7 bold predictions ahead of the 2014 Brazil World Cup

5) Major Disappointments from Europe’s “Superpowers” (with the exception of the annoyingly efficient Germans)

Italy. England. Similar sized stature. Similar sized pedigree. Similar problem. I have touched on the issue with England at the top- but all three are major footballing nations currently on the wane. It is a far cry from 2006, where these three nations were arguably the favourites to win the whole competition, and had the best squads in the competition. But alas no longer. I forsee a disastrous summer ahead for Europe’s traditional big guns, as most of them seem to be in a bit of a trough. Better luck in 2018?

Of course, the exception is (as ever) the Germans. With the knack of playing well at the most important of times- the Germans are the only European team that I would back to go all the way. And it pains me to say that.