Which nation will surprise us most this summer?
Jordan Chamberlain:
Russia. They’ll qualify in first ahead of Belgium.
Adam Davies:
Japan. One of the best technical sides in the competition, Japan will keep the ball excellently – even if they are somewhat suspect both at the back and in the striker position.
Robert Summerscales:
Japan’s team is very good technically and pretty fit too. I can see them sneaking out of Group C.
Jacob Daniels:
Switzerland. Defensive solidity with a little bit of flair.
Phil Haigh:
France: After recent failures, they will reach the latter stages this time around.
Mark Aspostolou:
Chile, the thinking man’s ‘Dark Horse’.
Tom Seymour:
All the talk has been about Belgium as dark horses, but I think Switzerland will do well. Especially with Ottmar Hitzfeld as manager.
What will annoy you most about the World Cup this summer!?
Jordan Chamberlain:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s self-indulgent celebrations when he scores.
Adam Davies:
Alan Shearer’s punditry. His simple narration of play fails to offer any insight whatsoever.
Robert Summerscales:
That I’m not there!
Jacob Daniels:
Watching Greece’s three inevitable 0-0 draws.
Phil Haigh:
The usual decent helping of turgid, low-quality games, made all the worse by the heat.
Mark Aspostolou:
Adrian Chiles forever sweaty appearance.
Tom Seymour:
A lack of goals. We saw this in 2010 and with nor surprises among the teams anymore expect goalless draws and 1-0 wins to become more common.
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