World Cup Preview

World Cup 2018

I love this tournament. I absolutely do. Even though a World Champion really shouldn't be decided by 7 games (or action that takes less than a month), there is something about this tournament that gets me. Maybe it's the millennial mentality of it all. It's so short, that it can hold the attention of the masses the entire time, because there is almost a game every single day.  Or perhaps it's the stories of redemption for some players. Ronaldo in 2002. Miroslav Klose in 2014. Lothar Matthaus in 1990. Most legendary players get a second chance to make it right, when they may have been the scapegoat in the previous tournament. It also might be the story lines. Messi and Ronaldo playing again for a chance to lock up world supremacy. England finally getting past the quarterfinals for once. Russia fixing the World Cup in their favor (now that things have been pointed out in 2002, I wouldn't put anything past any host). It's all wonderful, it's all exhilarating, and it's all here. Or in 3 days.

Group A:

Russia (hosts). It's always hard for me to guess how the hosts are going to do, because they get a free pass into the tournament. No games to compete for qualifying, no taking the country too seriously. It's almost relaxing. I haven't really liked their squad since the European Championships back in 2008, when they had the counter-attacking threats of Andriy Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov. Arshavin is gone, and Zhirkov is a shadow of himself. The benefits of an easy group, and also being at home should be enough to get into the round of 16. Perhaps with some outside forces, they can do it.

X-Factor - Alan Dzagoev. Was supposed to be the best Russian of his generation. Maybe because the rest of them aren't so good, he still gets to claim this title. If he gives a little extra, it should be enough to qualify.

Prediction - 2nd in Group A

Egypt. Prior to qualifying, I didn't even have them on my radar. I knew of a few players, and I knew that Mo Salah was a pretty good talent, that Chelsea had decided to get rid of a couple of seasons ago. Fast forward to the last 10 months, and now they look like one of Africa's best teams, and Salah looks like a generational talent. He has been on scintillating form for Liverpool, and who knows what may have happened if he had played 90 minutes. He is going to be back from his injury, so Egypt will have a shot to do some damage. All the games in this group might be close, besides Luis Suarez, I'm not sure if a player has the chance to have more influence.

X-Factor - Mo Salah. Like mentioned above, he has been absolutely on fire this season. His performances against Manchester City were amazing and he carried Liverpool all the way to the final. If he hasn't lost any of his amazing form and self-confidence, he can carry Egypt out of group A, and maybe to the quarterfinals.

Prediction - 3rd in Group A

Saudi Arabia. To be honest, I don't know much about them, or who any of there star players are, or if they have any. I looked at their qualifying record, and it appears that they made the World Cup with a bit of a struggle, losing 3 and drawing 1. They've been absolutely dismal since, losing to Belgium 4-0, Peru 3-0, Iraq 4-1, and Italy 2-1. They did beat Greece and Algeria though, which gives me some hope that maybe they could take a point out of this group.

X-Factor - Salem Al Dawsari. Well, thank goodness for YouTube. It was actually fun watching this guy go, and he has some shining moments. Reminds me a little bit of the Portuguese Nani, although admitting it was a small sample. If he can beat multiple defenders, round the keepers, and score a few, maybe, just maybe Saudi Arabia gets out of this group.

Prediction - 4th in Group A

Uruguay. In 2010, this was one of my favorite teams. I thought the attacking triumvirate of Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani was one of the best in the world, and they had a really good tournament. Then in 2014, we had biting issues. Now, they are flying under the radar a little bit. I think that Fernando Muslera is a very underrated goalkeeper, and could get out of this group without giving up a goal. Diego Godin is one of the world's best center backs. They are easily the favorites to come out of this group on top, and if they didn't have to likely run into the gauntlet of the Portugal-Spain combo, another semi-final could have been in their future.

X-Factor - Luis Suarez. When he behaves, it's hard to think of a better striker on the world stage. For as good as Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are, neither one of them is a true number 9. Suarez can take over a game from up top on his own. If the midfield gives him a couple of chances, and Muslera can keep a couple of clean sheets in the knockout rounds, Suarez could have another Golden Boot coming his way.

