Who will win the World Cup?

Same as you on this.

Personally think Germany or Brazil will win it.
England won't get past the group stage.
Mind you, reports coming out today that Suarez has suffered a knee injury and will miss the tournament!!!

I remember the last world cup, which I watched mostly in dodgy german pubs. Had a mate who was Scottish but had £50 on Rooney to be top scorer, which didn't work out so well, he was the most passionate man in the pub in each game! Which was quite amusing

Can't believe Falcao couldn't make it. It really sucks, he's a great player.

I'm more horrified than anything by the fact it's now 16 years since I went to France for the '98 World Cup.......

So today is the day!!!

Like a right muppet I drove to a venue 15 mile away for a DJ client meeting only to realise when I got there that it's scheduled for tonight!

It's at 7 so I should be OK to make it back for K.O. but the gig is a surprise wedding and all of her vendors (photographer, videographer etc...) are going to be there so hopefully no one is dicking about too much so we can get away early enough.

Anyone know if you'll be able to get the games on iPlayer and ITV player after them?

My telly set up is rrubbish to the point I can't record anything and I'm up at 6 for Tough Mudder on Sunday so probably going to have to miss the England game

I am with you! I will obviously support Argentina, that is where the heart is no matter what but I doubt they will do well.

I will then support Spain just because I like them but there can be a surprise.

Well 3-1 flattered Brazil.

Croatia dealt well with them and if it wasn't for some dodgy refereeing and poor goal keeping the result would have been very different.

Still, a good start and hopefully this will kick start a high scoring and entertaining tournament unlike the turgid South Africa 2010.

I doubt that the Netherlands will do well. We are playing in a new system with 5 defenders, who all are mediocre at best. In our squad there are a lot of unexperienced players.

I hope Depay will be the revelation of the tournament.

Sadly I think Germany will be World Champions (god forbid).

But Belgium and Brazil are very competative too.

Had it as a Brazil-Argentina final before the tournament started.

Don't think Holland will make it out of their group. Expecting a good run from Chile. Algeria should surprise but will probably just get pipped to the post at the group stages. If England can draw their opening 2 matches we will get out of the group. I have far too many bets on Immobile scoring goals for Italy, he probably won't start now!

Brazil aren't winning this unless they continue to get blatantly biased/bribed referees like last night. What the hell is an Asian based official doing officiating the opening game when it involves the host nation/favourites?

They were absolutely GIFTED a penalty and Croatia scored a goal that would have been given in any other game, but was ruled out on this occassion.

On the plus side, there's strong evidence that a good side can give them a good battering. They are weak defensively in the full-back positions. Marcelo & Alves are great going forward, but they tend not to return to position and their midfielders don't cover. A side with good wingers will tear them apart (Holland spring to mind).

And no, Immobile won't start for Italy. Their line-up against Fluminese was 2nd string, taking no risks over injuries. Balotelli will be the lone striker for them in the group games.