World Cup 2018: Predicting how far each of the 32 teams will go 

Group F

Can Germany retain their World Cup trophy?

Germany - Winners

Predicting the reigning champions as eventual winners of the upcoming tournament is undoubtedly a lazy option but frankly, it is difficult to look past the Germans in Russia.

They have one of the deepest squads in the tournament, a ridiculously strong starting 11, and are arriving in the tournament in excellent form barring that blip of a loss to Austria.

Germany will have no problem getting through the group and aren't likely to struggle against the runners-up of Group E. Their first real test will come against either Belgium or England in the quarters, but they should get through those as well.

Germany should be locked on to make the final four, and it is only fine margins and personal preference separating the top four sides. Personally, I think Germany will have enough to take the trophy back home again.

Mexico - Round of 16

Will Mexico crash out in the round of 16 for the seventh time in a row?

Mexico have become specialists at getting out of the group stage in the World Cup, but they have come unstuck in the round of 16 in each of the last 6 tournaments, and you can expect them to make that seven in Russia.

Mexico are a capable side, but it seems likely that they will come up against their South American rivals, Brazil, in the round of 16. Mexico are always an enjoyable side to watch in the tournament but it seems unlikely that they will overcome their round of 16 curse in Russia.

Sweden - Group Stage

Sweden return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence

Sweden will be making their first World Cup finals appearance since 2006 in Russia but the European side will find things very difficult in what is going to be a very challenging group for them.

Without the experienced, and talented Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the side, Sweden will struggle for goals and this will be their downfall in the tournament.

Games against Germany and Mexico will prove difficult for them, and their best bet of success is against South Korea. It's great to see Sweden back in the tournament, but their appearance will be limited to the group stage.

South Korea - Group Stage

South Korea face a difficult task in Group F

South Korea stand a much better chance than their Group F rivals Sweden of sneaking out of the group stages but they would have to have a little bit of luck to help them along the way.

The 2002 semi-finalists will be hoping that Tottenham striker, Son Heung-Min, can help fire them to victory in the group stages but defeats to Mexico and Germany seem likely.

They should be able to get past Sweden in their opening game though, which should at least secure third place for them.