COSTA RICA

The majority of the old guard of 2014 remains in Oscar Ramirez's 2018 World Cup squad. The side that stole the hearts of neutrals in Brazil with a triumphant race to the quarter-final return for one last roll of the dice on the big stage. 

Head Coach: Oscar Ramìrez 

The 52-year old has been in charge of the 2014 Copa Centroamericana champions for the entire qualification campaign and is going to his first World Cup.

Ramirez is something of a Costa Rica legend, playing nearly 500 games in the Liga FPD in Costa Rica with Alajuelense and Saprissa while representing the national team on 75 occasions. 

One to watch: Joel Campbell 

Campbell was just 21 years old in Brazil when he scored against Uruguay and spearheaded Costa Rica through the group stage in 2014. Now at 25 with 74 caps for his country and riding high with La Liga club Real Betis, Campbell is fast approaching a seminal moment in his career. 

With some saying he is the heir to Bryan Ruiz's throne, can Campbell live up to the hype in Russia? 

Must watch game: Costa Rica vs Switzerland - 27 June 

FFT Prediction: 4th in the group 

It's undoubtedly still a strong squad and they'll certainly be in a close fight for second spot. 

BRAZIL 

Time for redemption. With their brightest star Neymar fulfilling his god-like potential, Brazil are back with some purpose. After being humiliated 7-1 in the semi-final of their World Cup in Brazil, the pride of the Selecao is on the line in Russia. 

Head Coach: Tite

Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, or better known as Tite, has given Brazil its mojo back. 

In 2016, then head coach Dunga was fired by the Brazilian Football Federation after getting knocked out of the group stage of the Copa America in 2016 for the first time since 1987. 

As Tite was appointed following the tournament, a myriad of Brazilian talent came out of the woodwork giving Brazil some rhythm.

Gabriel Jesus, Paulinho and Roberto Firmino made Brazil more dynamic and give them hope of a blistering tournament after blitzing their qualifying group in CONMEBOL finishing ten points clear of Uruguay. 

One to watch: Roberto Firmino 

Most would think the youngster Jesus would be top spot for one to watch. However, Roberto Firmino has emerged as Brazil's long awaited talisman for the big stage after a fantastic season with Liverpool. 

The 26-year old racked up 44 goal-contributions in 54 matches including playing in a Champions League final. 

Must watch game: Brazil vs Costa Rica - 22 June 

As the second match of the group stage, two sides littered with pace, flair and passion will leave it all out on the field. 

FFT Prediction: Semi-finals

Provided there are no disasters, Brazil should finish top of the pops in the group. Looking at the draw, they are likely to play Sweden or Mexico in the first knockout, and possibly Belgium in the quarter-final.