Without obvious candidate, which is the World Cup's Group of Death?
The 2018 FIFA World Cup draw is now complete, and the group stage is set for the grand affair in Russia next summer. While not all pools are created equally, is there a clear-cut Group of Death this time around?
It seemed Group B would earn that label as Spain and Portugal were quickly drawn together, but it was padded out with minnows Morocco and Iran. Group G developed in a similar manner, with Belgium and England squaring off but surely facing little competition from Panama or Tunisia.
Perhaps, then, Group D is the toughest test. Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates have three decent matches to look forward to against new fan-favourite Iceland, European play-off survivor Croatia, and African powerhouse Nigeria. The latter finished top of their group in CAF qualifying with four wins and two draws, making them one of the best teams from Pot 4. Iceland and Croatia, drawn together in Group I of UEFA qualifying, reunite here - both sets of players proved they are fighters who can survive and overcome adversity on tough days.
Group F might also provide an interesting outcome as Germany, Mexico, Sweden, and South Korea each represent strong teams in their respective regions; the Swedes punched Italy out of the competition to make it here, a feat that could make for an intriguing encounter against the Germans.
Since seeding is dependent on the FIFA Coca-Cola World Rankings this time around, a Group of Death similar to the three found in the 2014 World Cup wasn't as likely. Last time around, the group stage provided plenty of drama, with Spain eliminated by Chile and the Netherlands; Italy and England dumped out of Group D by Uruguay and Costa Rica; and Portugal and Ghana eliminated by Germany and the U.S.
The system was much kinder to the heavy-hitters this time around. Still, if Messi is to claim his first World Cup trophy, he and his oft-struggling Argentine cohorts will need to kick off their Russian journey on the front foot in Group D.