WORLD CUP PREDICTION
Who will win the World Cup?
Like every football tournament, its not about the individuals but about the unity in the team. At Euro 2016, no one expected Portugal to lift the trophy especially with star man Cristiano Ronaldo going off injured early in the 1st half. Our team of experts have analysed every team and have come up with their outcomes. Our team have their say on their top selections
Brazil
Brazil start the competition as favourites and this is no surprise seeing the class of players in their 23 man squad. Neymar looks to have recovered from his ankle injury and found the back of the net their 2 warm up matches against Croatia and Austria. The Brazilian side has strength in depth. Assuming there are no shocks and they top their group, they will have a favourable draw and should avoid the likes of Germany, Argentina and Portugal.
BACK BRAZIL TO WIN THE WORLD CUP AT 4/1
Germany
Germany would fancy their chances of topping their group. Joachim Low shocked the world by leaving out Man City winger Leroy Sane but this German side is as solid as one can get. They are defending their title so they will certainly be no pushovers. They might lack that goal scoring forward but do not write off Timo Werner, the young German has pace that can tear any defence apart. The Germans could compensate for their easy group with a tough draw in the KO stages where they could face Argentina and England before reaching the final.
BACK GERMANY TO WIN THE WORLD AT 9/2
FRANCE
France have the loss of the Euro 2016 final to motivate them to go 1 step further and win a tournament. Of course, the World Cup is a tougher competition but the group of French players selected oozes class. They are solid all over the park. With the likes of Varane, Pogba and Griezmann they have a solid backbone and they have the potential to make up for their Euro 2016 heartbreak.
BACK FRANCE TO WIN THE WORLD CUP AT 11/2
SPAIN
Spain are impossible to write off. They head into this tournament with the right mix of youth and experience. They were disappointing in back to back tournaments but have an extra incentive as this is Andreas Iniesta’s last World Cup. They will be hoping for a fast start as they face Portugal in their opener which could determine who tops the group. No doubt they have a tough passage to the final but with, born winner and controversial captain, Sergio Ramos leading the team from the back, they will definitely be hard to beat.
BACK SPAIN TO WIN THE WORLD CUP AT 7/1
ARGENTINA
Argentina came so close in 2014 and Leo Messi will be determined to make amends for the heartbreak in Rio De Janiero. Manuel Lanzini suffered an injury in training which saw him withdraw from the squad. Their is no doubt that the Argentinians strength in their attack with Dybala, Higuain, Aguero and Di Maria all options to play alongside captain Leo Messi. They would fancy their chances to top the group and we could see a RONALDO V MESSI showdown in the last 8. If they can sort out their defence, they are definite contenders.
BACK ARGENTINA TO WIN THE WORLD CUP AT 9/1
ENGLAND
England have always failed misreably but Gareth Southgate’s men come into the World Cup with some fresh faces. For many of the side, this is their first World Cup. The English side have been disappointing in the last few tournaments and will be relying on Harry Kane’s goals to lead them to glory. The English side have impressed in their warm up friendlies, particularly in the first half against Nigeria. They come into this tournament without the burden of favourites so you never know what to expect.
BACK ENGLAND TO WIN THE WORLD CUP AT 16/1