Between Germany and France for me, I'd go for Germany as I think Deschamps is below par even though France have the stronger group of players. Spain are going to mess it up somehow, I would say not get out of their group (Portugal to win that one) but given the other teams are Morocco and Iran they'd have to do terribly. Then in the second round it'd be Russia/Uruguay/Egypt - would LOVE it if Salah tore Spain a new arsehole in the 2nd round. Argentina, Belgium and even Brazil - bleh - I actually think there's much more mediocrity than previous tournaments.
Think France's attitude and collective personality will hold them back. Genuinely don't know who I fancy, heads says Germany, heart says Belgium, stomach says Brazil, arsehole says Argentina.
**** it, I'm going to say it. England are going to win it. Come on, we can do it. Kane to win the golden boot and young Jordan to win the golden gloves. I'm going to see Ed Sheeran at Wembley tonight, so I'll say a little prayer at the spiritual home of football.
I think the dark horses have to be Belgium cracking young side. Do think England will do well for some reason, doesn’t seem to be too much hype in the press this time so could help.
I can't look past France because of their insane team, Brazil for flair in Neymar etc. and Germany more workmanlike but with sheer quality too. I'm going for Brazil, no reason at all. I think Belgium will absolutely bomb if they play to Martinez and his tactics - if they let Hazard and De Bruyne loose they might have a chance but don't see it. England to get to the QF's and that's their lot - think it's an average squad in comparison to some of the other teams around, hoping the absolte lack of fear in some of the younge lads will be a huge positive.
Germany to win it in their trademark efficient and unspectacular manner. Lukaku to be top scorer Uruguay to get to the semi finals (dark(ish) horse) England to go out in the 2nd round to Columbia / Poland
Belgium are one of the favourites mate, cant really be dark horses, players wise could absolutely win it but they don’t seem to step up as a team. I think we get a draw of them and as such whoever scores most v Panama wins group and plays Poland. Kane v Lukaku I’d take Kane 8 days a week!
Absolutely mate, real quality going forward and some really decent athletic defenders. Poland are solid, Lewandowski takes them up a notch but Colombia have players who can tear you up.
They've got one of the best squads I've seen them in a long time. Their defence, Rojo, Otamendi, Fazio should be solid enough. I think their performances through qualifying were down to how the Argentina squad was at the time, not a true reflection of their talent. Midfield seems a little weak but I can see Di Maria really shining in this tournament. The forwards for Argentina are possibly the most complete and talented forward line I've ever seen at a world cup. It's frightening.
See for me Rojo is a tidy player but a poor defender, and Fabio is god awful gets turned for fun. They are as I said generally brilliant going the other way though, they certainly could win it but I’d be surprised personally.
Robbie Williams is perhaps the most intolerable talentless **** to come out of our country since the twat who created Eastenders.
Yeah, depends what triumphs - the flair or the organisation. I know which one England would be better suited to if we get through the group stages
Oh, I think Putin is a fine and glorious leader (just in case some Ruskies are indulging in a spot of hacking and eavesdropping)
****ing horrible. Robbie Williams strutting around, gurning and wearing a red, leather, cheetah patterned suit. Fat Ronaldo inexplicably came out and waved amongst dancers who looked like they'd been picked out of a dole queue and forced into costumes someone on acid had designed. Putin did his best '36 Hitler impression. Russia is great welcome to the most hospitable country in the world nonsense. Bla bla. Dire. Thank god it's over and the football is starting.