Our World Cup Reckoning: Russia 2018

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, the 1985 hit song of English band Tears for Fears epitomizes what the footballing world is about to witness when the World Cup commences on 14^th June, 2018.With 32 teams dreaming of ruling the footballing world till at least 2022, The opening lyrics of the song, “Welcome to your life. There’s no turning back “ paints a picture of the task ahead.Every tournament begets expectations and Russia 2018 is certainly no exception. Will the Guardiola effect propel England to world cup glory 😋 as experienced in his managerial stints at Barcelona (Spain 2010) and Bayern (Germany 2014)? As far as Ballon D ’or contenders goes, Can the mesmerizing antics of Messi deliver Argentina from Higuaín’s expected mess?  Will the chutzpah of Cristiano Ronaldo help Portugal? How about Neymar emulating the 2002 Korea/Japan heroics of fellow compatriot Ronaldo Da Lima? For a country largely famous for its pyramids than football, can Salah propel Egypt to unprecedented heights?  

….. Are you a romantic who believes in happy endings?? Then Iniesta and His Spanish “Armada” might reignite your love in his final stint before he leaves Europe to Japan. And what about the Germans? Can they retain the trophy without the experience of Lahm, Klose, Schweinsteiger and Mertarsacker? Let's see.After breaking African hearts via his infamous hand of god in South Africa 2010 and biting Italian defender Giorgio Chielini in (Brazil) 2014, Can Luis Suarez finally steer clear of controversy?  Will the flair of Mane’s Senegal, Charisma of Morocco’s Hervé Renard or perhaps the glitz of the Nigerian jersey break the African Semi Final hoodoo?

Neither the failure of the Black Stars to make it to the World nor Anas’ recent expose on the bizarre state of Ghana Football has deterred ardent soccer fans from having interesting but diverse opinions on the impending World Cup. I sample an interesting few;

@NOforiOwusu 👀                                               

I am fascinated because I get to watch it as a neutral (Ghana not competing), Messi’s last chance at international glory so I expect him to come all guns blazing. Ronaldo has won the Euro hence he might relax a bit. Neymar should be at his best with less pressure and good players. Fav Team: La Roja (Spain).

@Kwadwo_Hemeng ✊

Russia 2018 will be one of the most exciting editions yet. A lot of big teams and underdogs to cheer for. The players aren’t have bad either. Fav Team: Germany, One to Watch: Tim Werner (tip him to finish at least 3^rd in the golden shoe race)

@Twin_Senyo👈

I expect Germany to retain their crown. The Germans are always close hence I don’t expect this tournament to be different.  Great squad comprising Ozil, Neuer, and Kroos. I think they fall short in the striking position but I expect Timo Werner to step up like he did it in the Confederations Cup. Germany aside Argentina and Spain. It will be surprising if Belgium don’t have an impact. Let’s enjoy the World Cup.

Gaituah (@queci_suave) 😈

World Cup should be an interesting one. Its Brazils tournament to lose, no disrespect to the holders or Messi’s Argentina, just feel it is set up nicely for them. Intrigued to see how England do.I expect Belguim & Serbia to be the Dark Horses. Best Player: Neymar/Coutinho

@TwinSena 👉

Russia 2018 will most likely be the most viewed sporting event in history and this shows why the World Cup is the most popular sporting event … Brazil seem to be the favourites but I personally think Germans have what it takes largely due to their discipline and skill. Best Player Messi. Dark horses Croatia.

@mis_Garner 💋

I am hopeful that Brazil would be able to come back after the embarrassment of 2014. I am anticipating fair games with little or no racism and a lot of fun and beautiful goals to be watched even after the world cup is over.  

@AlfOwusu 👊

Looking forward to a thrilling WC and how the African teams will fare. Everyone is hoping Salah continues his wonderful season while Morocco are quietly my sure bet to impress from Africa and perhaps Mane’s Senegal. Who doesn’t love an underdog story?

Andrey (Bon vivant) 😋

Money is on Die Mannschaft. Boateng, Muller,Kroos, Ozil and Hummel’s have high standards to match in Russia. I hope Ronaldo’s Portugal pull a surprise. Players to shine, Mo Salah, Luka Modric, KDB , Kroos and Eriksen. Golden Boot: Neymar/Muller. Golden Gloves: Ederson
@Frickyc13 🙋
Les Blues win and Deschamps will become only the 3rd man ever to do it as player and coach. Let's see how Tite, Loew & Sampaoli contrive to prevent such an occurrence. Star of the tourny?  Griezmann. Also expect one of Croatia, Senegal or Colombia to go far.

@Prince_K_Oppong 😁

This competition hasn’t been well hyped compared the previous ones I’ve witnessed. Nonetheless, I expect an entertaining mundial with Brazil winning it. Best player should be the Prince of Paris, Neymar.

Donald Assan😬

Great world cup it will be as usual. Hope nothing mars it especially racism since its Russia.it might be a perception with Russian football and I hope it remains so.  Fav team: Brazil, Best Player: Neymar

Philip Aseweh😄

Historically only 7 teams have lifted the World Cup. I think the elite group is going to remain the same. I am Messi bias so I am with Argentina. Expecting the Belgians to have a fine tournament too and hey don’t write off the Brazilians off. 

Dr. Charles Mwansa 😆

Naturally I always support the Germans... But defending it will be impossible. I will chose Brazil and Neymar.

@Ganyobi_Kwaw 😎

Brazil are strong favourites. They have the right balance and flair and steel. Golden Boot: Gabriel Jesus and Best Player: Neymar. Surprise Package: Croatia. Watch out for the midfield trio Kovacic, Modric and Rakitic. After winning the “World Kit Trophy” I will like Nigeria to make Africa proud on the pitch.

Ernest Adu 😝

As I wait the Kremlin show, I anticipate a great tournament with plenty twists, amazing goals, and the wonderful spectacle we’ve come to expect of a World Cup. My tip is Brazil but I always have a soft spot for England. Team to watch: Belgium. 

Surprise packages: England and Morocco. Players to Watch: Hazard and Kane.

@adi_sheiwo 😻

Spain is my favourite and Ronaldo can be player of the tournament.

@Mys_pe4 😚

My Catholic faith means I am supporting the Pope's country.Go Argentina,Go Messi. 

 

@Terence__Wood😦

Without the petty issue of racism, Europe has always provided the footballing world with great world cup memories (France 98 was a masterpiece).Despite having a tumultuous qualifying campaign,I hope Argentina emulate the World Cup winning formula of Brazil in 2002 who followed a similar difficult trajectory in qualifying.Best Player: Messi, Golden Boot: Messi … don’t write off Neymar’s Brazil too; Coach Tite has instilled a work ethic and winning mentality in them. Germany lack the leadership and experience they possessed in Lahm, Schweinsteiger and Podolski hence don't see them going far.