We have waited four years but finally the World Cup is upon us. I am personally extremely excited and am expected some fantastic football. A return to three games a day on the television is a treat for any football fan.
Now is the time I will make my predictions (which will likely all be wrong).
WINNER: Germany
I am going to be extremely bold and suggest that a non-South American side will take the title. It has never been done before when the tournament has been held on South American soil. However I feel the Germans have the quality to do it. It is always a solid bet the Germans will be involved come the latter stages of any international tournament no matter which players are picked. So given the quality of this side they are very much title contenders.
RUNNER UP: Argentina
Lionel Messi is yet to have a strong World Cup however this could be the one. On South American soil I think Messi will shine in a side which has a frighteningly good attack. Defensively they are weak however looking at the draw I can see them reaching the semi-finals before coming up against a side good enough to trouble them.
ENGLAND : Quarter Final
With England I honestly do think it will be very tough to get out of the group. However I am feeling optimist at the moment and will predict the QF. I personally just hope Hodgson plays the men in form. Stirling, Barkley and Lallana must play for me. If fit , Oxlade-Chmberlain must play a part. I hope we go out with intent and not to defend and that we do not see the likes of Welbeck and Milner starting games.
I also hope Rooney is dropped. I know full well he will play against Italy but he does not deserve to. Expect him to be subbed having made zero impact as usual. With the other players we have at our disposal he does not merit his place.
SURPRISE: CHILE
I am a huge fan of Chile. The way they took England apart at Wembley with their pace was very impressive. They have the attributes to do very well in the tournament. First shock will be them beating the Netherlands and qualifying from the group at their expense.
Would like to see them take on Brazil in the last 16. Would be a cracker.
DISAPPOINTMENT: IVORY COAST
Ivory Coast have long been the supposed best side in Africa. The talent they have at their disposal is remarkable and yet they never seem to turn up at the big events. I expect this to be no different. In the last World Cup they were handed a tough group however this time is a far easier. This will only make their failure to get out of the group even worse.
Yaya Toure will need to be at his best driving on his side from midfield if they are to have any hope.
I expect Colombia and Japan to progress from group C.
To be honest I do not hold out any hope for the African sides as feel all 5 will fail to get out of their respective groups. For me they are very very weak.
TOP SCORER: MIROSLAV KLOSE
This one is a massive outsider (50/1) however I think that Germany will have a strong tournament and Klose will get game time. There is no doubt that this man is a great finisher and has a terrific international record. I am certain he will break Ronaldo's World Cup record and can see him finishing this tournament with 5/6 goals and that could be enough.
HOPE: FOOTBALL REMEMBERED NOT REFEREE DECISIONS
This year in the Premier League we have had some awful calls by referees. I hope and pray that this is not the case at the World Cup. Thankfully goal-line technology is now available so at least that should not be an issue. There will undoubtedly be plenty of diving and play-acting which is never good to see but I hope the referees do not fall for it. Also I do not agree with the idea of we must have referees from all over the world. Its quality that matters.
Above all else I hope to see consistency on decisions however I think the tournament will just highlight again the need for video technology in football which for me can not come soon enough.
