1 humiliation to the Dutch, was the headline of that summer, at least before Brazil's exit at the hands of Germany.

That Spanish squad was an ageing one, with veterans like Iniesta and Xavi still controlling the midfield alongside Xabi Alonso. Spain's "Golden generation" were reaching the end of their careers.

But in the past three years, a fresh batch of young and energetic talents have emerged from the country that won three international trophies between 2008 and 2012. If it was Barcelona that formed the core of that national team, it is now Real Madrid's turn going into the next World Cup.

Several Real Madrid stars like Isco, Marco Asensio, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos and Lucas Vazquez are all important members of the squad, and are well complemented by the likes of Alvaro Morata, David Silva, Koke, Thiago, Jordi Alba and David De Gea, along with some other 2010 veterans like Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas and Iniesta.

Spain are likely to continue their philosophy of possession-based football, and have one of the best midfields in the world right now to help them achieve that.

In Morata, they have a striker who has grown exponentially over the past couple of years, and will hope that he can fill the role vacated by David Villa, who only recently made a come-back to the National side, before cruelly getting injured.

With qualification all but sealed at the top of Group G, expect Spain to light up Russia next June.