Prediction - 1st in Group A

Group B:
Iran. It's probably going to be over before it begins. This is another side that I don't know much about because of lack of exposure and big name quality across Europe, but it seems that they didn't do much to dominate qualifications and did just enough to get into the tournament. I know that a few players provide flair,  Ashkan Dejagah and Karim Ansarifard to name a few, but flair will only account for so much against the likes of Spain and Portugal's central defenses. Morocco has been playing quite well too, so I'm hard pressed to find a situation in where Iran even gets a point.

X-Factor - Karim Ansarifard. Probably the leading front man for the Iranians in this year's world cup. He has the talent to maybe knick a goal or two in the group stage, maybe setting up Iran to shock the world with a win. He's clinical enough to take a chance, I'm just not sure if he's going to get one.

Prediction - 4th in Group B

Morocco. I really like this squad. I don't like Morocco being in this group. Portugal has (The best player in the world) one of the best players in the world on their team, and a team soaring with confidence since 2016. Spain is Spain. Morocco had a good qualifier, not conceding a goal, and they have some top level talent in Medhi Benatia, Nabir Dirar, Hakim Ziyech, Amine Harit and Mbark Boussoufa. My only concern is their attack; they won't have the ball much in 2 of these 3 games, and I believe they need at least 3 points against either Portugal or Spain to really have a chance to get out of this group. A win in the first game is a must.

X- Factor - Hakim Ziyech. Midfielder for Ajax, and one of their best players. Plays like a true number ten, in the likes of a taller Juan Mata or a less prolific Javier Pastore. He will have to be at his best in order for them to get out of the group. With the lack of striking options, he might have to score the goals too.

Prediction - 3rd in Group B

Portugal. One of my favorites coming into this tournament. They have been on good form for just about the last four years, and surprised most of the world with their win over the French at the 2016 Euros. (Their entire knockout run was rather impressive). They were a +28 in the qualifiers and were able to leave some really top talent at home for the next couple of weeks (Renato Sanches, Nani, and Ruben Neves to name a few). I love that it doesn't matter, and I think a few people will sleep on Bernando Silva operating on the side opposite Cristiano Ronaldo. My expectations of this squad are higher than most, but I believe they will meet most of them. This is PROBABLY Ronaldo's last World Cup, we might see some of his best.

X - Factor - Cristiano Ronaldo. It's only a debate because neither player has won a World Cup. If Ronaldo can pull this rabbit out of a hat, and win the World Cup this year in Russia, I'm not sure what the Messi supporters are going to be able to hang their hat on. He hasn't lost a Champions League Final since 2009. (4 appearances). He has 5 overall. He scored 44 in 44 this year at the age of 33. A World Cup title? Yeah, it's over.

Prediction - 1st in Group B

Spain. Maybe the most complete team in the tournament. The only difference between this Spain and the Spain of years past are Xavi and Iniesta in their prime. Teams were so afraid to attack these players because the minute they lost the ball, the Barca midfielders could unlock you for a goal. Now, with just Iniesta left, and at age 34, it's a different Spain. Thiago Alcantara is now in the Xavi role, and while he is one of the world's best midfielders, he doesn't do the same things. He can hit a goal from distance, and box-to-box his way through matches, but doesn't have that final pass that Xavi presented. The defense is still mostly the same with Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, and maybe Cesar Azpilicueta (for me it should be Carvajal, I'm curious to see who plays at RB). David De Gea is in goal, and looks almost at his very best. Spain should go a long way in this tournament, I just see Portugal getting the best of them in Match-day 1.

X- Factor - Thiago Alcantara. While Isco and David Silva featured more in the qualifiers, I think Spain can lift the trophy if Thiago raises his game to that of the world's best. He's always been close; Barcelona didn't want to lose him, and Bayern usually dominates when he features, but he is missing that something that keeps him from the greatest discussions. If he can link with Silva, Isco, Asensio, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets and really get this thing humming, then I'm probably wrong and Spain will be lifting the trophy.

Prediction - 2nd in Group B

Group C:

Australia. Tim Cahill and company have usually been a fixture at this part of the World Cup tournament. I had certainly thought that we wouldn't see Cahill anymore, but at the tender age of 38, we will. He does have goals in the last 3 World Cups, and it would be some really fine company if he could get one in the back of the net this time around. I'm not too particularly excited about the rest of this team, but they will play hard, and they won't be an easy out for any of the teams in the group, including France.

