It's two days until the biggest football tournament in the world kicks off, and the excitement just keep building on. To further build on the excitement, football pundits have given their predictions on which side will triumph in Russia on July 15. They also gave their thoughts on Nigeria's chances at the Mundial. Read on to find out their predictions...
Areo Samuel (Twitter: @Undisputed_Jsam ) - Football writer and content provider for Football Naija
Winners: Brazil
I think the Samba Boys have all it takes to go all the way in Russia; having looked carefully at the players in their rank and the abundance of quality at Tite's disposal. The 2014 World Cup semi-finalists could be champions again.
Nigeria: Round of 16
Nigeria are not favorites to qualify, but I hope the Super Eagles will make the second round and even though their recent performances haven't been encouraging and has caused fans to lose confidence in the team. Moreover, talks about Nigeria winning the trophy should only arise when the Super Eagles get out of their group.
Michael Imianvian (Twitter: @MichaelImianvan ) - Football pundit with OGTV and football writer for Sports Ration
Winner: Brazil
The five time world champions are coming into the World Cup off the back of their 7-1 humilation against Germany in the semi final of the 2014 World Cup. Brazil looked like they would win the 2014 tournament on home soil but an injury to Neymar jeopardized all their hopes.
The Brazilians would feel like it's time to write history once more, the squad from 2014 World Cup is a different one from the one going to Russia. This squad possesses quality in all departments and this time around - a huge squad depth, which they lacked when they hosted the world four years ago.
One man who will be so inspired to write his name in Brazil's history is Neymar. He single-handedly won them the much coveted 2016 Olympics gold medal, this time, a shot at the biggest prize in world football would be his sole target.
If Neymar steps up for Brazil in Russia, then it's a 6th World Cup title for Tite and his men.
Nigeria: Round of 16
In football, it is said that you're as good as your last game. The Super Eagles have lost each of their last two friendlies, a cause for concern or we relax?
First on the agenda is a match against a midfield oriented Croatian side, a very crucial game. However, if the Eagles can get a draw from the game, win against Iceland and whatever happens against Argentina, Nigeria should be home and dry for the second round where we might face France. And that will be game over!
Odiko Godwin (Twitter: @odikogodwin ) - Freelance football pundit, columnist with Nigerian Tribune Sports and Vavel UK
Winner: Brazil
I am struggling to find another team at the World Cup with Brazil's quality in squad depth. They seem to have a quality replacement for every position; almost as good as the first choice in the position. Ederson Moraes of Manchester City just clinched the Premier League in a remarkable fashion and he is still not number one at Brazil. Roberto Firmino had a wonderful season with Liverpool, scoring 27 goals in the process and played in the finals of the UEFA Champions League, but he is not a starter in this Brazil team. That tells you the amount of quality in Tite's squad.
The likes of Germany, Spain, Belgium and France have quality squad also, but still can't be compared to Brazil's.
And you will find Neymar always flourishing once he is wearing that Brazilian jersey. In fact, if he can manage to stay fit, I expect him to clinch the golden boot award.
It won't be an easy ride for the Samba Boys, but they have got everything required of a World Cup champion.
Nigeria: Quarter-finals
I really think if coach Gernot Rohr can fix the lapses in the team from the warm-up games, then this Super Eagles have what it takes to surpass their 2014 World Cup round of 16 finish. But if they fail to get it right from the first game against Croatia, then I am afraid, they might just fail to get out of the group.
So, my quarter-final projection for the team is tied to the outcome against Croatia.
Once they can get out of the group, I see them fighting their way up to the quarter-finals.
Usman Lukman (Twitter: @Zezk_Lukman ) - Football expert and contributor on Odiko Godwin's blog
Winner: Argentina
I think Argentina will win the World Cup. Argentina have lost three finals in the last four years, with Brazil 2014 edition one of those. They do look like a side that knows how to progress to the final of a competition.
Also, with Messi in a better shape or form for his country, and a little bit of luck which they have not had in recent years, I expect them to win football's most prestigious trophy in Russia.
Nigeria: Round of 16
I think Nigeria's group in Russia is tougher than their group at the 2014 World Cup. If Nigeria are going to get out of their group, they are going to need more than just the quality in their squad.
