Cybereagles

Reigning champions Germany are just one triumph behind the record haul of five held by Brazil, who will be hoping talisman Neymar will be fully fit to help them avenge the heartbreak suffered on home soil four years ago.

Lionel Messi might be facing his final chance to cement his legacy with Argentina, who, like Uruguay, are aiming for a third title, while England, France and Spain want to add to the lone star above their crests.

Portugal come to Russia as European champions and with Cristiano Ronaldo as their captain. Belgium will arrive desperate not to see their golden generation of stars fall short in a final yet again, while Colombia should take confidence from their quarterfinal appearance four years ago.

After the United States' failure to qualify, Mexico represent the only CONCACAF power in Russia. Australia will once again show they're not afraid to take on the world, while any talk of Iceland being the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup finals will be drowned out by the "thunder clap."

Egyptian hopes that Mohamed Salah can cap off his extraordinary breakout season by recovering to lead his country in Russia will be reflected by many across the globe. Croatia's Luka Modric has been the silent engine that has driven Real Madrid to historic heights. Victor Moses will have the chance to shine for Nigeria that he has not been afforded in the Premier League with Chelsea of late.