X - Factor - Aaron Mooy. Definitely their most talented player. He literally carried Huddersfield Town through some Premier League games last year, and kept them in the top division for another season. He can do a bit of everything; tackle, shot from distance, delicate passes; and Australia needs a player like this. There will be games in which he has a chance to shine, I wouldn't bet against him to do so.

Prediction - 4th in Group C

Denmark. Besides a 4-0 over Poland almost a year ago, and the shock 5-1 win against Ireland during the final round of qualifiers, I haven't been too entirely impressed with Denmark. On paper I think they are the 2nd best team in the group. Christian Eriksen is the engine that makes Tottenham go, and Kasper Dolberg is the next great Scandinavian striker. Kasper Schmeichel while intense, provides security at the back. They just seem to lack a particular shape (I don't think their 4-5-1 suits them when they should be firing in crosses), and the defense doesn't look sturdy enough to keep some of the top teams out of the net.

X- Factor - Christian Eriksen. I would consider him to be one of the best #10's in the world at this point, and I'm a little surprised to be honest that he still plies his trade at Tottenham. He has the quality alone to provide Denmark with the points against Peru and Australia, and I think he could give Blaise Matuidi and N'Golo Kante fits as well. If he is in peak form, Denmark should be able to sneak through.

Prediction - 3rd in Group C

France. One of the most talented teams in the tournament, and a definite favorite to win the trophy. The United States game notwithstanding, France has been pretty special the last couple of years. They can attack you in many different ways; I think one of their issues coming in is picking their best 11. Do they play with a central striker in Olivier Giroud and drop Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe into space? Do they leave Giroud on the bench, give Paul Pogba freedom, and try to attack the open space? Deschamps has a lot of decisions to make in the next few days, but he doesn't get them wrong too often. Even if one of the players is off, they have so much talent, it might not matter.

X-Factor - Djibril Sidibe. I absolutely love their starting 11 when they chose to go with Nabil Fekir, Mbappe and Griezmann in attack. I love the fluidity of the side, and it allows the attack to push forward. On the left side, they have Benjamin Mendy, and he is a force coming down if he's fully fit. If they want to be able to attack from both sides, Sidibe needs to be great. I think he's the most underrated fullback in the world; now would be a great time for him to show everyone what he is capable of. A few good crosses in from the right may be all that separates France from glory in 2018.

Prediction - 1st in Group C

Peru. A delightful little journey they've been on so far. They've been pretty dominant in their most recent friendlies, and the 2-0 win over Croatia was nothing to scoff at. They didn't see much of the ball in that game, but every time they countered, they looked threatening. That's the good news, because chances are they won't see much of the ball playing the competition in Group C. They have some intriguing players that make things difficult for the opponents. Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero both have the quality to see out a game and help out on the defensive side. They are playing very confident right now, and have the tactics and belief to surprise a few people.

X-Factor - Paolo Guerrero. No one is sure whether he used cocaine that forced FIFA to ban him for 14 months prior to the tournament starting. But after a classy gesture from the rest of the teams in the group, Guerrero will be able to play. I think he recognizes the significance of this situation, and he really puts forth the energy and effort to do something special for a country he has represented so many times.

Prediction - 2nd in Group C

Group D:

Argentina. I don't quite understand it. Out of all the major countries that did qualify for the 2018 World Cup, I'm not sure any struggled more than Argentina in order to get here. Which doesn't make sense considering they have Sergio Aguero, the talisman for the Manchester City side that cruised to the Premier League title, they have Gonzalo Higuain who is one of the best #9's in the world, and they have Leo Messi, who needs no introduction. They also have Paulo Dybala, who could very well take the throne from Messi and Ronaldo, when the game finally chooses to pass them by. Piecing this talent together is a different story altogether, and one that Argentina needs to figure out in the next 100 or so hours. Time for this golden generation of talent is growing short.

