So who will win the World Cup?

[gooner.ed]

We've seen all the teams at least once, so let's have a few predictions for the winners and also the 3 other semi finalists. To get the ball rolling, here are my predictions...
Italy to win
Semi finalists - Germany, Argentina and Brazil.
That's if I've worked out the knockout stages right, which may not be the case! I'm reckoning Italy will finish 2nd in their group. France look awful at the moment and I can't see them turning it around. P*ss poor mananger.

[simmo]

i havnt looked at the sides of the groups but i think chek's are looking good as usual, but i think brazil will win it once again

[BourneGooner]

England with Crouch top scorer

[Dicko]

Any more dreadlocked defenders for him to hold on to???? No I think Gerrard will get more than Crouch.

Spain are doing well though I didn't watch their last match.

I did a predictions thing with Sweden France England & Brazil as Semi Finalists with France beating Brazil in the final. Don't think that will happen from the first France match. I don't think Sweden will get that far now either.

[simmo]

woha the argies played a good game surely they are odds on now ? haha

[Robert Pires]

According to my calculations, the quarter-finals will produce Germany vs. Argentina, which could be fascinating. Based on the home-turf advantage (and the fact that Argentina often under-achieve), I've gone with Germany. Therefore, the semi-finals would appear as follows

- Germany vs. Italy
- England vs. Brazil

This would then set up Germany vs. Brazil - the rematch from 2002 - where the home team would gain revenge.

Italy haven't been impressive at all, but with matches against Croatia and Switzerland in the following rounds, would presumably rock on to the semis.

[Wayno]

My money is on Italy winning the 2006 World Cup