The real top 10 to fear at a major tournament

Before a ball is kicked at an international tournament, fans single out the whipping boys, the dark horses and the teams to fear, often throwing the FIFA World Rankings out the window in the process.

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Fans are often left scratching their heads when they look at the FIFA World Rankings because it overlooks one important trait in a national team – Fear Factor.

According to the current rankings (calculated based on wins over a four-year period), France is ranked 17th, while Austria is 10th - but there’s no question over which side poses the bigger threat.

Belgium and Colombia rank higher than Germany - the current World Champion, and heavy favourite to win EURO 2016.

Then there's sleeping giant the Netherlands, which may have struggled in recent years (by failing to qualify for UEFA EURO 2016) but there's no denying Oranje always delivers at the big tournaments.

Italy has proven this better than anyone at EURO 2016, with one of its weakest squads (on paper) in recent history, the Azzuri made its way to France with minimal expectations.

What Italy lacks in talent, it makes up for with discipline, pedigree and a tactically astute coach. Conte's men cruised through the group stage, before dismantling a star-studded Spain side in the round of 16.

The Netherlands did the same thing at the World Cup in 2014, coming into the tournament in shaky form and with fatigued star players. Despite the challenges, it stepped up when it mattered most and finished in third place after going down to Argentina in the semi-final on penalties.

The rankings fluctuate constantly, but history tells a steady story. Excluding Brazil in 2002 and Greece’s miraculous run in 2004, Germany, Italy, Spain, or France has won every EURO or FIFA World Cup since 1996.

A winning philosophy is etched into the DNA of these football giants, which means a steady stream of good coaches and young talent on the production line.

For these sides, form can mean very little, they are always a threat at an international tournament feared by any side that has to face them.