A Week Approach

Could have sworn it was Wednesday when I woke up today, had to check my phone to find out it was actually Thursday – which means a week to go until the World Cup kicks off. Oh the excitement. 

Probably not as much as usual to be honest with all the misgivings about the host nation and the lack of a real exciting team who are expected to sweep all before them. Which does mean it is an open contest with maybe half a dozen sides with genuine prospects. Mind you, there have been five different winners of the last five tournaments so that is kind of the norm now. And it is also remarkable given that there have only ever been eight different victors of the twenty tournaments, three of which have only won it once. Only Italy, of those eight, failed to qualify.

Only six hosts have won (none since France in 1998) and Russia seem unlikely to extend that particular record despite a straightforward group, while Brazil, in Sweden in 1958, remain the only South American side to win in Europe.

So who will win? The top Europeans must be favourites; Germany (naturally), Spain (still a force and Iniesta could just inspire them again), France (who have been steadily improving in recent years), Portugal (reigning European Champions don’t forget and Ronaldo could do a Maradona despite the fact their odds are longer than England’s) or Belgium (maybe the last chance for their “Golden Generation” to prove themselves). With Argentina not at their strongest Brazil do seem the only genuine South American contenders, especially as they have stiffened up their defence since that 1-7 humiliation four years ago.

So bound to be someone else then.