X-Factor - Paulo Dybala. If he can shine next to Messi and Higuain and not instead of, Argentina will be extremely difficult to stop. The moments that he has had for Juventus over the past couple of seasons have been terrific, and it seems like he always steps up for the team when needed to. Doing something for 7 games in a month for your country is a different beast, but I think if Dybala plays to the level of top 10 in the world, Argentina could be really close to getting Messi his first world cup.

Prediction - 1st in Group D

Croatia. This is my favorite side in the tournament. Ever since Luka Modric was at Tottenham and Ivan Rakitic was at Schalke, this was setting up to be my favorite central midfield pairing in Europe. The fact that they were able to add Mateo Kovacic to the mix has only enhanced my affection for Croatian football. Having Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric running down the wings and sending in balls to Mario Mandzukic is a benefit as well, and while they still lack a little structure in the back, they are one of the most exciting teams to watch, and could pull off an upset or two to maybe get to the final four of the tournament. History does have a tendency to repeat itself.

X-Factor - Luka Modric. I still believe he is the best midfielder in the world, and I thought he had that potential at Tottenham. It still pains me that Alex Ferguson wasn't able to convince him that his future lied at Old Trafford (He would've replaced Paul Scholes perfectly). He can do so many things, and fill so many roles. Croatia will probably need him to be their deep lying play-maker, which is my favorite role for him, and it could pay big dividends if they are able to avoid France in the round of 16.

Prediction - 2nd in Group D

Iceland. Every neutral's favorite side in the 2016 Euros. After their fairy tale run to the quarterfinals in the 2016 Euros, most soccer fans are familiar with the Icelandic Clap, and the link between the players and their fans. It was one of the greatest moments in the tournament two years ago. Not to be outdone, they are back in their first World Cup. It wasn't the easiest of campaigns, nor the easiest of groups, but they did just enough in their home matches (winning all 5 matches) to secure a place in Russia. Team spirit is probably their greatest strength, and I think they will be competitive enough in their first showing in the world's biggest tournament.

X-Factor - Alfred Finnbogason. There are more familiar names in this squad, as a couple of Icelanders have started to appear on the weekends in the Premier League, but I'm going with the handful of a center forward that plays in the Bundesliga. Finnbogason is good in the air, hard to take the ball away from, and has generally performed well against the big Bundesliga sides. Defense is a concern in this group (one could claim that Iceland has the strongest one), and Finnbogason could sneak a few goals and get the clappers off to the quarterfinals again.

Prediction - 4th in Group D

Nigeria. The Super Eagles have had somewhat of a tough run up leading to the world cup and lost the last couple of friendlies over the week. I like the individual talent on this team; they have some really good pieces in Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi, and John Obi Mikel. In fact, if you pick their best eleven, there's no reason why they shouldn't be in this tournament. Although every time they come they tend to underachieve and I think that the same thing is going to happen here. If they can play solid football with 2 defensive midfielders, and counter at the right times against the ball possessing Argentines and Croatians, they may have a chance to sneak into the round of 16.

X-Factor - Alex Iwobi. Arsene Wenger believed in this kid way more than I did (Still think that Denny Welbeck deserved more minutes than Iwobi), but now he is the main cog in the Super Eagles 11. Attacks will probably flow through from his side of the field, and he's a threat to score once inside the box. This team isn't lacking for attacking options, they also have Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho as well, but if they want to make progress through the group, I think Iwobi will have to get to the place Wenger believes he already is.

Prediction - 3rd in Group D

Group E:

Brazil. Prior to Neymar's injury, they might have been the favorites to win the whole thing. Coming off of a 3 month layoff though makes things much more interesting. They have a loaded roster, and major talent in key places. Gabriel Jesus, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Coutinho and Willian might be the best assortment of attacking talent at the tournament. Alisson Becker might be the GK in the best form coming into the tournament. The final run of Marcelo, Thiago Silva, Miranda and Marquinhos looks to be as solid as ever. They've looked good in their games, beating Germany and Croatia recently. I'm not sure what they're missing to get to the top, only that something is missing from the 5 time winners.

