Soccer/Football

Group A
1. Brazil (obviously)
2. Croatia

This is a fairly poor Mexico side that only qualified by the skin of their teeth. Apparently they'll have more fans there than any team except for Brazil. I don't think it's enough.

Group B
1. Chile
2. Spain

The Spanish players are really tired and this is an exceptionally poor Holland squad with poor defence. Chile gets the South American advantage.

Group C
1. Colombia
2. Ivory Coast

Last chance for Ivory Coast's golden generation. Fortunately for them they're in a weak group. Greece can't score. Japan are a potential dark horse, though. They just might make it out of this group after all.

Group D
1. England
2. Uruguay

Suarez might be out, but Uruguay still gets near home advantage even if they're not as good as 4 years ago. Italy are slow starters typically, and it may cost them this time. Costa Rica are no-hopers here.

Group E.
1. France
2. Switzerland

Honduras are not very good and Ecuador are only good at altitude

Group F.
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia

Argentina are potential WC winners and Bosnia are the hipsters' choice but we shouldn't hold that against them. Not impressed with this Nigeria side, though they have a lot of recognisable names in the team.

Group G.
1. Germany
2. Portugal

Sorry USA, Germany are another title contender and I fear Portugal are also too much. In fact, I'd rate Ghana slightly higher than this US side which has regressed a bit. Dempsey moving to MLS was a bad move.

Group H.
1. Belgium
2. Russia

Everyone expects great things from Belgium but I'm far from convinced. Russia are a decent side but only have all their players playing at home which is not helpful in international tournaments. Algeria and South Korea are not good enough.

Round of 16
Brazil def. Spain
Chile def. Croatia
Colombia def. Uruguay
England over Ivory Coast
France defeats Bosnia
Argentina knocks out Switzerland
Germany beats Russia
Portugal beats Belgium

I'm think Argentina, Germany and Brazil are the obvious favourites. England out in the quarter final on penalties again. Holland, Spain and Italy will be the disappointments. Japan are outsiders for a quarter final spot.

Looking forward to Thursday night. I hope to get my TV fixed by then so I don't have to watch it on a crappy laptop screen.