World Cup 2018: 5 bold predictions

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#1 Brazil to be crowned Champions

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The 2014 World Cup held in Brazil saw a disappointing end to the hosts' campaign when they faced an embarrassing 7-1 defeat against Germany in the semi-finals.

This time around the Canarinho are determined to make up for the failure by taking home the trophy from Russia. Brazil manager Tite has one of the strongest teams in his hands and has the capability to lead the team to glory.

A solid defence, a top midfield, and a terrific attack. Brazil has everything that is required to win the World Cup. Neymar will be the key man for the Selecao and the PSG man will be supported by the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Willian and Douglas Costa in attack.

The midfield trio of Casemiro, Fernandinho and Paulinho will tough to beat. While Thiago Silva, Marquinho, Marcelo and Danilo will form the defence. Roma's Allison, who is wanted by Real Madrid and Liverpool, will be Brazil's trusted custodian.

Canarinho has a solid 23-man squad that they can even name two separate strong starting elevens with it. The 2018 World Cup belongs to Brazil.

About the author

Dakir is a European and Indian football journalist at Sportskeeda with an overall experience of 10 years. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication, and currently pursuing Master’s in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University, he is a seasoned football journalist who has interviewed the likes of former Liverpool star John Arne Riise, covered the entire 2022-23 Indian Super League season of the Kerala Blasters, and has delivered a seminar at an international conference held by St. Albert's College, Ernakulam.

Thanks to his extensive academic background in journalism, Dakir understands the importance of accuracy and spends a significant amount of time researching the subject. In today’s data-driven world of football, where players are perceived as machines, he prides himself amplify the voices of the people that make football the beautiful game that it is.

He started following football in 2013, and more specifically, Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool, and admires Jurgen Klopp for his untouched charisma and unmatched legacy. A perpetual underdog supporter, he is a fan of under-fire Reds forward Darwin Nunez and can’t wait for him to show the world what he truly is. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s iconic “corner taken quickly” corner assist for Divock Origi in Liverpool’s 4-0 UCL semifinal win over Barcelona left a lasting impact on him.

When not writing, Dakir enjoys indulging in his guilty pleasure - watching mass commercial movies.

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Edited by Zeeshan Ali