First and foremost, allow me to address the issue of horrendously getting my prediction for this World Cup tournament’s winner wrong, following the shocking exit of four-time champions Germany, who I heavily tipped to defend their crown.
My second and third picks, however, Brazil and Argentina respectively, are of course still in the running, but in the latter’s case, just.
The play-offs are where the real World Cup starts – where great managers will be separated from good ones, where stars will be separated from good players and to a lesser extent, where we won’t have to be subjected to watching reserve teams like we were in the Belgium-England tie.
It’s also the time of the tournament of course, where teams have no other choice but to win to advance that much closer to the game’s most prestigious prize.
The whole purpose of this piece is to revisit my initial prediction which I held with surmountable conviction.
I won’t allow my initial wrong prediction to cloud my judgement so I’m going to stubbornly stick with my second pick: the Brazilian Samba Boys.
I criticised them on my most recent piece for various reasons but having seen them up to this stage, they’ve looked like a side who want to extend their success as the most successful in the tournament’s history: great cohesion among the players, a good manager, well organised, a bevy of talent; and Neymar.
More predictions from The Advertiser’s staff and ex-staff members:
Logan Green (Benoni City Times sports journalist)
I’m going to go for Argentina, let’s go for the unpopular opinion. I think they’ve had their slump and now Lionel Messi is going to want it even more after all the hate and negative things that have been said about him – so yes, I’m going with the ‘Argies’.
Cyril Lehong (Former sports journalist for the Advertiser – preceded yours truly)
It’s a tough World Cup to predict but I think it will be between Brazil, who look like they can get stronger as the tournament progresses; Croatia, who have the best midfield in the tournament and star-studded Belgium.
Maile Matsimela (former assistant editor)
It’s hard to predict this one, but look out for Belgium. They have a star-studded team that may surprise many. Also, Spain and Brazil are just pure class. But don’t rule our Croatia either. Spain is my choice though, but that’s my top four.
Daniel Seleme (assistant digital manager)
Brazil and Belgium are on a collision course provided they win their respective games, and if Brazil beats Belgium, which, as tough as it is to call, I think they will do, then they will go on to win it all.
Neo Magasa (digital administrator and creative co-ordinator)
If Spain meet Portugal in the final, the Spanish will win after penalties. If the Spanish meet Belgium in the final, then they will smash Belgium. Moral of the story: Spain wins the tournament.
Nan Cleeve (proofreader)
Mexico or Spain – I like Mexico but I think Espanol will win.
Logan Govender (trainee branch manager, classified sales manager)
England has been my choice from the start and I’m sticking with them.
Ziggy Ravuku (senior graphic designer)
Argentina. They haven’t been playing well but I think they’ll get it together.
Gerrard Venter (IT technician)
Brazil
Tshepo Masoka (IT technician)
England
Thulani Hobo (sales executive)
Belgium – @SabeloBoksburg
