FIFA World Cup 2018: South American combined XI
The European and South American football federations, UEFA and CONMEBOL, have shared the destination of the World Cup trophy since its inception in 1930.
European teams are slightly out in front with 11 trophies; Germany (Four), Italy (Four), France (One), England (One) and Spain (One).
Three countries from South America have gone all the way in a World Cup final; Brazil (Five), Argentina (Two) and Uruguay (Two). It is probably fair to say that UEFA have had more recent success, with only two South American winners since 1990.
From the 32 nations that have already qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, what would the South American combined XI look like?
Manager and Formation
Brazil manager Tite fills the role of manager after his stellar performance in getting the five-time winners to the finals in Russia with a couple of games to spare.
One loss from 19 games since taking over the role in the summer of 2016 represents an excellent start, not least because of the strength of the opposition in qualifying.
The team itself will line up in a slightly augmented 4-3-3, with a flat backline, a central defensive midfielder, Central midfielder and an attacking midfielder, and an advanced front three - this should make the most of the attacking talent that South America has to offer.