X-Factor - Alisson Becker. He was absolutely sensational against Barcelona in the Champions League earlier this year. He also had a great campaign in the Italian Serie A, as his club Roma pushed towards another year of Champions League qualification. If he has a bad game immediately, he might get pushed out by the Manchester City GK Ederson. If he opens with a few victories, he might be the Real Madrid GK next season. A big year coming for a player that's getting used to them.

Prediction - 1st in Group E

Costa Rica. Speaking of Real Madrid goalkeeping, Keylor Navas is going to star for the Costa Rican national team again. 4 years ago, they were probably the surprise team of the tournament. They beat Uruguay, Italy and tied England in their last game to win the group. Then, they snuck past Greece thanks to the heroics of Navas, before faltering against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. I actually think their roster is pretty complete for their size; Francisco Calvo, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell have pretty important roles to play. 2nd place in this group is certainly up for grabs.

X-Factor - Keylor Navas. Another goalkeeper. In a group that shows a lot of attacking talent, I think it's the goalkeepers that will decide who will get through to the knockout stages. Costa Rica has one of the world's best, and he's shown his verve in the biggest moments in the biggest competitions. Roman Burki of Switzerland has been really inconsistent this year, and Vladimir Stojkovic is just a solid player. Navas could provide Costa Rica with another repeat run.

Prediction - 3rd in Group E

Serbia. This is probably my 2nd favorite central midfield after Croatia in this tournament. They will probably play with 3 through the middle with Nemanja Matic holding, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic playing alongside Luka Milivojevic in the attacking roles. Savic is on his way to being one of the best midfielders in the world, and he can win a ball, score from deep and send the forwards through. Almost a complete player. Matic is like a mid-field sweeper, and can also get involved in the attack as well. Their qualifying campaign showed off their versatility and they have 4-5 attacking players that can make a difference in a match for them too.

X-Factor - Dusan Tadic. He wasn't very good for Southampton this season, as they spent most of their time battling relegation and playing poorly in matches. Granted, the lineup was getting changed on a weekly basis, but Tadic was supposed to be one of the players that shined for the Saints. This is a good chance for him to do so, because the left wing has pretty much been given to him based on the rest of the selection.

Prediction - 2nd in Group E

Switzerland. This is an intriguing team in 2018. Back in 2014, they beat the teams they were supposed to beat (Ecuador, Honduras) and got rocked by France before getting ousted from the tournament by Argentina in extra time. This year the group looks the same, but with a sprinkling of youth this time. Xherdan Shaqiri, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez are the main stays, and they will probably have the most influence in the team. They like to push forward and make the other team uncomfortable. My guess is Switzerland's tournament will be determined by their goalkeeping, all 3 on the roster had relatively rough seasons this year, and they are prone to the periodic gaffe.

X-Factor - Granit Xhaka. Most likely to get a red card in the tournament. He's a talented guy, but I think red cards are so important in such a short tournament. If you leave your team short handed, it's really hard to get to the knockout rounds, let alone through them. If Xhaka can keep his cool, and link the play between defending and attacking, Switzerland has a shot at the round of 16 again.

Prediction - 4th in Group E

Group F: 

Germany. Their 23 is absolutely incredible. While I don't believe they have any of the top 6 or 7 players in the world on their roster, all 23 are probably in the top 100 or pretty close thereabouts. Their 23rd player could be assumed to be Niklas Sule, and he had a very important campaign for Bayern Munich this season. They went 10-0-0 in the qualifiers and won the Confederations Cup with what many considered to be their "C" roster. They can play all major styles of football (possession, counter-attacking, pressing, long-ball), and they do all styles well. Players can fill in at multiple possessions, and this is their roster after losing one of the best defenders in the history of the game (Philip Lahm). While I don't think the tournament will come easy to them, I'd be very surprised if they don't get to at least the semi-finals.

X-Factor - Timo Werner. If, if Germany had a weakness, it would be the prolifically of their attack. They no longer have Miroslav Klose to count on to score a majority of the goals, and Thomas Mueller is pushed out wide usually in this team. Enter Werner. He is one of the fastest players in the world, and can score in a ton of different ways. A really good tournament might sign his check out of Leipzig, and into one of the world's biggest clubs. (Chelsea?).

