World Cup 2018: A comprehensive look at Group A

Uruguay

Favourites to get out of the group

The strongest team on paper from this group, Uruguay are expected to top the group and sail through to the RO16.

Uruguay qualified as the runners-up from the CONMEBOL qualifiers, only behind Brazil and ahead of the likes of Argentina, Colombia and Chile. While nowhere near Brazil's domination, it was still a strong performance from the South American side and are expected by most bookies to reach the semi-finals (9/1 odds).

Coach: Oscar Washington Tabarez

Unlike the other teams in the group, Uruguay actually like their coach and his tactics go hand-in-hand with what the fans want and what his players are capable of. The players respect him, they respect each other and Uruguay is a well-rounded team because of it.

This is Tabarez's second stint with the national team and has been one long road that led to the finals. After his appointment in 2006, after Uruguay had become of a shadow of its former self, Tabarez established what is called - "Proceso de Institucionalización de Selecciones y la Formación de sus Fútbolistas".

Translated to English, it means - "Process of institutionalization of selections and the training of their football players". It stabilised how the national team selection worked in all levels of youth as well as senior football, and it is beautiful to see how Uruguay have grown since then.

Uruguay's squad for the World Cup

Remember Uruguay's 2010 freak run? This year's team might be even better, as they bring in a good combination of youth and experience. Besides, having Suarez and Cavani partner up-front should be illegal for obvious reasons.

Edinson Cavani was the top-scorer in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, and this might just be his tournament. Suarez, as lethal as he usually is, has had a mixed season at Barcelona and for the national team, he plays second fiddle to Cavani.

If you thought their strike force was a bit too much, you should be happy to note that their defence is just as good. As Godin and Gimenez as CBs, they have one of the best defences in world football at the moment.

The midfield might not be as famous as the other positions, but it is rich in youth and contains several promising youngsters. In Georgian De Arrescaeta, they have a No.10 who is one of Cruzeiro's most important players and a wonder-kid expected to match, if not surpass, Diego Forlan.

He is young. He is skilled. He has great vision. He is a joy to watch when his game is on point. Besides, he has two of the best strikers in world football in front of him. What's so hard?

Cavani has a great chance of winning the Golden Boot with Uruguay

Player to watch out for: Edinson Cavani

A case could be made for Luis Suarez, but Cavani is way better with the national team. To add to that his red-hot form with Paris Saint Germain this season, Cavani has a great chance of finishing the tournament as the highest-scorer and winning the Golden Boot.