It is just a week until the start of the 2018 World Cup. Unfortunately being held in Russia – where it provides another propaganda tool for the Putin regime and a potentially miserable experience for the traveling supporters.
Let’s be realistic – the quality of the football will mostly not be of Premiership standard; there may be eight teams that would stand a chance of surviving in the Premiership.
But flags will wave; anthems will be sung; the worst of national stereotyping will be on display.
And here are my tips for the knock out rounds: last 16, quarters, semis and final.
Uruquay v Portugal
Spain v Russia
France V Croatia
Argentina v Denmark
Brazil v Sweden
Germany v Switzerland
Belgium v Senegal
Poland v England
Portugal v France
Brazil v Belgium
Spain v Argentina
Germany v England
France v Belgium
Argentina v Germany
France v Argentina