World Cup predictions: who will win in Russia?

We round up the expert and pundit picks to
lift the trophy on 15 July

One-Minute Read

The Daily Mail reports that the Samba Boys and
Spain are the best bets for the World Cup. According to a study by
Goldman Sachs, Neymar’s Brazil came out as the winners after the
tournament was simulated one million times using an artificial
intelligence (AI) algorithm.

The investment bank’s algorithm used “team strategy, the
strengths and weaknesses of individual players, and recent team
results”, says the Mail.

In another AI simulation by researchers from the Technical
University of Dortmund in Germany, the Mail reports that Spain were
predicted to have the best chance of winning in Russia. The
Technical University of Dortmund AI held 100,000 different
simulations.

If insurable value is what you are looking for from your team
then according to Lloyds France will win the World Cup. The
Lloyds study found that France are “the most expensive team
competing in Russia and therefore should be victorious”.

Speaking to Russia Today, Manchester United manager Jose
Mourinho tipped the defending champions to triumph. “Germany
is Germany,” said the Special One.

Who do pundits pick to win the World
Cup?

Gary Lineker, BBC: “History tells us that it’s normally a European
team who wins when the World Cup is on this continent – and there
are some very strong European teams at the moment. Germany are
always a threat and won’t be far away, while France have got some
amazing players and will have a chance if they can get it together
– but, if I had to pick someone, I would go with Spain. They have a
tremendous depth to their squad and are technically brilliant as
always.”

Alan Shearer, BBC: “I am going to go for experience, and I am going
to go with Brazil. I am expecting especially big things from
Gabriel Jesus, who is young, fresh and energetic.”

Paul Hayward, The Daily Telegraph: “Brazil looked shot to
bits four years ago, but have recovered and are blessed with
match-winners.”

Dominic Fifield, The Guardian: “Brazil and Argentina [in the
final], with Lionel Messi to illuminate the grandest stage, then
retire from international football clutching its ultimate prize.
Maybe.”

David Hytner, The Guardian: “Brazil to beat Germany [in the
final]. Brazil have got everything but, most importantly, balance
and a hardier mentality under Tite. Germany remain intimidating and
even greater than the sum of their parts.”

Craig Burley, ESPN: “I’m swaying on this pick as Brazil in
particular do look strong. However, the continuity in terms of
coaching with Joachim Low means Germany can usually sail through
rough seas as they did in 2014. They’ve been unconvincing recently
in friendlies but Germany aren’t about friendlies. Personnel
changes mean some players are untried at this level, but they still
have enough big game players and game changers to just sneak
it.”

Mark Ogden, ESPN: “Brazil are stronger than four years ago
and, if Neymar stays fit, they should go all the way this time
around.”

Luke Brown, Independent: “I think I fancy France. But then
again Spain and Germany can’t be ruled out. Brazil look pretty
tasty, too. So to conclude I don’t really know. Pass.”