World Cup: Group stage predictions and pre-tournament bracket

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) /

2 of 3

1. Croatia – 7 points

2. Argentina – 6

3. Iceland – 2

4. Nigeria – 1

The Group of Death is where I have my first big surprise. Croatia will win the group after beating Argentina in the second game. Argentina is a little overrated, but have Messi and they will come in second. Iceland will draw twice after losing to Messi.

Argentina 2-1 Iceland

Croatia 1-0 Nigeria

Argentina 2-3 Croatia

Nigeria 2-2 Iceland

Nigeria 0-1 Argentina

Iceland 0-0 Croatia

Next: World Cup: Group D

Group E

1. Brazil – 9 points

2. Switzerland – 6

3. Serbia – 1

4. Costa Rica – 1

Brazil never messes up in the group stage. They haven’t lost at this stage since 1998. It will stay that way with some convincing wins. Second-place will go to Switzerland. Xherdan Shaqiri always does enough to get to the Round of 16. Switzerland has multiple goalscorers, Serbia and Costa Rica don’t have enough.

Costa Rica 1-1 Serbia

Brazil 4-1 Switzerland

Brazil 3-0 Costa Rica

Serbia 1-2 Switzerland

Serbia 1-2 Brazil

Switzerland 1-0 Costa Rica

Next: World Cup: Group E

Group F

1. Germany – 7 points

2. Sweden – 5

3. Mexico – 4

4. South Korea – 0

Next: World Cup: Group F

Another surprise comes in Group F with Sweden advancing over Mexico. Mexico will struggle to score against Sweden and so will Germany. The defending champions will have their second game syndrome kick in and draw 0-0 with Sweden. Wins over Mexico and South Korea will see Germany to the Round of 16.