Eyes from around the globe are increasingly turning to Russia for the 21st edition of the World Cup, which is now only hours from kick-off.   Whether you are a hardcore football fanatic or a once-every-four-years fan, everyone has an opinion as to who will be crowned world champions.

Can Europe continue their recent domination and extend the much-coveted trophy’s stay on that continent by another four years?   Or will one of the South American giants take it home?   Today Inglewood United’s players have their say on what will happen in Russia over the next month…

Team captain Kenny Keogh is tipping Germany to go back-to-back.   “Germany always play well in big competitions and I think the Russian weather will suit them,” said Keogh, who expects a couple of Atletico Madrid players to shine.   “Diego Costa (Spain) and Antoine Griezmann (France) are coming off good seasons and are looking pretty fit.”

Hanafi Ghazali expects Lionel Messi to finally get his hands on the World Cup.   “Argentina to win and put to bed the argument that Messi can’t be the greatest of all-time because he’s not won the World Cup (yet),” he said.   “England are my outsiders, they’ve tempered the usual high expectations and have a good squad coming into it with the likes Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling.”

David Cyrus agrees the World Cup is heading to South America, but not Argentina.   “I fancy Brazil this year, they have a great squad and are going into the tournament in form,” said Cyrus.   “The dark horse for me is Belgium, you can’t look past the talent they have and if they can keep fully fit throughout (the tournament) they may have a chance.”

Alex Salmon says it will be the usual suspects that dominate the headlines in Russia.   “The star players will be Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Neymar (Brazil) and then we’ll see one player who has a very good tournament and scores the goals,” Salmon said.   “Germany or Spain will win it with the outsiders being Belgium.”

Jamie Murphy is tipping 1998 World Cup winners France to do the business again.   “France to take the win, they have been playing some exciting football leading up to the tournament,” said Murphy, who believes a South American minnow will spring a surprise or two.   “Peru are very passionate and looked to be on form in the South American qualifiers.”

Fiesal Zaw says Germany’s across the board talents will get them over the line.   “They are consistent in big competitions and even without Leroy Sané they have players that perform their jobs well,” he said.   “I’m looking forward to watching Brazil, they’re a strong attacking side with exciting players and the French, with Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, will be the one to watch in terms of talent.”

It’s difficult to go past Spain, who lifted the trophy in 2010, for goalkeeper Alex Dunn.   “They have a wealth of talent that is pretty frightening and defensively they are solid with Sergio Ramos and David de Gea back there,” Dunn said.   “If Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are all firing then Belgium will go deep into the tournament.”

Miki Vujacic is torn between two South American powers.   “Argentina for Messi but realistically Brazil (to win), they could field two starting elevens that are capable of dominating the tournament,” said Vujacic, who is looking forward to what the Socceroos can do.   “I have a good feeling about this (Australian) squad and the coach, Bert van Marwijk, seems very sensible in his approach.”