Who’s the World Cup Favorite With Germany Eliminated?

If Brazil is now the odds-on favorite, the biggest reason is Neymar.

Philippe Coutinho #11, Neymar #10 and Gabriel Jesus #9 of Brazil celebrates a scored goal against Argentina during a match between Brazil and Argentina as part 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Mineirao stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho #11, Neymar #10 and Gabriel Jesus #9 of Brazil celebrates a scored goal against Argentina during a match between Brazil and Argentina as part 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Mineirao stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
Getty Images

After falling 2-0 yesterday to finish their World Cup campaign at 1-2, Germany landed in last place in Group F behind Sweden, Mexico and South Korea, and out of the World Cup.

For the defending champs, who many thought had a good shot at repeating, it’s an embarrassing end to a disappointing tournament. Still, especially in sports, one team’s loss is another team’s gain, which means another country is now favored to win it all in Russia.

The question is … who is it?

As of now, most people have Brazil installed as the odds-on favorite to take it all with Germany now eliminated. The biggest reason for that is one thing: Neymar.

“Only one South American team has won a World Cup staged in Europe, so it has its work cut out, but the victor in question was Brazil itself in 1958,” according to USA Today. “Neymar is a charm, capable of performing the silkiest of skills and lamentably, the most elaborate of dives, and he hasn’t hit full stride yet here in Russia.”

Thanks to the teams they will potentially face on their road to the final, Spain is also a good bet to go all the way. France is up there too, but they’ll have to get past Argentina and Messi to do it.

Also in the mix, despite not having a ton of marquee players, are Belgium, England, Uruguay, and Croatia.

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.