Prediction - 1st in Group F

Mexico. This team might have the widest berth in the entire tournament. Could they make the quarter finals? Absolutely. Could they also self-implode and not receive a single point in the group stages? Absolutely. This time around though, I think they get things right and at least get into the knockouts. If things happen the way I think they are going to, they might run into Brazil, but there are more difficult opponents. I enjoy their 4-5-1 formation with Carlos Vela leading the way. Hirving Lozano is about to become a household name in world football, and it could begin in this tournament. Guillermo Ochoa has been a staple for Mexican goal-tending for over the last 10 years and he's a safe pick to count on. They should do really well here, but we have heard this story before.

X-Factor - Marco Fabian. Probably Mexico's best midfielder and certainly their most important. When he is firing and beating men on the dribble, it creates space for their more creative players like Lozano, Giovani Dos Santos and Vela. Mexico has plenty of attacking options to choose from, but Fabian might be the only one willing to track back to defend but help support the forwards. He will be key to a good tournament.

Prediction - 2nd in Group F

Republic of Korea.  My biggest wild card in the tournament. This is a team that could go toe-to-toe with the likes of Germany, or also come out of this group without a victory. These players play with a ton of flair, and their attacking formation is full of creativity and ambition. I'm assuming most people know Son Heung-min of Tottenham fame who should be lining up on their left side. They also have one of my favorite young talents, Hwang Hee-chan who should be on the right, and Lee Seung-woo, a great play-maker in his own right, providing support. The problem for Korea is their leaky defense, and they've already had issues in their recent friendlies.

X-Factor - Hwang Hee-chan. With the potential of being a future star, Hwang will be helping Son provide the goals in attack. Able to play on both sides of the field, and ahead of the midfield, his versatility will be important if Korea wants to get into the knockout stages. Look for him to make a big money move after the World Cup from Red Bull, if he can perform on it.

Prediction - 3rd in Group F

Sweden. To be honest, I'm a little shocked that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is staying home for this showcase. It would clearly have been his last tournament, and the Swedish attack is looking a bit lacking, to say the least. They didn't score in either of their recent friendly matches, and in 180 minutes, only put one goal past Italy (I still can't believe that was enough. Imagine this group with Italy instead). Zlatan can make something out of nothing, and while I agree that Oli Toivonen and Marcus Berg are a decent pairing up top, there is definitely not enough firepower for Sweden to last long in this tournament. Which is a shame, because their defending is coming into fashion. I love the pairing of Andreas Granqvist and Victor Lindelof.

X-Factor - Victor Lindelof. Not to often I believe that a defender is an x-factor, but I just think with their lack of scoring prowess, they are going to need to get through the group without conceding a goal against Mexico or the Republic of Korea (assuming the Germans cruise through the group). He struggled in his first club year with Manchester United (I know, I saw it happen), but he has played very well for Sweden. I'm hoping he has a great tournament, but putting the glasses on, it's certainly for selfish reasons.

Prediction - 4th in Group F

Group G:

Belgium. There is a lot to say about Belgium. On a weekly basis, especially in the Barclays Premier League, I feel like one of their players is providing their specific club with a match winning performance. They have so much midfield talent, that a player that I think fits into the top 50 in the world category is staying home this summer without injury (Radji Nainggolan). It's almost a crime, but it might not matter because the players in his position are Kevin De Bruyne (Top 50) and Axel Witsel (Not top 50), but he serves a bigger purpose (Tactical acumen). They have been absolutely sensational as a team in 2018, and just recently beaten Egypt 3-0 and Costa Rica 4-1. They have scored 4+ goals in 5 of their last 8 matches, and Romelu Lukaku is firing. There's more, but just turn on the television. They are also gifted the easiest passage to the 2nd round that I've ever seen (Panama and Tunisia in first two matches).

X-Factor - Vincent Kompany. I don't think he's going to see the field much, because Roberto Martinez likes the players that have already settled into his back 3 (Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Dedryck Boyata). That's tough considering I think Kompany is the perfect captain. However, I don't think it will bother him in the way it should, they will rally behind his leadership, and I think by the time they play England, the whole world will be watching.

