With only one month to go until the world cup starts who do you think will win the tournament? defending champions Germany are currently the favourites to win the tournament and it's easy to understand why when you look at the depth of talent in their squad. France, Spain & Brazil are also amongst the favourites to lift the famous gold trophy in Russia. Belgium, Colombia & Uruguay could be considered dark horses as well. Portugal will look towards Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina will look towards Lionel Messi for inspiration this summer.

It could be anyone really, some of the favourites to win will almost certainly be kicked out at the group stage (I mean, Italy didn't even qualify) but I guess Germany is a good shout. I've gone for Uruguay but there's no real reasoning behind that - another incident with Suarez could get them a little further :P It'll be interesting to see whether Iceland get through the groups as well!

My first group by group analysis, leading up to the tournament:

 

 

Group A

 

Russia // Saudi Arabia // Egypt // Uruguay

 

 

Russia

 

Analysis: Their last two tournaments (EURO 2016 and 2017 Confederations Cup) were both disasters and recent friendlies have not been encouraging either. The strong EURO 2008 squad has aged into the their mid-30s and most of that squad has been replaced by young players that are not proven as of yet.

 

Key Player: Aleksandr Kokorin (Zenit St. Petersburg) - Having a career year for his club and is third leading scoring in the Europa League.

 

Outlook: 3rd place in group stage

 

 

Saudi Arabia

 

Analysis: Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2006, after defeating Japan 1-0 on the last day of Asian Qualifying. Their coach, who led them through the qualifying campaign, left the team shortly after due to a contract dispute. They've gone through a couple of coaches since and have settled on former Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi (who led Chile to the 2016 Copa Centenario win). Does he have enough time to become acquainted with his new team?

 

Key Player: Mohammed Al-Sahlawi (Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia) - The 30 year-old was joint top scorer in Asian Qualification and has a flare for dramatic late-goals for his country.

 

Outlook: 4th place in group stage

 

 

Egypt

 

Analysis: The current Egyptian squad is mostly an unknown to the international stage. The last few World Cup qualifying campaigns have ended in heartbreak, usually at the hands of Ghana. Seemingly, as if the CAF leaders were having a joke on Egypt's account, they were thrust into the same qualifying group as their nemesis...and they destroyed everyone including Ghana. This is a fast-paced young squad that is very fun to watch play; being a new generation that have all developed together. They made to the 2017 African Cup of Nations final and it'll be enjoyable to see if they're ready for the big stage.

 

Key Player: Mo Salah (Liverpool) - Unless you've been living under a rock, you know what Salah has been doing for Liverpool in both the Premier League and Champions League. Some have even said he may be the next Messi/Ronaldo. He can take a major step towards those lofty goals with a breakout tournament here.

 

Outlook: Win the group, lose in Round of 16.

 

 

Uruguay

 

Analysis: In recent years Uruguay have been a tough team to judge. They finished second to Brazil in South American World Cup Qualifying, but also were dreadful in the last couple Copa America tournaments. They can be a quick-trigger team capable of magnificent goals and attacking football but can also be a slow-footed, bogged-down team that struggles to get results. They are veteran squad that could go on a long run or be ousted in the group stage. wejustdontknow.gif

 

Key Player: Luis Suarez (Barcelona) - Far from a one-man army (Edinson Cavani also leads a potent attack) Suarez is as polarizing a figure in international football as he is skilled. We all remember his biting incidents but he also single-handedly spurred on Uruguay's qualifying campaign. Despite finishing second, knowing what teams would qualify from this region was always in the balance, thank to string of results that can only be described as chaos. Suarez had many big moments to lead Uruguay to Russia.

 

Outlook: Second in the group, lose in Round of 16.

Edited May 10, 20187 yr by DJHazey

Gone for Brazil, but I think a lot depends on whether Neymar makes it. Otherwise you can't see much past Germany, they're like a machine.

Went for Germany - can't believe someone has gone for England.

Messi to lead Argentina to WC glory at the last attempt.

Brazil for me!

I think Brazil has a lot to prove as far putting that 7-1 loss to Germany behind them, they'll get it done.

Germany or France

Between Brazil, Germany and France I reckon.

 

Portugal maybe each-way at 25/1.

Only 8 days to go until the World Cup starts and 16 votes so far in this. Any more?

Although it's difficult to look past Germany, Brazil & France, I have a sneaking suspicion that Spain might do it. Apart from Portugal, they have a nice run to the semi-final and they have such a strong midfield. Their only issue might be up front.

Come around quickly this hasn't it? Just one more lousy friendly to endure.

Changed my mind, think Spain will win it.

I’m backing Germany as per usual. Can’t not really this year in particular! :lol:

 

Confident that they’re in with a good shout

I reckon Germany will win it. Very hard not to doubt them.

 

Other contenders again Brazil, France, Spain maybe Argentina.

 

 

Would be the first successful title defence since 1962 & only the second in World Cup history if they do!

Brazil

Personally I can't see anything pass Germany, but if Belgium qualify from their group which they should and get easy draws in the latter stages they could pull a surprise but they probably get a stuck in the semis with one of the big hitters. I think France and Spain could do with a shout, I'm not so sure about Brazil and Argentina, Argentina could have the odd bad day.

 

 

And who are the 2 members that voted for England, they need a miracle, I know they are winning games to the run up to qualifying but they are really going to struggle in the latter stages, I wouldn't be surprised if we get knocked out in the second round. Their games can be a bit of a miss sometimes and boring to watch.

 

 

And we got a longer wait for the next tournament, 4 years and 6 months :lol: goodness knows how the Football schedule is going to end up for 2022, have they actually figure that out yet. 2026 will be round a lot quicker.

We were very wrong about Germany winning it. They surprised us about how bad they were.