Messi's Argentina to win the group is an easy guess. Croatia are a big European footballing nation with their usual appearance in the European tourney and the World Cup competition. In Euro 2016, it took an Extra Time winner for Portugal; the eventual winners of the competition to knock them out, having won their group which had Spain and Turkey.
Iceland are a team on some kind of revolution. They qualified for Euro 2016, and went on to qualify from their group into the knockout stage knocking out England before eventually bowing out to the tournament's host and runner-up, France, in the quarter-final. Iceland are still very much enjoying their change of fortune by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Nigeria actually impressed by making it out of a 'Group of Death' in the qualifiers somewhat easily, beating close rivals Algeria and Cameroon 3-1 and 4-0 respectively on their road to finishing the qualifiers unbeaten.
Having said that, I like to think and expect Nigeria to make the knockout stages. I feel it would be a reminisce of their 2014 feat in Brazil. Qualify as runner-up to Argentina and a Round of 16 tie with France.That's as much as I think Nigeria can go.
Olakunle Fayiga (Twitter: @k_ef4real ) - Football writer with Goal.com Nigeria
Winner: Brazil
That Brazil is the most successful team in World Cup history is no mistake because they have always assembled one of the best squads that are among the finest in the game.
They might not have tasted success since 2002 and, missed out on lifting it on home soil in 2014 after a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals, but this present team under Tite are more solid; in that there's better team coercion and hopes not necessarily pinned to one player (Neymar) in this case. A host of names from the goalkeeper to the forward line can step up. And having dominated the South American qualifying section and friendly games, the Samba Boys mean big business this time
Nigeria: Quarter-finals
The Super Eagles were not at their utmost best during the World Cup warm-up friendlies, but it should be noted there were positives to take from them. Do not forget that they went unbeaten against three teams that had seven AFCON titles between them. That wasn't by luck or accident.
The atmosphere is very fine under Gernot Rohr's watch, better squad harmony that wasn't there before. And if these are factored in, it could make Nigeria have a fine outing in Russia.
The team boasts of talented players and have what it takes to get results against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina that will be enough to see them through as long as they remain strong and focused.
You can follow and interact (directly) with all the pundits on twitter by just clicking on their twitter handles highlighted above.
Areo Samuel (Twitter: @Undisputed_Jsam ) - Football writer and content provider for Football Naija
Winners: Brazil
I think the Samba Boys have all it takes to go all the way in Russia; having looked carefully at the players in their rank and the abundance of quality at Tite's disposal. The 2014 World Cup semi-finalists could be champions again.
Nigeria: Round of 16
Nigeria are not favorites to qualify, but I hope the Super Eagles will make the second round and even though their recent performances haven't been encouraging and has caused fans to lose confidence in the team. Moreover, talks about Nigeria winning the trophy should only arise when the Super Eagles get out of their group.
Michael Imianvian (Twitter: @MichaelImianvan ) - Football pundit with OGTV and football writer for Sports Ration
Winner: Brazil
The five time world champions are coming into the World Cup off the back of their 7-1 humilation against Germany in the semi final of the 2014 World Cup. Brazil looked like they would win the 2014 tournament on home soil but an injury to Neymar jeopardized all their hopes.
The Brazilians would feel like it's time to write history once more, the squad from 2014 World Cup is a different one from the one going to Russia. This squad possesses quality in all departments and this time around - a huge squad depth, which they lacked when they hosted the world four years ago.
One man who will be so inspired to write his name in Brazil's history is Neymar. He single-handedly won them the much coveted 2016 Olympics gold medal, this time, a shot at the biggest prize in world football would be his sole target.
If Neymar steps up for Brazil in Russia, then it's a 6th World Cup title for Tite and his men.
 |
| Brazil will need Neymar to be on top of his game to ensure World Cup glory in Russia |
Nigeria: Round of 16
In football, it is said that you're as good as your last game. The Super Eagles have lost each of their last two friendlies, a cause for concern or we relax?
First on the agenda is a match against a midfield oriented Croatian side, a very crucial game. However, if the Eagles can get a draw from the game, win against Iceland and whatever happens against Argentina, Nigeria should be home and dry for the second round where we might face France. And that will be game over!
