World Cup 2014: Day 1

So finally the World Cup is here, and what better excuse to kick start my writing again (that and the fact I’m currently laid up with broken ribs). Not even fired up my laptop in a week, and being totally disinterested in most things, but the one thing that will always drag me out of a rut is football. All eyes will be on Brazil given the trouble they looked like having in hosting the tournament (compounded by the issues at FIFA now surrounding the awarding of the next 2 finals), but I expect them to put on a good show. I think there will be some issues surrounding attendances, but that is to be expected in a country struggling financially, and it’s also interesting to note that a lot of my English friends who have gone over to watch have all landed tickets to go and watch other teams play (but not England), so I think that would be an issue wherever the tournament is held, as some countries just don’t have the desire to travel and spend the money to watch their national team perform.

On to predictions, overall I think Argentina will be successful in lifting the trophy. I think they and Brazil are equally impressive going forward, but an easier route to the final and a stronger defence will see them becoming World champions. Pressure will no doubt again be on Messi to perform, with his status as one, if not the best in the world never following him into major tournaments. Whether he can do it this time remains to be seen, but it’s the best opportunity he will have I feel, while Argentina are not short of other creative options should he once again fail to live up to his reputation.

Day 1 sees Brazil take on Crotia. The curtain raiser is always difficult to call, as the hosts will always want to avoid defeat in their first game, but I can’t see Brazil doing anything other than going for the jugular of their European rivals, and securing the win. Neymar has looked good in the lead up to the cup, and I expect him to get his World Cup goalscoring career off to a start this evening, with Brazil winning comfortably.

Predictions:

Neymar to score at any time

Brazil to win 2-1

Enjoy the game….