Here we go, prediction time! It's wide open though I think the heavyweights are left standing at the end with a few big upsets mixed in.

Group A:
Uruguay
Egypt
Russia
S. Arabia

Top heavy group, but, if Salah doesn't play the first game, that probably decides first from second. Uruguay are my darkhorse team in this tournament

Group B:
Spain
Portugal
Iran
Morocco

Also very top heavy though Iran could sneak up on someone. Spain look like a dominate team at this point in the draw...

Group C:
France
Peru
Denmark
Australia

France clear cream of the crop and it'll be a dragout fight for second place. I think Peru is inspired by their talisman returning to the roster and have been battle tested in qualifying.

Group D:
Argentina
Croatia
Iceland
Nigeria

Argentina clear favorites here and though I'd love another Iceland upset, I think after their run in the Euros, they won't sneak up on anyone this time. Croatia has a strong core as well and could surprise.

Group E:
Brazil
Switzerland
Costa Rica
Serbia

Brazil are firm favorites here too but the 2nd team could be any of the others. Serbia are a team in turmoil at the top and Costa Rica has trouble scoring so Switzerland should sneak in with all those crazy X factor named players.

Group F:
Germany
Mexico
Sweden
S. Korea

Ho, hum, Germany advance. It's what they do. Mexico clear second best team in this group too, though it would have been interesting to see what Zlatan could have done.

Group G:
Belgium
England
Tunisia
Panama

If England could find a way to draw Belgium, they might be able to top this group. However, I think they have just too much firepower for England to keep up with. Still, a good second place is enough to advance and keep the locals somewhat happy.

Group H:
Senagal
Columbia
Poland
Japan

The true toss-up group. Any one of the top 3 could finish anywhere with Japan, though talented, still lacking overall. Poland is the most overtly reliable on one player though and should Lewandowski not fire, the team won't advance.


Knockout Round:

Uruguay over Portugal - a real rock fight. I expect 2 red cards and maybe 6 yellows. The winner of this game has a real shot to go far in the World Cup. I think Uruguay is just a bit more balanced.

Egypt over Spain - KARMA.

France over Croatia - Croatia are a dangerous team but France has just too much firepower for them to keep up with.

Argentina over Peru - The fairytale ends here for Peru.

Brazil over Mexico - Brazil comes here with a point to prove and they keep the train running on a collusion course with revenge.

Germany over Switzerland - Insert Swiss neutral joke. Germany advance.

Belgium over Columbia - Could be a real firecracker of a match but I think Belgium have so much talent they win out here.

England over Senegal - Could just as easily see England slip up here but they find a win to grind out a 1-0 win with someone else scoring but Harry Kane claiming it.


Quarterfinals:

France over Uruguay - This could all change if Uruguay comes in at full strength. However, I just feel like they will be undermanned and not be able to keep up with France's attack.

Argentina over Egypt - My heart wants Egypt BADLY. But my head still knows that actual Messi is better than new Messi. What a run this would be for Egypt though.

Brazil over Belgium - Game of the tournament, hands down. First team to 4 goals wins.

Germany over England - Germany. Advance. On. Penalties.


Semi-finals:

Brazil over France - Brazil will be desperate to avenge the last semifinal it was in and they will take the game to France. This could be another first to 4 goals game.

Argentina over Germany - A lot of this result would be based on the draw Argentina has. Playing Peru and Egypt would leave them with just more left in the tank at this point.

Final:

Argentina over Brazil - Brazil will have gone through a gauntlet to get to the final and while they have the guns and talent to win, Messi (and Argentina) finds a way and wins the one trophy that has been eluding him.

Golden Ball: Messi, Neymar or Griezmann

Golden Boot Winner: Messi, Neymar or darkhorse Timo Werner

Breakout Player: Goncalo Guedes, the "New" Ronaldo of Portugal.



Here's hoping for great games, upsets and no big injuries.

Take care all. Allez, allez, allez!