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World Cup: Group stage predictions and pre-tournament bracket

ByOrri Benatar|
JARROW, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Flags hang from poles outside the Robin pub as over 300 flags adorn the outside of the pub as it is decorated ahead of the World Cup on June 12, 2018 in Jarrow, England. Managers Clare McFall and Norman Scott have covered the pub in Jarrow with huge St George flags and with flags representing each of the 31 nations who are taking part in the football tournament. Temporary scaffolding has been erected on the roof to support the flags from other nations and the front of the pub is draped in St George standards. The display took three weeks to complete and the pub plans to broadcast every group game with a nations flag being removed as it is knocked out of the competition. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
JARROW, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Flags hang from poles outside the Robin pub as over 300 flags adorn the outside of the pub as it is decorated ahead of the World Cup on June 12, 2018 in Jarrow, England. Managers Clare McFall and Norman Scott have covered the pub in Jarrow with huge St George flags and with flags representing each of the 31 nations who are taking part in the football tournament. Temporary scaffolding has been erected on the roof to support the flags from other nations and the front of the pub is draped in St George standards. The display took three weeks to complete and the pub plans to broadcast every group game with a nations flag being removed as it is knocked out of the competition. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
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It’s tomorrow!!!!!! I am going stage by stage predicting the tournament. Here are my picks for every group game and for the knockout phase.

This is it! The World Cup starts tomorrow and this is the last chance we get to predict and speculate about everything before we get actual results. I will be predicting the tournament throughout every stage but will be giving my full predictions for the whole tournament right here.

I will go more in-depth on the group stage and keep my knockout stage explanations brief. Enough time wasting let’s go!

Group A

1. Uruguay – 9 points

2. Egypt – 6

3. Russia – 3

4. Saudia Arabia – 0

This might be the worst group in World Cup history. Uruguay has a clear path to first-place with Suarez and Cavani banging in goals against Saudi Arabia. Second-place should be close between Egypt and Russia, but Mo Salah is the difference maker and will lead Egypt to a 1-0 victory over the hosts.

Russia 2-1 Saudi Arabia

Egypt 0-2 Uruguay

Russia 0-1 Egypt

Uruguay 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Uruguay 2-1 Russia

Saudia Arabia 0-3 Egypt

Next: World Cup: Group A

Group B

1. Spain – 7 points

2. Portugal – 7

3. Morocco – 1

4. Iran – 1

This group is now way more interesting with Julen Lopetegui’s firing and Fernando Hierro taking over as Spain’s manager. Still, the group should be easy enough for Spain to advance and I think they have the offense to finish first on goal difference. Ronaldo and Portugal should comfortably advance in second.

Morocco 0-0 Iran

Portugal 1-1 Spain

Portugal 2-0 Morocco

Iran 0-2 Spain

Iran 0-1 Portugal

Spain 3-1 Morocco

Next: World Cup: Group B

Group C

1. France – 9 points

2. Denmark – 4

3. Peru – 4

4. Australia – 0

Next: World Cup: Group C

France will have the best group stage in the whole tournament, winning all three games with ease. Peru and Denmark will be neck and neck for second, but I give the edge to Denmark with elevated talent and a little more tournament experience. Peru is a very close third.

France 3-1 Australia

Peru 2-2 Denmark

France 3-0 Peru

Denmark 2-1 Australia

Denmark 0-2 France

Australia 1-2 Peru

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