Group Stage Predictions
Prediction. Germany has some ground to cover with a first-game loss to Mexico, though they should regroup, get out of their group, and make a strong push into the Elimination Rounds. This might be the easiest prediction available to mankind, but, it goes without saying, they were defeated by Mexico in game one.
I predict Brazil and Argentina will walk away with victories in their second games, edging them closer to winning their respective groups. This may seem like an easy prediction, and frankly it is, however, in their first games neither team showed the kind of flair they're known for. There is a ton of pressure on them, such pressure that affects their performance in a negative way.
I predict Denmark will either tie or lose their second game. England should do the same, which I hate but that's the way it goes.
Egypt will likely tie or lose their last group game, sending them home early. Though Mo Salah made an appearance in their second game, it was their second loss, and they played decently but just aren't ready for a consistent performance at the World Cup level.
Japan is in pretty good form. I predict they will win their next group game.
Much more to come, as World Cup 2018 is just getting started!
The World Cup 2018 Book: Everything You Need to Know About the Soccer World Cup
“Ivan Perisic, who joined Manchester United in 2017, played his first game with Croatia in 2011," page 73.
The manuscript of this book, The World Cup 2018 Book: Everything You Need to Know About the Soccer World Cup, had been complete by the time Ivan Perisic’s decision with Manchester United had come to light.
In 2017, Perisic had joined Manchester United in many respects, including conversations, putting together contracts, visits between his party and theirs, and he was all but wearing a uniform, though never played in a game. Many sources were indicating that it was set in stone, that he was all but a member of Manchester United. Wikipedia, likely following multiple sources, had outright put that Perisic was with Manchester United in 2017. Wikipedia, a digital medium, has subsequently changed the information about Perisic being with Manchester United.
In addition, the Author’s Note section of The World Cup 2018 Book states, "Sometimes, teams change at the last minute or even during the World Cup." In this case, the teams in question include Manchester United, Inter Milan and Perisic's eventual decision to not suit up with Manchester United.
The World Cup 2018 Book made every effort to ensure that every player, team and every bit of information in the book was double-checked, triple-checked and sometimes quadruple-checked for accuracy.
It is a pleasure to point out this Clarification, as many changes with players and teams occur frequently, including transfers and trades. The book took every step to ensure accuracy and the highest quality. And this has been delivered.
Thank you and enjoy the World Cup!