Predicting the World Cup! Russia 2018 not-so-in-depth analysis.

And it's about time.

Four years, people, since Super Mario's neat little strike wrapped up what I have to admit was a damn good final, all things considered. Four years. But boy, does it feel as though not so much time at all has passed. And I'm eager, folks. I've been waiting for this with predictable impatience, and I've still got a bit to go yet. But not long. Not long now.

And it's going to be a weird one, you know. We've no US, no Holland, no Italy. We've lost the ever imposing Ivorians and 2010 quarter-finalists Ghana. We've got fresh faces on the preview, no doubt looking forward to proving just why they deserve to be there. What's football like these days? All it took was a Costa Rican success story in the last tournament and we've got Leicester winning the PL, Iceland slaying the English and minnows from all over bagging highly sought-after slots for the international big time at the expense of more traditional attendees. Is this good? Depends. What is good? What makes a good tournament? Competition for sure. Results balanced on a knife-edge. Tension. Relief. Upset. Agony.

And goals, more specifically. We want goals. A 3-3 shock compromise beats a 1-0 dirge any day in my books. But keep it tight. Keep it close. And that's the worry, really, with all these first-timers and surprise-package teams. I worry they'll be brushed aside by the big shots, leaving things bland and a lot more predictable. But we've warriors here for certain. I know all too well of what Iceland are capable, believe me. And it's no coincidence they topped their qualification group, snubbing relative heavyweights Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey. Another fairy tale in the making? Let's find out.

THE GROUPS

Group A

Russia (hosts)

Saudi Arabia

Egypt

Uruguay

Easy to call, this one. After securing the silver-medal position in what surely is World Cup qualification's continent of death, Uruguay should top A easily. And a currently injured Mo Salah might just contribute to an Egyptian slump resulting in the hosts' progressing behind Suarez-and-Cavani United. Don't get me wrong, Russia could pass even if the Pharaohs' talisman turns up fighting fit. But we're all familiar with his abilities, and a fully equipped Egypt edge them in my mind's eye.

Prediction

1st Uruguay

2nd Egypt

3rd Russia

4th Saudi Arabia

Group B

Portugal

Spain

Morocco

Iran

Perhaps the most painlessly predictable of the lot. A huge improvement on their previous performance at this tournament is expected when it comes to Spain. They look likely to deliver, now playing football far superior to what they left off with four years ago. And Euro 2016 champions Portugal won't be able to draw their way out of this one. It's unlikely they'll have to, though, with the remaining two sides mere cannon fodder beside the European giants. Expect goals in this one.

Prediction

1st Spain

2nd Portugal

3rd Morocco

4th Iran

Group C

France

Australia

Peru

Denmark

The Danes have stunned me a bit because they weren't looking great, I remember, at the start of qualification. But they're here, and probably have more about them than 'just Christian Eriksen'. Of course, talent-overloaded France are sure to strike gold in what for them should be practice for the contest's latter stages. Nevertheless, keep an eye on Peru, who, remember, stuck the tongue out at Chile to get where they are now.

Prediction

1st France

2nd Peru

3rd Denmark

4th Australia

Group D

Argentina

Iceland

Croatia

Nigeria

It's lined up exactly how I think it'll finish. With Iceland pipping two on-paper better teams. They've done one over Croatia already. They'll do it again. Mark this, though, this'll turn out the most competitive group of the lot.

Prediction

1st Argentina

2nd Iceland

3rd Croatia

4th Nigeria

Group E

Brazil

Switzerland

Costa Rica

Serbia

A strong Serbian squad wangled their way in, and although they're more impressive than they have been for a time, they aren't going to keep up with Brazil. And I don't think they will with Switzerland either, who've had some really good results these past two years. Costa Rica could shock again, and I hope they do. But it isn't likely. Not against these teams.

Prediction

1st Brazil

2nd Switzerland

3rd Serbia

4th Costa Rica

Group F

Germany

Mexico

Sweden

South Korea

Another one written out just as I expect it to finish. Germany will win all three games. Mexico will prove too much for South Korea, but perhaps Sweden can rattle their cage a bit. I don't think it likely, and I want to see delivered bitter vengeance on behalf of those still-sobbing Italians.

