FIFA World Cup 2018 - Predictions

The greatest sporting event on the planet kicks off in a week. For all the effort that goes in for each country (other than the host) to qualify, they could find themselves out of the competition after just 3 matches, such being the format of the tournament. Which also means that one result could mean a favourite getting knocked out or a relatively unknown team make it to the knock-out rounds. This also means that predicting results can get very tricky. So with that disclaimer, here are my predictions for the group and knock-out stages.


Group A:
It’s hard to look beyond Uruguay as toppers of this relatively weaker group. On paper, Egypt should be second, but I am not sure how Mo Salah’s injury might impact then. That, and given that Russia are playing on home soil, I am going to call them as the second qualifier.
A-1 - Uruguay
A-2 - Russia


Group B:
Spain and Portugal look obvious favourites to go through and the first match in this group could well decide who is first and second.
B-1 - Spain
B-2 - Portugal


Group C:
France are on the favourites to win the World Cup this year. Peru are relatively unknown at this level, while I expect Australia to display moments of brilliance, but not enough to make it out of the group that also contains Denmark.
C-1 - France
C-2 - Denmark


Group D:
One of the trickiest groups to call, in my humble opinion. I believe Argentina will make it through, but only just. Croatia have a strong time, but will they gel during the tournament? Iceland might be everyone’s favourite underdog as the smallest country to ever qualify for the Cup. But I am going to call Nigeria as the group winners.
D-1 - Nigeria
D-2 - Argentina


Group E:
Costa Rica had a great outing the last World Cup and could spring a surprise this time around as well. But I will go with the (on paper) stronger teams here.
E-1 - Brazil
E-2 - Switzerland


Group F:
I don’t expect much from South Korea and Sweden will, as always, be solid. Again, shouldn’t be too many surprises in this group.
F-1 - Germany
F-2 - Mexico


Group G:
Tunisia might surprise, but again, I expect the two strongest teams to go through. Belgium have a strong time, but I am going with England to top the group.
G-1 - England
G-2 - Belgium


Group H:
I can’t see beyond Poland topping the group. The fight for second should be between Senegal and Colombia with the South American team edging it.
H-1 - Poland
H-2 - Colombia

Round of 16:


A-1 (Uruguay) vs. B-2 (Portugal)
Should be an interesting clash. Suarez and co might just be too hard to handle for Christiano Ronaldo and team.
W49 - Uruguay


C-1 (France) vs. D-2 (Argentina)
A juicy clash for the pre-quarterfinals. France are a very strong side, but I expect Leonel Messi to win this for the South Americans.
W50 - Argentina


B-1 (Spain) vs. A-2 (Russia)
Russia will do well to get out of their group. They should, hopefully, be able to put up some fight while bowing out of the tournament.
W51 - Spain


D-1 (Nigeria) vs. C-2 (Denmark)
A tough one, but Denmark will pip this one.
W52 - Denmark


E-1 (Brazil) vs F-2 (Mexico)
An all-American clash, but the South American giants should be too strong for Mexico.
W53 - Brazil


G-1 (England) vs. H-2 (Colombia)
A good chance for England to make it to the quarters and I expect them to take it.
W54 - England


F-1 (Germany) vs. E-2 (Switzerland)
Four-time winners and defending champions, Germany, should make it through this one.
W55 - Germany


H-1 (Poland) vs. G-2 (Belgium)
Should be a very interesting match between two European dark horses. I expect Eden Hazard and co to get past Lewandowski and team.
W56 - Belgium

Quarter-finals


Uruguay vs. Argentina
Argentina to win this battle with their neighbours.
W57 - Argentina


Brazil vs. England
The five-time champions should be too strong for the 1966 champions
W58 - Brazil


Spain vs. Denmark
W59 - Spain


Germany vs Belgium
W60 - Germany

Semi-finals


Argentina vs. Brazil
Messi vs. Neymar. Though the match will be decided by Brazil’s greater all-round depth.
W61 - Brazil


Spain vs. Germany
W62 - Germany

Finals


Brazil vs. Germany
A chance for Brazil to exact revenge for their 7-1 defeat in the previous World Cup. And they will do so.


Winners - Brazil.
Runners Up - Germany.
Third-place - Argentina.




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