Biggest storylines heading into the 2018 World Cup

Let's just get this out of the way, like eating your vegetables at the start of dinner. Russia is a polarizing force in the world at the moment, led by President Vladimir Putin. This is true across the globe, but especially in the United States, where Russia has suddenly become a topic of conversation once again. The Sochi Olympics did not always paint the country in the best light despite Russia's efforts. It will be interesting to see what the World Cup might dredge up.

Being the host country usually bodes well for a team, but Russia is something of a mystery. Almost all the Russian players ply their trade in Russia, which is far from the top of the European landscape. Just how good is this team going to be? Will the Russians make it out of their group? We shall see.

The Germans impressed mightily at the 2014 World Cup, and they will be looking to be champions once again. They sent what was arguably their "C" team to the Confederations Cup and still won. This team is loaded, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Germany raises the trophy again.

Two teams will be making their first appearances at a World Cup. The tiny European country of Iceland (population 350,000) will be joined by Central American newbie Panama. Can either of them make a splash in their debuts?

If you are an American, this is an awkward World Cup. The United States memorably (and inexplicably) failed to qualify for this year's tournament. It is the first time the squad will miss a World Cup since 1986. However, you should still watch the event. The soccer will be great, even without the United States.

The United States missing the World Cup is notable, but that pales in comparison to Italy not qualifying. The Italians are a true international powerhouse, but they have to sit out 2018. Also missing is the Netherlands, three-time runners-up.

Ronaldo and Portugal finally won a trophy when they took home the European Championship in 2016. However, one of the game's all-time greats has yet to win a World Cup. He's 33 now. If he doesn't win this year, he may not have another chance.

Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball at the 2014 World Cup, but Argentina fell just short, losing to Germany in the finals. While his legacy as probably the greatest player of his generation is likely secure, a World Cup win would certainly silence the naysayers and put Messi on par with the likes of Pele.

Mohamed Salah has been perhaps the best player in the world this season, as he's been racking up the goals with Liverpool. However, there is less talent around him on the Egyptian team. They will go as far as Salah can take them, but how far will that be?

From 2008 through 2012, Spain ruled the soccer world. They won the UEFA European Championship in both of those years with a World Cup win in 2010 sandwiched in. However, the key players of those teams are all on their last legs, if not outright retired. They likely won't win, but we can still appreciate seeing guys like Anders Iniesta for perhaps the last time at a World Cup.

Brazil posted a perfect record in winning the 2002 World Cup. It was the country's fifth title ever, but since then Brazil has faded a bit. The Brazilians haven't finished better than fourth in the last three World Cups. For a country like Brazil, that simply isn't good enough.

No team from Africa has ever finished in the top four at a World Cup. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like this will be the year. Ivory Coast and Ghana both failed to qualify, and the highest-ranking African team according to FIFA is Tunisia, who ranks 28th. We may have to keep waiting.

Only eight countries have ever won the men's World Cup, with seven of those among the 32 vying for this year's title. Might a new team be added to that storied list? If that happens, bet on Portugal or Belgium being the ones to do it.

The English team won in 1966 and has been trying to recapture that glory ever since. France won in 1998, finished second in 2006 (shout-out to Zinedine Zidane's head butt) and then disappointed in not winning Euros in 2016. Both would love a second win. Only France seems likely to do it.

Keep an eye on Iran for a team that might make it out of the group stage somewhat unexpectedly. They are probably the best team out of Asia, and they have drawn into a manageable group. It wouldn't be surprising to see them beat Morocco, and if Spain shows its age, they could make it through alongside Portugal.

There is no "Group of Death" this year, but Group G features two different teams that have lofty expectations: Belgium and England. Both are better than Panama and Tunisia, but one slip-up and bags could be packed sooner than expected. Neither country would be able to live that down.

A lot of players could do it, but consider this a vote for Luis Suarez. He's a proven goal scorer playing for a team that could potentially make a deep run. However, the thing he has going for him is a group that he could run roughshod over. We're talking Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Suarez could ride that to being the tourney's top goal scorer.

It's been proven that you don't need to win a World Cup to be named the tourney's best player, but you probably have to at least make it to the finals and definitely the top four. Furthermore, it helps to be seen as carrying your team, which benefits guys like Messi and hurts players on deeper teams like Germany.  Maybe Paul Pogba can do it, if only to annoy Jose Mourinho.

This is always the biggest storyline for an event like this. The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and we all have our own predictions for who will emerge victorious. Unfortunately for fans of variety, it's hard to bet against a Germany team that has finished no worse than third since 1998.

As soon as the tourney in Russia ends, the world will turn its eyes toward the ugly mess that is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Perhaps the lasting legacy of Sepp Blatter's profound corruption, nothing about this event is encouraging. It's so hot in this nation with no soccer history, FIFA has had to move the tournament to the winter, and the labor abuses and acts of corruption have been myriad. While it seems unlikely they will move the 2022 World Cup to a different host, or hosts, we can keep our fingers crossed.