Prediction - 1st in Group G

England. My pick to win it all. Ha, best joke of the day. No, while I do like a little bit about this England side - mainly Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Dele Alli and Harry Kane - I don't think they have enough bite to match the expectations that their country continues to provide. They played well during qualifiers, and I think it was a nice touch having Danny Rose in the midfield during their last friendly. But I don't much care for the back 3; it doesn't feel right when the English teams use it, so why is the national team doing so, and with all the wing players they selected, why are Trent Arnold-Alexander and Rose playing on the wings? I still think they have a ton of talent, and they did get through a tough qualifier with relative ease.

X-Factor - Jesse Lingard. There seems to be a place in this lineup just screaming for Lingard to take over. If they continue playing with their 3-5-2/5-3-2 setup, with Alli playing on the left, and Sterling on the right, Lingard could prove to be the catalyst playing alongside/in front of Jordan Henderson. This group might be considered the easiest of the eight, so if Lingard can get his form up leading to the Belgium game, England has a side good enough for a quarterfinal or perhaps a round further. Not a trophy, though.

Prediction - 2nd in Group G

Panama. (United States) Let's play pretend for a minute and assume that nightmare never happened. We probably get trounced by Belgium in the first match, smash England in the second, and pull off a 90th minute stunner against Tunisia, therefore sending us into the knockout stages. We beat Poland after Lewandowski goes missing, upset the Germans, pull the wool over Ronaldo's eyes, and meet another terrific side in the final of the 2018 World Cup. Just kidding, good luck Panama, we are happy you made it.

X-Factor - Roman Torres. Not even the best player on the Seattle Sounders of the MLS, but I'm not bitter. He is a solid defender however, and the leader of the Panama defense. They haven't been very good in the run-up to the World Cup, but it's not the fault of the defense. He needs to have a super heroic effort here, but it's still exciting to see the Panamanians in the World Cup for the first time.

Prediction - 32nd, I mean 4th in Group G

Tunisia. They have had a fantastic run up to the World Cup and I mean that in the most authentic way possible. They didn't win any of their last 3 friendlies, but by drawing Portugal and Turkey and only losing to Spain by the odd goal, they've proven that they belong. They did beat two other World Cup qualifiers (Costa Rica and Iran) in their first two tune-ups, and had a terrific qualifier as well. They have some recognizable players that have plied their trade in the Premier League, but their better players seem to come from the French Ligue 1. From what I can tell, they have a fighting spirit and just enough quality to make things interesting at the end.

X-Factor - Wahbi Khazri. This little clever player used to make me nervous when Manchester United played Sunderland. He usually comes in from out wide and is very tough to win the ball off of. He revitalized his campaign by getting a move to Rennes in the French League from Sunderland, and if his form carries over, he might have the chance to upset the English hierarchy once again.

Prediction - 3rd in Group G

Group H. 

Colombia. Every neutral's favorite team in 2014. What a run they had with James Rodriguez, who made a ton of fans during and after the World Cup in Brazil. They pressed on really hard, and were unlucky to get knocked out in the quarterfinals by Brazil. They played Uruguay off the field in the round of 16, and won all 3 of their group games in the earlier round. I think things get a little tougher this time around. They have the same competitive group, and while some might consider them the favorite, others may pick them to finish last. James is the catalyst once again, and has some support with Carlos Bacca, Radamel Falcao, and Juan Cuadrado supplying the goals. In the biggest crap-shoot group of them all, these players may be able to make 2014 a repeat process.

X-Factor - Falcao. I love the guy. 8 years ago, he was on track to be one of the best strikers in the world, but a lack of confidence and a ton of injuries took him off the beaten path and onto a more difficult one. He has bounced back and now leads the Monaco line once again. If he can do the same for Colombia, a quarterfinal might be calling them.

Prediction - 3rd in Group H

Japan. Their run up to the World Cup hasn't been the greatest, and they haven't won a competitive match in 2018. I like what the squad has to offer; they have some guile in the midfield and a couple of match winners up front in Shinji Okazaki and Yoshinori Muto. The problem is, their defense is pretty poor, and they aren't going to see much of the ball inside of this group with all the play-makers on the other teams (James, Gueye, and Blaszczykowski). Their best play to get out of this group is probably by the counter-attack, but I don't think they have the midfield to do so. Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda are on their last legs, and I'll be curious to see if Japan has something to counter their lack of pace.

