Bafana Bafana didn’t qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, so who should you follow? Here are 10 teams who will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Image credit: @fifaworldcup via Instagram
Remember the 2010 FIFA World Cup? When Bafana Bafana were playing in their home country and we were all wearing green and yellow and waving rainbow flags… It was a magical time.
This year, the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Russia, and Bafana Bafana are not on the list. But before you despair that it’s a wasted World Cup, here are 10 teams you can choose as your own for a thrilling month ahead.
How to decide which of the 10 you want to support? Well, that’s up to you. Do you want to choose one that’s closest to home? (That’s Nigeria.) A country full of style and class? (France. Or Spain.) The favourites to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup? (Brazil.) Or the underdogs? (Iceland.) Here’s a run-down of our favourite options.
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Nigeria
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The Super Eagles are the best team in Africa, loaded with style and passion and grace… As well as some of the most amazing World Cup uniforms you’ve ever seen. Nigeria is Africa’s hope for a World Cup win, and many South Africans are rooting for them to win.
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Uruguay
There are only 3.5 million people in Uruguay, and they still made it to the 2018 FIFA World Cup! That’s reason enough to support this underdog who made it to the semi-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup (and beat Bafana Bafana in the process).
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Brazil
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Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup, so you’re guaranteed a long ride – even if they don’t make it all the way to the finals. They are also a wonderfully entertaining team to watch, with loads of fancy footwork from their soccer stars. Brazil has already won the FIFA World Cup five times, so they come into the competition with some (well-deserved) confidence.
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Belgium
The team from Belgium has a lot of talent and an outside chance to win the World Cup. The Red Devils this year represent the best team in Belgium’s soccer history, according to many fans, so they’re well worth watching. (Possibly with a box of Belgian chocolates, a waffle or some beer?)
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Spain
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Fast footwork and loaded with players from the Barcelona and Real Madrid teams, Spain is always a solid bet for an entertaining match. They won the 2010 FIFA World Cup here in South Africa, and are always a fiery team to keep an eye on.
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Germany
Who can forget the impressive German team from the 2014 World Cup? They are the current world champions and they take to the field with style and grace and that trademark German efficiency. Germany is a solid team to follow this year.
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Portugal
Image credit: @portugal via Instagram
These European champions always bring a sense of style to the soccer pitch (courtesy of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, some might say!) Fire up some peri peri chicken, chop up some chorizo and get ready for a fun ride with Portugal.
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France
France is one of Europe’s top teams and a consistently good performer at World Cups, if you fancy yourself as a Francophile (and who doesn’t? Bring on the wine and cheese and baguettes!) this is a team to follow.
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Argentina
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Lionel Messi. That’s pretty much all anyone thinks of when they think of Argentina, which is a pity as the rest of the team has a lot to offer. What Ronaldo is to Portugal, Messi is to Argentina. Argentina also lost the FIFA World Cup final in 2014, so they’re hungry for a victory this time around…
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Iceland
What?! Yes, Iceland made it to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as the smallest country ever to qualify. They’ve got guts, heart and are undeniably the underdog, but who knows? Stranger things have happened. It might be hard to find hákarl (fermented shark meat) to snack on as you watch, but you could have a slice of rye bread and butter if you want to get in the mood.
Who are you going to be supporting in the 2018 FIFA World Cup? How did you decide? Let us know in the comment section below.
I am supporting Belgium ?? and England ??????? Italy ?? is usually my first choice, but unfortunately they didn’t qualify to play in this World cup. I chose Belgium because their team consists of a lot of Chelsea FC players. I’m a big Chelsea fan. A visit to Stamford Bridge is on my bucket list.
I’m shocked that a photo of Barcelona players is posted while talking about Argentina!! You can definitely do better than that. Argentina is much bigger than Leo Messi and is definitely not Barcelona
Hi Tony,
Thanks so much for spotting this and we appreciate you taking the time let us know.
We will be changing the picture for Argentina.