World Cup 2018 Draw Predictor
The anticipation is mounting ahead of the 2018 World Cup and with all the teams primed and ready for kick-off, the attention is already turning to the business end of the tournament and the knock-out stages.
Getting through the group stages is the first priority for all the teams involved, and while some of the groups appear to be a forgone conclusion, the doubt creeps in as to which teams will finish first and second respectively.
This is how we see the draw unfolding and who could potentially leave Russia as Champions.
Group stages
Anything can happen in the group stages, just look at what happened to Spain and Portugal last time out. Find out who we have predicted to go through to the business end of the tournament.
Group A
The group consists of hosts Russia, two-time winners Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. I expect Uruguay to top the group with Egypt edging out Russia. This is a risky prediction especially considering the uncertainly around Mo Salah.
First: Uruguay, Second: Egypt
Group B
This is all about Spain and Portugal, however the tricky decision to make is in what order. Morocco and Iran are making up the numbers in this group and don’t expect them to spring any surprises. The opening game in this group between the European Champions Portugal and 2010 World Cup winners Spain, is where it could all be decided. If the teams draw, then goal difference might very well be the judge. Looking at it from this perspective then I have to say Spain will edge out Portugal.
First: Spain, Second: Portugal
Group C
France are expected to top the group here leaving Denmark, Australia and Peru to fight it out. Peru have qualified for the first time since 1982, and you can bet they will be up for it. I just don’t see the Aussies having the class to make any waves here, while the Danes to me look the most capable of going through with France.
First: France, Second: Denmark
Group D
Another really interesting group, this one comprising of Argentina, Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria. If Argentina are firing they should breeze through this group. Iceland and Croatia shared the same qualifying group so there will be no secrets there, while Nigeria will be a little unknown. Nigeria will have plenty of individual talent, but their ability to play as a team on the biggest stage might be their downfall. Got to be Croatia, too much world class quality to be overlooked.
First: Argentina, Second: Croatia
Group E
Brazil will of course go through here top of the group. Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia are the others battling it out for the other spot. Neither of these three are the most spectacular of teams. I feel like we are forced to pick the best of a bad bunch here. Using this theory then Switzerland will join Brazil.
First: Brazil, Second: Switzerland
Group F
Defending Champions Germany will be expected to top this group with many expecting them to go all the way! South Korea will put on a brave show without any quality, while Sweden will not be getting through on their attacking qualities. To me Mexico are a dark horse to go all the way, so we predict they are going to finish second behind the Germans.
First: Germany, Second: Mexico
Group G
Really interesting group featuring Belgium and England. Oh yes of course there is Panama and Tunisia as well. What is exciting is that pretty much the whole Belgium team play their football in the Premier League. They do have some serious talent the Red Devils and I expect this group will be decided by their clash with England, unless Tunisia or Panama can record a shock win?
First: Belgium, Second: England
Group H
Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan make up the final group and while many fans will be supporting Senegal as their second team, Colombia and Poland should get through. Don’t get me wrong, the African nation, and Japan for that matter, are both more than capable of an upset here, however have to go with Poland to finish behind Colombia.
First: Colombia, Second: Poland
Round of 16
Right, so we have our 16, let’s take a look at how they match up and who will go through.
Uruguay v Portugal
Winner of Group A v second in Group B. A little bit of Barcelona v Real Madrid in Suarez v Ronaldo. This is a really tough game so soon after the group stages. Despite having the 5 time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo, and being European Champions, I see Uruguay edging this one. They do have some serious quality from back to front, not to mention experience.
Winner: Uruguay
Spain v Egypt
First in Group B v Second in Group A. You won’t believe this…Ramos v Salah II could be on the cards here. If this is the case there is every chance we could see the brilliant Egyptian wanting revenge, which he might very well get. I just don’t believe it will be enough and Spain will advance. How about this, moment of brilliance as Salah beats Ramos to score, but Spain win 2-1.
Winner: Spain
France v Croatia
Winner of Group C v second in Group D. Croatia are a really talented team in in Luka Modric they have the very best midfielder in the world, well when he plays with Real Madrid that is. Man for man France just seem to have the better team and are expected to get through.
Winner: France
Argentina v Denmark
Top of Group D v second in Group C. Messi, Dybala, Higuain, Aguero…surely Denmark can’t stop this attack. I expect the Danes to be on the back foot for most of this game but not to hold out. Argentina have too much quality and is their game to lose.
