I sit here in my hotel room in Shanghai on the eve of the world cup crippled with excitement – sports biggest and best tournament is almost upon us; A month long carnival of football, a riot of colour and emotion which will encapsulate an enhanced global audience and create moments that will be recalled for decades like Gazza’s tears and Zidanes Headbutt – to quote arguably one of the best to ever play the game Maradona – “F***ing come On! This is a World Cup!”
Below I will share my top 3 teams who I think could win the tournament, my top 3 who I think will complete for the golden boot and my top 3 Players to watch this tournament.
My Top 3 picks To Win
1. Brazil
When you think of the World Cup; the yellow Brazil shirt comes to mind, it is almost the symbol of the world cup with their blue shorts. 4 years ago Brazil were hosts and were humbled 7-1 by winners Germany in the semi final – a team which seemed to be too reliant on superstar Neymar; playing in his first world cup, to fire them to glory. 4 years on and Brazil are genuine prospects to lift a record 6th title, they have more balance in the side with the likes of Coutinho, Firmino, Willian, Jesus, Alisson, Silva and Marcelo to name a few alongside Neymar; all players who have played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs in the Champions League. As a team they are unbeaten in the last 12 months going into the Tournament; Question is will they perform In Russia and bring the trophy home?
2. Germany
The reigning world champions are going into the World Cup out of form with only 1 win in the last 6 matches. But this is a World Cup and it would be criminal to write off Deutschland! They are a team with experience and they always find a way at the very top table of world football – they have made the last 8 in their last 16 world cups! With their experience they also boast youngsters in Timo Werner, Draxler and Goretzka and if you can afford to leave Leroy Sané at home who has just been incredible week in week out for his club then you must be a good team right?!
3. France
Les Bleus were beaten finalists in the Euros 2 years ago and would love to avenge that defeat by winning the World Cup; 20 years on from when they won it in Paris against Brazil. No one can argue with the strength and depth in the French squad; Players who were left out such as Martial, Lacazette and Payet would be at home in many other countries first XI. But when you can boast a front 3 of Griezmann, Dembelé and Mbappé – 3 of Europe’s brightest talents you can’t look past Les Bleus at challenging for the cup. Add to that the likes of Kanté, Varane and Loris and France have a strong spine to their side and with options of the bench with the likes of Giroud and Fekir; France are my outside tip to win the World Cup.
My Top 3 Picks for The Golden Boot
1. Thomas Muller
Thomas Muller was instrumental in firing Germany to become World Champions 4 years ago and the World Cup seems to bring the best out of him scoring 5 goals each in the last two world cups. In 2010 5 goals was enough to win him the golden boot although there were 3 others with 5 goals – Muller had more assists; In 2014 5 goals was only good enough for the Silver Boot. Muller has 10 world cup goals; 6 behind record goalscorer and compatriot Miroslav Klosé and at 28 you wouldn’t bet against Muller breaking the record. By Mullers standards his performances have dropped this season with only 15 goals but with his World Cup record, it is enough to justify him as a leading contender for the Golden Boot!
2. Harry Kane
While there are no expectations for England to go far in this tournament, their success will surely hinge on the form in front of goal of Harry Kane. Kane is a natural goalscorer and he has been prolific for the past 4 seasons scoring at least 25 goals in each of those seasons, in 3 of those seasons he passed 30 goals and this season he scored a total 41 goals. While he has been setting the Premier league alight surely now is the time for Kane to bring his ‘A’ game to the world stage. Named Captain before the tournament and England’s hopes resting on his shoulders – can Harry Kane deliver?
3. Gabriel Jesus
While it would be easy to name Neymar to be top scorer playing in an in form Brazil team, I think Gabriel Jesus who looks like he will lead the line will outscore him. Jesus possesses raw speed, a sharp mind in and around the box and is clinical in front of goal. He experienced a knee injury in January and missed a large part of the season but Man City’s loss could be Brazil’s gain as he looks as if he has found some form in the pre-tournament friendlies. Will Jesus rule in Russia?
My Top 3 Players To Watch Out For
1. Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé has the talent and the ability to steal the show in this World Cup and fire France to Glory. In the last two seasons domestically he has netted 41 times but alongside his eye for a goal, there is speed, there is agility and skill to beat defenders – Kylian Mbappé could be the star of the greatest show in the world.
2. Timo Werner
After the 2014 World Cup, One of the World Cup and German Goal scoring greats in Miroslav Klosé retired. The record goal scorers boots are hard to fill but in 22 year old they have a more than able replacement. Werner has shot into the limelight after moving to Leipzig from Stuttgart 2 seasons ago, Since then he has hit 20+ goals in both seasons. With natural pace and cool in front of goal; Timo Werner could be an outside tip for Golden boot and becoming a World Cup Winner.
3. Marco Asensio
Asensio is part of a new generation of Spanish midfielders breaking into this Spain team and while he is unlikely to feature in the starting line up, He will be one of Spain’s go to players. His speed and long range shooting will help to break down stubborn defences and give Spain a more direct approach. Asensios opportunities were limited at Madrid this season but despite this he still managed to score 11 times across all competitions. At 22 years young, Asensio already has 2 Champions League medals and this is his opportunity to announce himself on the world stage and maybe get himself a big money move if he sees his future away from the Bernabeu.
