SO, the big day has arrived and once the hoopla of the opening ceremony is over, the teams will get down to business this Thursday, 14 June.
I’m wondering if the day will start with traditional Russian Cossack dancers or with a modern-day mail order bride-type display featuring less muscular, but more attractive legs?
Be that as it may, I must now get off the fence and do some predictions for this week’s games:
Thursday – Russia vs Saudi Arabia. With home support, ground advantage and the exhilaration of hosting the event to power them, Russia should cruise to a 3-1 win
Friday – Egypt vs Uruguay. Yes, I know Salah is there, but Egypt have little else against the stubborn Uruguayans, who play an extremely physical game, to put it mildly. I make it 2-1 to the South Americans.
Friday – Portugal vs Spain. Two teams that promise much but don’t always deliver on the world stage. I predict the canny Spaniards to win 1-0.
Friday – Morocco vs Iran. This is the time for Africa, but 1-1 might be the best bet.
Saturday – France vs Australia. Can’t see the men from Down Under withstanding the French fries, so it’s Les Bleus 3 and Oz 1 in my book.
Saturday – Peru vs Denmark. A close one to call and maybe a goalless draw is on the cards.
Saturday – Argentina vs Iceland. Since I have never forgiven Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ deceit in the 1986 event, I hope the ice men thrash Argentina. Not likely, and the head rules the heart, so I say 3-1 to Argentina.
Saturday – Croatia vs Nigeria. It’s just got to be our continental neighbours, who must prove that Africa’s flair will lead to a highly entertaining 4-2 win.
Sunday – Brazil vs Switzerland. No place for neutrality here and the samba dancers will outdo the clinical Swiss at the rate of 3-0.
Sunday – Costa Rica vs Serbia. A game that won’t attract too many viewers and my shout is 1-0 to the Serbs.
Sunday – Germany vs Mexico. The Germans will be the bookmakers’ favourites, but the Mexicans can beat anyone on their day, so I’m going for a surprise 2-2 draw.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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