Group A
As is tradition, Group A features the tournament’s host nation, which is Russia, this time around. The Russians will be joined by an interesting, but rather un-daunting trio of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Without a doubt, Los Charruas are the favorites to win the group, as the squad possesses a two-headed monster up front in strikers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. Additionally, Uruguay has a solid defense thanks to Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez. After all, this center-back pairing “mans” club football’s stingiest defense, Atletico de Madrid. Outside of Uruguay, the Sbornaya must lockdown Egypt’s mercurial forward in Mo Salah to move through to the Knockout stage. Sorry Saudi Arabia, but you have no chance of leaving the group.
LSB Prediction
1. Uruguay 2. Russia 3. Egypt 4. Saudi Arabia
Group B
We won’t wait long to witness Group B’s only marquee match, the match that even the neutrals will call the best fixture for the entire Group Stage. I’m talking about Portugal vs Spain and the game kicks-off on Friday, June 15th, the second day of the tournament. Without question, La Roja and Portugal will advance to the knockouts, but in what order? The head-to-head opening fixture will likely play decider. I foresee the EURO 2016 champions of Portugal struggling to deal with Spain’s quality in midfield, defense, and between the sticks. Ronaldo will draw blanks against De Gea, and Diego Costa will net his first career World Cup goal, which proves to be the difference in the match. Meanwhile, Morocco and Iran will get to play their three matches, enjoy the World Cup experience, and then call it a tournament.
LSB Prediction
1. Spain 2. Portugal 3. Morocco 4. Iran
Group C
Les Bleus are without a doubt Group C’s creme de la creme. Riddled with attacking talent, France boasts the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Thomas Lemar, Olivier Giroud, and more. Thus, it’ll be a battle for second place within Group C, and Peru and Denmark will battle it out for the spot. Los Incas recently received good news, as their squad captain and star striker Paolo Guerrero will be able to play in the tournament thanks to an overturned doping ban. This gives Peru a boxer’s chance of beating out Denmark for the coveted second slot, however the Danes are the better side on paper and possess the best player for either side in Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen. Also, with a roster mostly comprised of players from Europe’s Top 5 leagues, I’m giving the edge to Denmark. As for Australia, the Socceroos will pull up the rear, finishing in fourth.
LSB Prediction
1. France 2. Denmark 3. Peru 4. Australia
Group D
Group D is the last group highlighted this week— which is fitting since it’s the best of the bunch! In my eyes, this collection of four featuring Argentina, Croatia, Iceland, and Nigeria is this tournament’s Group of Death! Unlike the previous three groups and remain four, we can honestly say that every team in Group D can qualify for the knockouts. With that said, only one of the four squads is a sure fire bet to reach the Round of 16, and that’s Leo Messi’s Argentina. The soon to be sixth time Ballon d’Or winner will see his Albiceleste win Group D, and set up a date with the Danes in the next round.
As for Croatia, Iceland, and Nigeria, whelp, all three have an excellent shot of finishing second. Iceland shocked Europe during EURO 2016, as they defeated the Three Lions en route to a quarterfinal appearance. Nigeria boasts some talented players, plying their trade in England with Victor Moses, Wilfried Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Alex Iwobi. Meanwhile, Croatia feature blue blood standouts Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, and Mario Mandzukic. Therefore, Group D will be incredibly competitive, and will likely be decided on on the final day of qualification by goal difference tie-breaking.
LSB Prediction
1. Argentina 2. Croatia 3. Nigeria 4 Iceland