X-Factor - Keisuke Honda. 4 years ago, he would've been tailor made for this group. I think that it will be the most nervy of the eight groups, as 3 points will mean so much to these teams. He has the mind of steel and a free kick alongside of it. But playing well in the Mexican League is a lot different than the World Cup. If he is able to draw a few fouls from outside the box, look out. Every goal in this group will count.

Prediction - 4th in Group H

Poland. I'm also excited for this team. While not making the World Cup in 2014, they had a really impressive showing at the Euro 2016 tournament and didn't concede a goal until the knockout round. They play the most basic of 4-4-2's, but it's just so difficult to break down and they can attack you and score with just two players (granted it helps when they are Robert Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik, but still). This might play to their favor in this group as their organization might be just enough to get them through to the knockout rounds.

X-Factor - Lewandowski. One of my favorite players still in world football, and if you asked me to build a team from scratch, he would most likely be my center forward. He can score with both feet, his head, inside or outside the box, from the penalty spot, from a free kick, pretty much anyway you can imagine. He can play in a possession based side, or counter-attacking. This system suits him well, just get onto the ball and shoot. Could surprisingly win the golden boot, if they get far enough.

Prediction - 1st in Group H

Senegal. I didn't realize how much I liked this team until recently. They play a very attacking 4-2-4, and almost with reckless abandon. It's a good thing they have the players to do so. Diao Keita Balde is one of the more underrated players right now in world football and he should be the left attacker in their 4. Sadio Mane of Liverpool fame has been in scintillating form, and will line up on the right side or in the center. They scored a number of goals in qualifiers, but haven't put the final product together during the last round of friendlies. If they can get some tough and tenacious play from their midfield, and if the fullbacks are able to get forward, they could pull out another 2002 all over again.

X-Factor - Sadio Mane. Almost at the top 50 level. He had a great season for Liverpool and scored in the Champions League final. He hasn't been able to score for Senegal since last September, and that is a little worrisome. They have players in the team to get the goals, but if Mane is able to replicate his club form, they should be advancing out of this group.

Prediction - 2nd in Group H

Knockout Rounds
Uruguay vs Spain - winner: Spain
France vs Croatia - winner: France
Brazil vs Mexico - winner: Brazil
Belgium vs Senegal - winner: Belgium
Portugal vs Russia - winner: Portugal
Argentina vs Peru - winner: Peru
Germany vs Serbia - winner: Germany
Poland vs England - winner: Poland

QF:
Spain vs France - winner: France
Brazil vs Belgium - winner: Belgium
Portugal vs Peru - winner: Portugal
Germany vs Poland - winner: Germany

SF:
France vs Belgium - winner: Belgium (all my money goes here, I guess)
Germany vs Portugal - winner: Germany (sat here for 20 minutes)

World Cup Final:
Belgium vs Germany - winner: Belgium

I know it's going way against the grain as only 8 countries have ever won the World Cup. But without Italy in it, and Argentina coasting along, I think an outsider finally has a chance. Belgium clearly has the talent, I think they have the motivation and spirit, but it comes down to their belief.

Nate's 9 Players to Watch

#9 - Eden Hazard - Belgium. Maybe the best midfielder in all of football.

#8 - Gerard Pique - Spain. Always been a shadow to Sergio Ramos, and earlier Carlos Puyol, but just as good as those two in my opinion.

#7 - Raheem Sterling - England. England has a wild card. He's supposed to be elite, nobody in his way now to find that path.

#6 - Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal. Last chance - probably - to watch one of the greats on the world stage.

#5 - Paulo Dybala - Argentina. Battling Hazard for the aforementioned title.

#4 - Paul Pogba - France. Has the talent to be one of the best, could easily make my prediction wrong.

#3 - Luis Suarez - Uruguay. Underdog team with the best chance of winning, must be on best behavior.

#2 - Manuel Neuer - Germany. Hasn't played in months, but if he resorts back to form, Germany could easily win again.

#1 - Mo Salah - Egypt. What can he do for an encore? Someone needs to replace Messi and Ronaldo soon.