Winner: Argentina
Brazil v Mexico
Winner of Group E v second in Group F. What a game this could be. Two of the most populous and colorful footballing nations on the planet. There could be a lot of goals in this one when you consider the attacking talent that will be on display. The result, Brazil to score more goals is the best answer I can give here.
Winner: Brazil
Germany v Switzerland
Winner of Group F v second in Group E. Battle between European neighbours! This will not be an easy one for Germany. I expect a very tight game here and for the defending champions to edge it by a goal.
Winner: Germany
Belgium v Poland
Winners of Group G v second in Group H. Another all European clash featuring some tremendous talent. Robert Lewandowski will be a real threat, however Belgium have more attacking options here and an exceptional defence. Belgium through to the quarterfinals.
Winner: Belgium
Colombia v England
Winners of Group H v runners up in Group G. I appreciate England have a young team here but they will be fearless coming into this one, much like their opponents were four years ago. Sure Colombia have plenty of talent and love to play, however I see this clash as England exceeding expectations and marching on through.
Winner: England
Quarterfinals
Down to the last 8 and the team that wins their next three games will be crowned World Champions for the next four years! Let’s take a look what we have lined up.
Uruguay v France
Mouthwatering prospect this one. Two teams full of talent and full of temperamental players! Could be a few goals here, although I can see more cards than goals. If Cavani scores and Uruguay win, it might be an idea that he speaks to his representatives about a move away from PSG. That said I don’t think he will need to worry as according to my predictor France will go through here. How about on penalties!
Winner: France
Spain v Argentina
This is going to be quite an occasions. Messi against several of his teammates, not to mention Mascherano against his former teammates! This clash really gets the juices flowing and is worthy of a final in itself. This is going to be Messi’s World Cup so the Argentinians to win this one.
Winner: Argentina
Brazil v Belgium
Again the quality on show in this one really gets you going and you can bet that De Bruyne will not want to arrive at City for the new season and have to face a barrage of abuse from Jesus and Fernadinho if Belgium lose. Well I personally think he needs to prepare for this as Brazil will have too much.
Winner: Brazil
Germany v Enlgand
The old enemies going head-to-head yet again in a World Cup. This will be a very physical affair which will play into the hands of Germany. Mentally better equipped to handle the pressure on the big stage and far more experience here for the Germans. England will put on a good performance but Germany to go through.
Winner: Germany
Semifinals
And then there was four! Pretty pleased with the way this prediction is turning out consider three of the top four favourites have made it this far, not to mention Argentina. How do I think this will end? Let’s find out.
France v Brazil
With Brazil winning 3-1 in 2015 and 3-0 in 2013, I am going for the hat-trick of wins for the Samba Boys. Losing 7-1 to Germany in the 2014 World Cup will be a memory that will inspire them this time around. World Cup semifinals are familiar territory for Brazil so they will be expected to handle the occasion.
France on the other hand will be the ones feeling the pressure here. Can’t see them handling the big stage as well as the Brazilians, which will tip the balance in favour of the South Americans.
Winner: Brazil
Argentina v Germany
What a match-up this would be. On paper one of the best attacks against one of the most solid defensive units. German mentality supports big match temperament like no other team in the world, however I keep referring to Messi’s World Cup and as we have seen down the years when he has things his own way he is quite simply unstoppable.
In the 2014 World Cup Argentina lost 1-0 to the Germans something they will be desperate to put right this time around. Since 2010 these teams have met on four occasions with two wins each. I expect Argentina to move ahead on this count.
Winner: Argentina
Final
Just 90 minutes stands between heartbreak or ecstasy, who will previal between these two giants of South American football.
Brazil v Argentina
With five World Cup wins to Argentina’s two, the expectation will be very much on the Samba Boys extending their record run in the tournament. Argentina missed out on two consecutive World Cup wins during their last visit to a final back in 1990, and have also been losing finalists in four of the last five Copa America’s. This will be fresh in their mindset and a huge driving force behind ensuring this does not happen again.
Brazil had the upper hand in qualification with a 3-0 win and a 1-1 draw, although the last time the teams met it was Argentina that won 1-0.
Let’s get real here. This is a prediction…the tournament hasn’t even started and the final could very well be between Panama and Costa Rica! Most likely not but think you get my point. That said would be pretty cool if things did play out like this!
Winner: Argentina
