The world is buzzing for the World Cup. 32 teams in 8 groups, fighting for the biggest trophy in world football.

Group A – Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay.

This is an interesting group, because all these teams are underrated. Egypt has the undoubtedly best player in the Premier League, if not the world, and he is a clear danger towards defenders. The one problem is that he is the team, the rest of the team is decent at best, Salah is the Messi of Egypt and will be targeted as such.

The hosts Russia will definitely be trying their hardest and pushing, simply because they are the hosts. The only good player I can highlight is Igor Akinfeev. He is pretty decent in the goal and can definitely be a trouble for the likes of Salah, Suarez, Cavani…etc.

There isn’t much I can talk about with Saudi, but they got themselves to the World Cup, facing difficult teams, and they shouldn’t be overlooked.

Uruguay is definitely a dangerous team, in goal they have a decent keeper in Muslera, Diego Godin is leading the defense (his experience will be key). The most important part of their team is their deadly attack. The duo of PSG’s Edinson Cavani and Barcelona’s Luis Suarez will definitely put fear in the hearts of defenders and keepers, they will be the make or break factor of Uruguay.

Prediction – 1st place Uruguay, 2nd place Egypt

Group B – Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran.

Another clear group in my opinion. Spain has one of the most well balanced teams in all aspects. Their midfield has a lot of young talents that will surely put them in first place in this group. Portugal have arguably one of the best players of all time Cristiano Ronaldo. As the captain and a natural goal scorer you can be sure he will secure the team the 2nd place in the group. Morocco and Iran have quite poor teams and I doubt they will see this competition past the group stage

Group C – France, Australia, Peru, Denmark.

France. Is. Deadly.

France IMO has the biggest chance, besides Germany, to win the World Cup. They just have such a good, young squad. France has the likes of Kylian Mbappé, N’golo Kante, Antoine Griezmann, Corentin Tolisso, etc. I can go on forever about their youth. They are definitely the one to watch this World Cup, I can guarantee they will play exciting soccer.

Australia, Peru, and Denmark are all teams that have done good to get themselves to this point, but I’m afraid won’t go any longer. The only player I’ll highlight is Christian Eriksen, from Denmark. This Spurs player can quickly turn the tide of a game on it’s head. He will give defenders and keepers a run for their money.

Prediction, France 1st, Denmark 2nd

Group D – Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria.

Argentina for me will steamroll through this group into the round of 16. With the likes of Messi, Aguero, Dybala, Higuain and Di Maria, they have without a doubt the most deadly strike force in the competition. The second place will be tough competition. Iceland had a brilliant Euro and arguably the best supporters in the world. Croatia are also an unsung hero with the likes of Kovacic, Modric and Mandzukic pulling the strings. Nigeria have some individual talent but for me not enough to secure a top 2 spot.

Group E – Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia.

This group has clear favorites in Brazil, after their embarrassing 7-1 loss to Germany, they definitely want to redeem themselves. They have a very strong and scary team. The second favorites are Switzerland. They have a decent team with Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka.

Costa Rica and Serbia are going to be good opponents for the Brazilians and the Swiss, but they will definitely outmatch them.

Prediction – First Brazil, Second Switzerland

Group F – Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

Germany could not have asked for an easier group. They were the last world cup winners, and look to win it again and will have no difficulty securing the 1st place in the group. I think Mexico will come in second just because of the fact that Ibrahimovic will not be playing for Sweden. Although South Korea have a big name in Heung Min Son (Tottenham) I don’t think they will be able to produce the quality that Germany, Mexico and Sweden have.

Group H – Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan.

This group is overlooked by most but there are some remarkable players among these teams. Lewandowski leads Poland and is definitely going to manage to find the net. We also have James Rodriguez who received the golden boot at the last World Cup in Brazil. Senegal and Japan are the underdogs here but you can never overlook any team in the World Cup. My prediction is Columbia will get first followed by Lewandowski’s Poland.

Tune in to the World Cup 2018 starting on June 14th lasting to the 15th of July. The final will be played in Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow; will your team be in the running??? #WorldCup2018