Egypt

Good chance to make second phase, but Mo Salah is under a cloud – not because of the shoulder, but because he may need to give evidence in the $1.5 billion law suit against Sergio Ramos.

Russia

Two Vladimir’s in the 23 man squad, but neither will have the impact of their imperial namesake, who will no doubt find a way to ensure their safe passage to the round of 16.

Saudi Arabia

Already with the difficult task of navigating out of Group A on the back of lead-up losses to Peru (3 – 0) and Italy (2 – 1), losing referee Fahad Al Mirdasi (due to a match-fixing attempt) won’t help matters…

Uruguay

The midfield is green, but Cavani is a gun up front, Godin is dogged down back, and Suarez is hungry (pun intended) – so surely they go through and make a meal (figuratively, if not literally in Luis case) of the other three in this group.

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Paul Morello

I'm Paul, and I model my life, laugh and hair on Mark Bosnich. There's no animal, athlete or team that can carry the weight of my money.

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