4th April - Her Name Was Rio...



Okay, so I've had a full weekend to mull over the World Cup draw, and to anticipate the fact that I'll be seeing Ze Germans LIVE in Qatar as part of the tickets to 3 different fixtures I've secured across the opening trio of days of the tournament. But from trio, to Rio, I've been analysing the ways this tournament can play out, and there's only one possible winner. 

Beginning with the Group Stages, it looks as though England will top their own group, facing Senegal in the Last 16, with the AFCON winners slipping through Group A ahead of hosts Qatar, but behind the Netherlands. The Argies will top Group C ahead of Mexico, whilst France-Denmark seems to be the nailed-on order of Group D. Elsewhere, Germany and Spain will progress from E, Belgium and Croatia in Group F, Brazil will comfortably take G (closely followed by the Swiss), and H is all about Portugal and Uruguay. 




Essentially, we're left with a situation where the Three Lions - try as they might - are, unfortunately, likely to come unstuck in the Quarters against a sensational French front three containing Mbappe, Benzema, and Griezmann. I am, however, tipping Phil Foden to have a real break-out tournament this time around, so long as Gareth affords him the unshackled creative freedom to express his abundance of talent. Elsewhere, you'd fancy the Messi-inspired Argentines to make the Final Four, on account of their pathological pursuit of legacy for their icon who is still cast into the Maradona-shaped shadows at this level. Likewise, with the Portugese as they look to complete Cristiano's medal haul, flanked by an impressive midfield of Diogo Jota, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Felix.




Regardless of who makes the final (and my money's on the Pogba & Kante inspired France, who actually look stronger now than they did 4 years ago during glory in Russia), the Selecao lay in waiting. 5 times winners Brazil are not only the World Cup's most successful team, but will possess the ideal genetical make-up to deal with the searing heat of the Qatari weather on account of their South American upbringing, and will drain teams by keeping the ball for long periods on account of their unrivalled technique. Furthermore, they are - perhaps - the only side who can boast such strength in depth that each position of the squad is flanked by 2 outstanding players. In 2022, it's not coming home...




... But it is, coming to Rio. 



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