Today is the day! The World Cup is finally here. And please don’t think your boy would leave you in the lurch without predictions. Here are some grand scheme, big picture Russia 2018 preddo’s:

Quarter-Finals:

Germany v. England

Spain v. Argentina

Brazil v. Belgium

Uruguay v. France

Semi-Finals:

Germany v. Argentina

Brazil v. France

Final:

Argentina v. Brazil

Winner:

Brazil

Golden Ball (best player):

Neymar (Brazil)

There will be others in contention of course but the Ball usually goes to the winner. I have my eyes on France’s Paul Pogba as well and a massive tournament ahead for Argentina’s upstart Lionel Messi.

Golden Boot (top scorer):

Kylian Mbappé (France)

France have the easier of the routes to the semis. And Kylian scores for fun. Others I like: Thomas Müller (Germany), Isco (Spain), Gabriel Jesus (Brazil) and of course Messi. 5-6 goals should win it or at least have you in the running. Very doable for an in form striker on a side making a deep run.

There you go! There certainly will be upsets. Portugal and Colombia are sides to watch if they hit their stride. Both can be very dangerous and have the experience to boot. And listen, Germany will play conservatively and are simply difficult to beat. I rolled the dice here but don’t be afraid to have them repeating as champions. They won’t go quietly and have the depth to suffocate opponents in big matches. For me, I think Messi will make his final Cup push. I believe he will rally his countrymen and get them back to the form they are capable of reaching. Argentina boast the best strike force in the world (Messi, Paolo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuaín and Sergio Agüero), and if pushed to use them all, there is no defence strong enough. In the end, I have faith in the overall talent of Brazil. The storylines are on their side with a hunger for redemption. Neymar will have to stay fit for this to work and then the sky is the limit.

Enjoy and good luck to your countries!