World Cup 2018: Top 5 dark horses in Russia

#3 Colombia

France v Colombia - International Friendly

Colombia was not a very fancied side in Brazil last term, but they put in a solid show. Los Cafeteros emerged as the group leaders after they convincingly won all the three matches of the round. A 2-0 victory against Uruguay in the Round of 16 saw them qualify to the quarters, where they were knocked out by Brazil.

Although not a very balanced side, some big names in their attack could do the job for Colombia. The return of Radamel Falcao, who missed out on the last World Cup due to an injury, to lead the team as well as the front line will prove to be a huge confidence boost for the side.

Jose Nestor Pekerman is the manager of this Colombia team and has been occupying the post since 2012. The Argentinean has been with the team for long enough and will know exactly what to do on the big stage.

Los Cafeteros is placed in group H, where they will be facing Senegal, Poland and Japan - a comparatively easier group than the earlier two teams.

Star Man - James Rodriguez

Falcao will be a crucial player in Pekerman's squad, but it is James Rodriguez who will be the star man for Colombia in the World Cup. The 26-year-old's heroics was what inspired the side last term and they will need a repeat of that in Russia as well.

The Bayern Munich loanee, who scored seven goals and assisted eleven from a total of 23 appearances this season in the Bundesliga, will be hoping to return from Russia with a few more of them in the bag.