Maybe I'm just getting old and cynical. In any case, I will still be disappearing from public view for a month just like every four years.

I don't know that I have a clear favourite in mind for the whole thing. France maybe? Brazil? Not Argentina who are top heavy (Messi et al), but too weak in the back.

I'll go with Germany.

Surprise team? Since Mo Salah is apparently going to be fit, I'm going with Egypt. I like Mo Salah. Iceland would be fun.

I think Belgium will be a flop. No particular reason -- I just think their players are overrated and Martinez isn't up for this job. For some reason I find Hazard in particular the most unmemorable player ever. He's shown occasional interesting moves, but I never remember them or him. I can barely recall what he looks like. I'm also hoping Portugal and Ronaldo flop for karma's sake after the Euros from two years ago. Dreadful team, dreadful players.

As for England, out on penalties in the quarter finals, of course.

I also predict VAR as currently implemented will be awful, the Vuvuzelas of football refereeing.

I fear that Russia may do well. Belgium doing well may depend on how well they play as a team, as opposed to a collection of very talented individuals.

Either Germany or Spain will win, I think. But what do I know.

So we can't be too harsh.

Italy failing to qualify is a real shocker though.

Favorites are obviously France, Germany and Brazil. Germany wins, and they'll tie Brazil for 5 wins.

I like Germany to win this one. They have the right mix of depth, youth and experience. They aren't spectacular, but they appear very disciplined.

Brazil has the individual talent but can they overcome that and become the team they were in 1970?

France should be capable of going the distance however I think they'll fall just a little short.

Hard to say who will be the surprise team of the tournament. Lots of potential there.

If England makes it to the quarter-finals I'd say they would be the surprise team...and I say that as an Englishman.

I'm hoping Mo Salah is the standout player. Would really like to see him bounce back after suffering the shoulder injury in the CL final.

Flops...who knows? I suspect England will be a flop again...

I'm supporting them but have learned not to get excited.

My long shot pick for this cup...

Peru to get to the semi-finals.

through a random raffle. I got Denmark, so I'm rooting for them. I think it might be Germany in the final though.

I will tune it in on the radio.

Just for kicks, I will pull for Costa Rica and Iceland for long shots

Of the power teams: Spain, England and France. I'd say Spain to win it all

Cannot cheer for: Germany, Russia or Brazil

Ronaldo (who else!) scored a hat trick. That may turn out to be the game of the tournament, with Spain's Nacho possibly scoring the goal of the tournament.