Loew expects toughest World Cup ever in Russia

Brazil, Argentina, Spain, England and France will be the teams to beat for 2014 World Cup Champions Germany at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, German national coach Joachim Loew said in a recent interview.

"It will be an extremely tough tournament, most likely the toughest World Cup ever," the 58-year-old commented.

Loew is expecting Brazil to join the top favorites to win the tournament taking place in eight months. "Brazil has made enormous efforts to develop and close the gap. They have recovered in the best way after the 7-1 defeat against us at the 2014 World Cup, and they have improved a lot since then," Loew stressed.

Next, to a determined team from Brazil, Loew is convinced Argentina and Spain will play the tournament with a specific amount of ambition. "Spain is still one of the best sides in World football, despite their disappointment being eliminated in the group stage in 2014. Argentina can count on an extreme amount of quality in their attacking game," Loew said.

The German coach mentioned England with a lot of talents and 2016 European Championship runners-up France to be actively involved when it comes to the 2018 title race. With that many competitive rivals around, he would be forced to only think about the 2018 World Cup until kick-off.

Defending champions Germany will be the ones hunted by all others, Loew emphasized. "We are the only ones having something to lose," he told German media. "We are the current World Champions having won the last World Cup as a team without a superstar, we won the 2017 Confederations Cup, we are the current number one in world football, and everyone will try to beat us," the German coach commented.

Loew denied rumors speaking of him taking over the 2017 German Champions Bayern Munich after the World Cup. "To join Bayern is no option for me. I am happy with the German national team," Loew said and mentioned his valid contract untile 2020 with the German federation.

The former striker announced the tough competition in the German team might lead to "hard decisions we have to make." Deep disappointment among established players is possible as it is possible some might have to stay home while the 23 selected play in Russia.

"We can't complain about the competition as we wanted to have a situation like that," Loew said. He mentioned that he intends to face the international opponents with the best possible squad. The best musicians are not inevitably the best orchestra he emphasized.

Loew told his 35 candidates to do all possible to get in best shape, "Otherwise they won't have a realistic chance to be part of our squad." Injuries or a bad performance for their clubs could turn out to be a problem.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the only one he would be waiting for despite his current injury as the Bayern Munich professional is the world's best goalkeeper in his perspective. "When Manuel is returning in January or February after his injury he has enough time to get in best shape. Three to four months should be enough for him considering his experience," Loew commented.

After a successful qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup Germany will face England on November 10th and France on November 14th in friendlies.