While most Real Madrid players will undoubtedly be concerned with their impending Champions League semi final meeting with Bayern Munich, you could forgive some of the players for having one eye on the World Cup. Yes, the Champions League is Madrid’s competition, but World Cups only come around every four years.
Indeed, Russia 2018 is less than 50 days away now, with the big kick-off set for 14th June at the Luzhniki Stadium. It begs the question then, which Real Madrid players are likely to report for pre-season at the Santiago Bernabéu with a World Cup winners’ medal in their pockets? Below is a very much non-scientific rating of their chances:
Ramos, Carvajal, Nacho, Isco, Asensio and Vasquez (Spain)
Chances Rating: B+
Obviously, not everyone is guaranteed their place in the squad here, but the form of Madrid players will be essential to Spain’s success in Russia. Isco, in particular, has an opportunity to prove that he belongs among the elite level of world football. Spain’s odds, currently around 7/1, look like pretty good value, especially when you consider that they seem to have rediscovered their identity again after the shock exit of 2014. You can back La Furia Roja with these sports free bets. They have a real chance this year.
Toni Kroos (Germany)
Chances Rating A+
Of course, Toni Kroos already has a World Cup winners’ medal. However, if anything, Germany look even better now than the side that became the first European team to win a World Cup in South America in 2014. The experience is still there, but they have added some brilliant young talent like Leroy Sané and Timo Werner. They are 9/2 co-favourites and deserve to be so.
Marcelo, Casemiro (Brazil)
Chances Rating B-
Everyone has been raving about how coach Tite has turned around Brazil’s fortunes since they were humiliated by Germany at the last World Cup. But has he done enough to justify their tag as 9/2 co-favourites? Indeed, some bookmakers have them on their own at 4/1. One could argue against it, but there is a chance that Brazil could struggle in Russia.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Chances Rating C
Madrid fans know well enough now not to put anything past the great Portuguese, but can he really fire 25/1 shots Portugal all the way to World Cup? They join Spain in Group B along with Morocco and Iran. While Portugal may make the quarters, the European champions may come up short against some of the top nations.
Raphael Varane (France)
Chances Rating A-
France arguably bring their best squad to a Finals since current coach Deschamps and current Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane led them to win it all in 1998. They are 6/1 to win their second World Cup. They undoubtedly have the talent, it’s just all about Deschamps making it work.
Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic (Croatia)
Chances Rating C
Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic join the Madrid men as the class acts of this Croatia team, who at 40/1 will be plenty of punters dark horse picks. Indeed, it will be interesting to see if they can top Group D ahead of a struggling Argentina. Odds of 3/1 say they can.
Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)
Chances Rating D
It is not going to happen for Costa Rica (750/1) or their hero goalkeeper who helped them do so well at Brazil 2014. If they did make it to the World Cup Final, you can be certain that the whole world would unite to cheer them on.
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