Prediction

1st Germany

2nd Mexico

3rd Sweden

4th South Korea

Group G

Belgium

Panama

Tunisia

England

Here we are again, in a group that barring Belgium must surely be a breeze for England. Somehow I doubt it. Expect to see the Three Lions blow at least one of their so-called easy matches. 2-2 with Panama, perhaps? Nevertheless, it isn't hard to picture how this one ends.

Prediction

1st Belgium

2nd England

3rd Panama

4th Tunisia

Group H

Poland

Senegal

Colombia

Japan

The Japanese found their luck out when this was drawn. Only question is will a Mane-driven Senegal make it past Poland or Colombia? I expect the Poles to battle their way to the top. If not, Senegal goes through.

Prediction

1st Poland

2nd Colombia

3rd Senegal

4th Japan

ROUND OF 16

France vs Iceland

And so ends the Icelandic dream for another year. I would love to see it play out differently, but France aren't England, and you can be sure Iceland won't be pulling off anything of the sort this time round.

Prediction

France 3-1 Iceland

Uruguay vs Portugal

Ooh, it's tough, this. And it really could go either way. I don't think the full-time result will favour either side, but a triumphant Ronaldo will Si! after a win on penalties.

Prediction

Uruguay 1-1 Portugal (4-5 P.)

Egypt vs Spain

A little discomfort for the Spaniards, maybe, but nothing they can't handle. I hope a fully recovered Salah proves me wrong.

Prediction

Egypt 0-2 Spain

Argentina vs Peru

Argentina aren't as comfortable against the Peruvians as you'd think. They drew both their qualifying encounters, so expect another very close affair. The magical Messi may surely prove pivotal.

Prediction

Argentina 1-0 Peru

Brazil vs Mexico

Make no mistake, the Brazilians will take this game very seriously. I expect a statement of intent and subsequently an impressive result.

Prediction

Brazil 3-0 Mexico

Belgium vs Colombia

This is where Belgium sink or swim. With far too many talented individuals in their squad to make any excuses, we shall soon see whether they have what it takes to become truly the world's number-one national team.

Prediction

Belgium 2-1 Colombia

Germany vs Switzerland

A desirable stepping stone for Die Mannschaft. Albeit a strong outfit, Switzerland's participation ends here.

Prediction

Germany 2-0 Switzerland

Poland vs England

A gift? Perhaps. Still, I think I know how this one's destined to end. Penalties, and England... win!

Yeah, right.

Prediction

Poland 2-2 England (4-3 P.)

QUARTER-FINALS

France vs Portugal

Ignore the Euro 2016-citing CR7 fans. France to win, but it will be close.

Prediction

France 1-0 Portugal

Brazil vs Belgium

This is where Brazil succeed and Belgium bow out. And, like their exit to Wales in 2016, it's going to be rough.

Prediction

Brazil 4-2 Belgium

Germany vs Poland

Same applies. The Germans haven't missed a semi-final for as long as I can remember. It doesn't start now.

Prediction

Germany 3-1 Poland

Spain vs Argentina

Oh my word, do we have a game on our hands. It's going to be wild. And I really do believe Spain possess not only the ability but the panache to weather the blue-striped storm and emerge victorious.

Prediction

Spain 2-1 Argentina

THE SEMIS (We're getting serious now.)

France vs Brazil

Another fiendishly difficult shout, and I can't bring myself to say one way or the other. Somebody must go through, however, so what the heck. Let's make it a Brazil/Germany final.

Prediction

France 1-1 Brazil (4-5 P.)

Spain vs Germany

Ohoho, this game, this game. 2010, anyone? This time it's the Germans who'll be bagging last-laugh rights. Sorry, Spain, but good effort. You've done yourselves proud(ish).

Prediction

Spain 0-1 Germany

THIRD-PLACE PLAYOFF

France vs Spain

Spain to pull out a performance people will lament wasn't present in their previous fixture. Sorry, France.

Prediction

France 0-2 Spain

THE FINAL

Brazil vs Germany

It's going to be crazy. It really is. But what a match this would be, and an excellent chance for vengeance. As much as I hope Germany provide us sadistic masses with another 7-1 mauling, this is going to the death for sure. Extra time, possibly penalties. And although I hate to admit it, I see a Brazilian scoring Goetze's goal.

Prediction

Brazil (champions) 1-0 Germany