Fifa World Cup: Yes, one of these teams will make the World Cup final

Russian players celebrate their penalty shoot-out win over Spain. Photo / AP

The 2018 World Cup hasn't been kind to former champions. 2006 winners Italy didn't even qualify for the tournament while past winners Germany, Argentina and Spain have all gone out before the quarter-finals.

Spain were heavily favoured to reach the final after landing on the "weaker" side of the knockout draw - avoiding the likes of Brazil, France, Argentina, Portugal and Belgium.

But this morning's shock penalty shoot-out defeat against Russia means an unexpected side will make the final. Of the six teams on that side of the draw only England (1966) and Sweden (1958) have ever made a final before - when they were tournament hosts - with England winning their final 4-2 against West Germany and Sweden going down 5-2 to Brazil in what was the South American side's first title.

That means one of these sides will make the final:

Russia

The hosts came into the World Cup as the tournament's lowest ranked team - 70th in the latest Fifa rankings. They are now into the last eight following their penalty shoot-out win over Spain. They scored eight goals in their opening two games, following a 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a 3-1 victory over Egypt. But have scored just once in their last 210 minutes of play - and that was from a handball penalty. Despite that how can you not back them making the semifinals? Next up for them are Croatia in Sochi.

TAB odds: $5 (to reach final), $19 (to win it all)

Croatia

They have conceded just two goals from their four matches at the World Cup and should have put away Denmark in extra-time when Luka Modrić missed a penalty. The midfield duo of Modrić and Ivan Rakitic are world-class and could be a handful for the Russians.

TAB odds: $2.80 (to reach final), $6.50 (to win it all)

England

England have only ever reached the World Cup semifinals twice, the last time was in 1990 when they lost to Germany on penalties. But everything seems to be falling in place for Gareth Southgate's side and the "football's coming home" crowd. Southgate rested seven players for the final group game defeat to Belgium so they should have plenty of legs for the potential extra-time and shoot-out against Colombia on Wednesday.

TAB odds: $3.50 (to reach final), $6 (to win it all)

Colombia

The South Americans reached the quarter-finals for the first time at the last World Cup where they were pipped 2-1 by hosts Brazil. They're outsiders to get past England on Wednesday morning but would most likely be favoured if they advance from there on until the final.

TAB odds: $7 (to reach final), $19 (to win it all)

Switzerland

It may be surprising to most that Switzerland are the third highest ranked team remaining in the tournament. The Swiss were sixth in the latest Fifa rankings and have lost once in the last year while drawing friendlies with Spain and Brazil. Switzerland have never reached the semifinals and last made the final eight in 1954 - they lost to Austria 7-5. They are the favourites to beat Sweden on Wednesday morning.

TAB odds: $12 (to reach final), $31 (to win it all)

Sweden

They lost to Germany, who didn't even make the knock-out stages! However, they are one of the hot teams coming into the round of 16 following a 3-0 win over Mexico. That doesn't matter. Sweden won't make the final.

TAB odds: $13 (to reach final), $41 (to win it all)