AND SO IT begins this afternoon, the World Cup has pitched up in Russia and will take centre stage over the next month.
The 2018 version begins with the hosts Russia taking on Saudi Arabia in Group A today, with 62 further games on the agenda before the final takes place on Sunday 15 July.
It’s a massive occasion for all the competing countries, particularly for Panama and Iceland who will be making their first appearance in a World Cup.
Yet who’s going to be celebrating at the end of all the action?
The favourites are the hosts from four years ago with Brazil aiming to land a title they last won in 2002.
The reigning champions Germany, 2010 winners Spain, 1998 victors France and Argentina, the beaten finalists from 2014, have also featured in conversations about who the winners are likely to be.
But who do you think will triumph at the Luzhniki Stadium in mid-July?
Let us know.
Poll Results:
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Belgium.
It has to be Egypt….with Salah “down the wing” :-)
No love for Spain?
@Stipe Miocic: Sacking the manager a day before the tournament wouldn’t fill anyone with confidence
@David Lyons: I understand but that’s a dispute between Florentino Perez and the head of the Spanish FA. The man in charge of the Spain to you now is Fernando Hierro. A man that is very much respected by the team.
What’s with all the Brazil votes? Their defence is brutal .
@Fiachra Ahern Esq: You say that but Brazil have a handy enough defence. Thiago Silva, Danilo, Marquinhos, luis (can’t think or don’t know any more) aren’t bad players , some are better going forward than defending but that supply is vital to their success in front of goal. Ederson and Allison could be the two most expensive goalkeepers ever come the start of the season, can’t be that brutal.
@Hardly Normal: you forgot marcelo. One of the best players in the world this year. Also they havent conceded a goal in about 6 games so some people describing them as brutal is a bit harsh