Group A: Russia/ Egypt/ Saudi Arabia/ Uruguay
Uruguay is the clear cut favorite in this group and has the talent to win the whole thing. Cavani and Suarez will keep this team in games. The host of the tournament is also in Group A but they are far from the favorite. They are actually one of the worst teams in the tournament. The 2 things they have going for them right now is home field advantage and an even worse team is in their group in Saudi Arabia. I highly doubt the last ranked team at the World Cup is going to get out of this bracket but its not the craziest thing in the world. Egypt should have a strong showing in their first Cup since 1990. Their only concern right now is Mohamed Salah’s health. If he’s good to go so are they.
Projected Finish:
- Uruguay
- Egypt
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
Group B: Portugal/ Spain/ Morocco/ Iran
There is this player in Group B that is pretty good. You might of heard of him…his name is Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s kind of a big deal. I think he’s going to put Portugal on his back this year big time. If their defense can stay honest and not put them in holes, this is a dangerous team. The same could be said about Spain. Some experts have picked them to win the whole thing and rightfully so. With David De Gea in goal they might not have to score too many goals to keep advancing. I’m torn when it comes to between Iran and Morocco . Im going to take Morocco. I think they beat Iran on a goal from Ziyech to Benatia. Mark my words….Which will make things interesting with the outcome of the Portugal/Spain game. If the winner of Morocco/Iran holds their own against Spain or Portugal this group could flip on a great team. COULD.
Projected Finish:
- Portugal
- Spain
- Morocco
- Iran
Group C: France/ Australia/ Peru/ Denmark
This is an interesting group. I think France will back up their projections. They’re a deep squad this year built for a deep run. Even with some talent in they group I think they have what it takes to survive. The second ticket in this group is tough. With Paolo Guerrero’s suspension for doping put on hold Peru could easily fill the spot. Its their first Cup since 1982 and they’re pumped for it. It tough to trust a team that hasn’t been on this main stage in that long though. Aaron Mooy leads the Australian team into Group C. They have the ability to score and compete with any team in the World. However, they haven’t played this level of competition and there are some issues on the defensive side. Christian Eriksen is the clear cut leader for the Denmark team. He’s in his prime and if this team rises to his level they could advance.
Projected Finish:
- France
- Denmark
- Peru
- Australia
Group D: Argentina/ Iceland/ Croatia/ Nigeria
You can’t be Messi with Argentina. This team is built for the long run to the trophy. Lionel Messi may need to win it all to validity his legacy. It starts in the Group stage where I think they roll easily. Croatia is loaded with talent and is the favorite to finish second in this Group. Im not quite sold on them yet. Modric and Rakitik will carry this team. Iceland is overmatched in this Group. They just aren’t as talented and will be asked to go above an beyond their talent to advance. Then theres Nigeria. I like the energy they’re bringing into the tournament. This is a talented team and when you add that to the heart they’re bringing, watch out!! Plus who doesn’t love those green shirts. I smell upset.
Project Finish:
- Argentina
- Nigeria
- Croatia
- Iceland
Group E: Brazil/ Switzerland/ Serbia/ Costa Rica
Neymar is back and Brazil is the favorite to win the whole tournament…rightfully so. This team is stacked and I just see road kill for them in this Group. Not to say there’s not talent but Brazil is just too good. The second spot in the Group is going to be tough. You’ve got Costa Rica’s age. Being the oldest team in the tournament should benefit them greatly. The opposite can be said for Serbia. They’ll be living off youth which could be great or a BIG disadvantage. As for Switzerland, there’s a chance they can make a run like they did 4 years ago. I think the battle for second is between them and Costa Rica.
Projected Finish:
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- Switzerland
- Serbia
Group F: Germany/ Mexico/ Sweden/ South Korea
Germany is stacked and will win this Group. Like Brazil in Group E I think they roll through this Group. I wouldn’t be surprised if Germany wins the whole damn thing. They’ve done it before and have the squad and discipline to do it again. Mexico is always in the mix to make it to the sweet 16. My issue with them is that their performances leading up to the Cup were less than stellar. They have the talent to advance but one slip up will cost them. Sweden and South Korear are both underdogs in this Group and will have to play above their talent level to advance. There is a chance, like I said, if Mexico slips up.
Projected Finish:
- Germany
- Mexico
- Sweden
- South Korea
Group G: Belgium/ Panama/ Tunisia/ England
England is playing at a high level right now and expectations are through the roof. This could be one of the deepest runs England makes at the World Cup. Belgium has all the talent and experience to advance but will they get over past failures and get over the hump? I feel bad for Tunisia. I think they get rolled in this Group. They might create some excitement in one of their matches but it will be tough for them to play 2-3 good games. As for Panama, they’re aging and trending downwards. I can’t seem them getting out of this Group.
Projected Finish:
- England
- Belgium
- Panama
- Tunisia
Group H: Poland/ Senegal/ Colombia/ Japan
This Group is going to be exciting. The parody in this Group is probably the best in the tournament. Let’s start with Japan. While their defense is extremely unreliable, Kagawa and Honda should create some offense up front. They’ve been giving up a lot of goals lately. Senegal may have the player to watch in this group. Said Mane is a stud. Senegal goes as far as his ability does. They’ll need to him to play like a monster to advance. Colombia is a wild card. Sometimes they look like a top ten team in the world and sometimes they look awful. They barely squeaked into the Cup. I think they have the talent but sometimes thats not enough. Poland is sneaky good. They’ve never been able to meet their expectations but I see that changing this year.
Projected Finish:
- Poland
- Senegal
- Japan
- Columbia
Heres our Full Bracket for the Sweet 16…
Portugal surprisingly wins it’s group which sets Spain up for a great first round matchup with Uruguay. They escape them and advance to play a talented France team that narrowly escapes a high energy Nigerian team. In a great game Spain advances to the final four. Brazil rolls Mexico while England and Senegal have one of the best games of the tournament. Brazil takes down a beaten up England team to play Spain.
Portugal easily defeats Egypt but almost hits a wall against Argentina. After Argentina rolls Costa Rica they are more than ready for Ronaldo and Portugal. It takes extra time but Portugal advances. Germany makes quick work of Costa Rica and Poland. Poland beats a suspect Belgium team but their runs ends against Germany. Germany beats Portugal convincingly while Spain and Brazil fight to death. Brazil’s speed and talent is enough to get them to the final.
In the final Brazil is just too good for Germany. Germany keeps it close before losing by 2 goals. Your 2018 World Cup Champions will be Brazil.