Odiko Godwin (Twitter: @odikogodwin ) - Freelance football pundit, columnist with Nigerian Tribune Sports and Vavel UK
Winner: Brazil
I am struggling to find another team at the World Cup with Brazil's quality in squad depth. They seem to have a quality replacement for every position; almost as good as the first choice in the position. Ederson Moraes of Manchester City just clinched the Premier League in a remarkable fashion and he is still not number one at Brazil. Roberto Firmino had a wonderful season with Liverpool, scoring 27 goals in the process and played in the finals of the UEFA Champions League, but he is not a starter in this Brazil team. That tells you the amount of quality in Tite's squad.
The likes of Germany, Spain, Belgium and France have quality squad also, but still can't be compared to Brazil's.
And you will find Neymar always flourishing once he is wearing that Brazilian jersey. In fact, if he can manage to stay fit, I expect him to clinch the golden boot award.
It won't be an easy ride for the Samba Boys, but they have got everything required of a World Cup champion.
Nigeria: Quarter-finals
I really think if coach Gernot Rohr can fix the lapses in the team from the warm-up games, then this Super Eagles have what it takes to surpass their 2014 World Cup round of 16 finish. But if they fail to get it right from the first game against Croatia, then I am afraid, they might just fail to get out of the group.
So, my quarter-final projection for the team is tied to the outcome against Croatia.
Once they can get out of the group, I see them fighting their way up to the quarter-finals.
 | ||||||
| Nigeria must not joke with their game against Croatia if they want to surpass their 2014 World Cup feat |
Usman Lukman (Twitter: @Zezk_Lukman ) - Football expert and contributor on Odiko Godwin's blog
Winner: Argentina
I think Argentina will win the World Cup. Argentina have lost three finals in the last four years, with Brazil 2014 edition one of those. They do look like a side that knows how to progress to the final of a competition.
Also, with Messi in a better shape or form for his country, and a little bit of luck which they have not had in recent years, I expect them to win football's most prestigious trophy in Russia.
 |
| Messi would be hoping to clinch the World Cup with Argentina in Russia |
Nigeria: Round of 16
I think Nigeria's group in Russia is tougher than their group at the 2014 World Cup. If Nigeria are going to get out of their group, they are going to need more than just the quality in their squad.
Messi's Argentina to win the group is an easy guess. Croatia are a big European footballing nation with their usual appearance in the European tourney and the World Cup competition. In Euro 2016, it took an Extra Time winner for Portugal; the eventual winners of the competition to knock them out, having won their group which had Spain and Turkey.
Iceland are a team on some kind of revolution. They qualified for Euro 2016, and went on to qualify from their group into the knockout stage knocking out England before eventually bowing out to the tournament's host and runner-up, France, in the quarter-final. Iceland are still very much enjoying their change of fortune by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Nigeria actually impressed by making it out of a 'Group of Death' in the qualifiers somewhat easily, beating close rivals Algeria and Cameroon 3-1 and 4-0 respectively on their road to finishing the qualifiers unbeaten.
Having said that, I like to think and expect Nigeria to make the knockout stages. I feel it would be a reminisce of their 2014 feat in Brazil. Qualify as runner-up to Argentina and a Round of 16 tie with France.That's as much as I think Nigeria can go.
Olakunle Fayiga (Twitter: @k_ef4real ) - Football writer with Goal.com Nigeria
Winner: Brazil
That Brazil is the most successful team in World Cup history is no mistake because they have always assembled one of the best squads that are among the finest in the game.
They might not have tasted success since 2002 and, missed out on lifting it on home soil in 2014 after a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals, but this present team under Tite are more solid; in that there's better team coercion and hopes not necessarily pinned to one player (Neymar) in this case. A host of names from the goalkeeper to the forward line can step up. And having dominated the South American qualifying section and friendly games, the Samba Boys mean big business this time
Nigeria: Quarter-finals
The Super Eagles were not at their utmost best during the World Cup warm-up friendlies, but it should be noted there were positives to take from them. Do not forget that they went unbeaten against three teams that had seven AFCON titles between them. That wasn't by luck or accident.
The atmosphere is very fine under Gernot Rohr's watch, better squad harmony that wasn't there before. And if these are factored in, it could make Nigeria have a fine outing in Russia.
The team boasts of talented players and have what it takes to get results against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina that will be enough to see them through as long as they remain strong and focused.
You can follow and interact (directly) with all the pundits on twitter by just clicking on their twitter handles highlighted above.
Comments
Post a Comment