Whether you are a hard core football fanatic or a once-every-four-years fan, everyone has an opinion on who will win the World Cup. Can Brazil made the most of the home crowd advantage? Will one of their South American neighbours steal the limelight? Or can Europe continue their recent domination and extend the much-coveted trophy’s stay by another four years? Let’s take a look at what the players and officials of Inglewood United think…

Brazil on home soil is the team to beat for Scott Blackmore. “Brazil has a solid team; a good defence, a fair bit of flair and the home support of a nation … they’re hard to look past,” the central defender commented. “Belgium could surprise, they have some massive young players and I don’t think anyone knows what to expect from them. As for players to watch, Lionel Messi needs to have some big performances, Ross Barkley could surprise along with the Hulk from Brazil.”

Goalkeeper Luke Martino also expects the trophy to return to South America, but not Brazil. “Argentina play well in South America, have the easiest group and the time is right for Lionel Messi to turn it on and have a huge tournament,” said Martino, whose allegiance is with Italy. “They could either be really competitive or absolute rubbish, but I’m looking forward to Andrea Pirlo having the ball on a sting and Daniele De Rossi slide tackling everything and everyone in sight.”

President Luke Martin is tipping Spain to become the first nation in more than half a century to win back-to-back World Cups. “Spain have invested in youth over a prolonged period of time, they have the right mix now of being able to play attractive football and have a winning mentality under Vicente Del Bosque,” reasoned Martin, who also rates Italy a chance. “Italy have always been able to ride out games for a win and, going into this tournament, are flying a little under the radar.”

Argentina won the World Cup the last time it was contested in South America, and that will again be the case according to Sean Browne. “Argentina are my tip, having the tournament played in South America will be to their advantage,” the midfielder said. “Belgium are the dark horse, they have some great young players and it could be their time to shine. The atmosphere the Brazilian crowds will create should make for a fantastic tournament … I hope Ronaldo and Lionel Messi really put on a show.”

It’s with mixed feelings that vice-president Cesare Colli tips Brazil. “My heart would like to say either Australia or Italy (will win) but, sadly, neither will get a look in,” he said. “Brazil are playing at home in front of manic Brazilians and have players like Neymar, Thiago Silva and Dani Alves – they will be formidable. And Germany always performs on the big stage. They have a winning mentality and never stop, not to mention some very good players.”

David Sesay admits to having a soft spot for France. “The first World Cup I watched was France ’98, they won it that year and have been my team ever since,” the livewire attacker explained. “Everyone’s underestimating Belgium but they’ve got players that can cause a lot of damage. The player to watch for is Paul Pogba, he’s been in great form coming into the tournament … I’m really looking forward to watching him.”

Brazil are the undisputed world champions with five World Cup wins, a tally Jarrad McNally expects will be added to in just over a month’s time. “Being the host country, used to the conditions and with the class they have within the team, Brazil will win it,” said McNally, who is tipping an unknown to be the star of the tournament. “You can’t look past Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but I think a young upcoming star will rise to the occasion and steal the show.”

Andrija Jukic says Argentina’s across the board talents will get them over the line. “It’s a hard one to pick but I’m going with Argentina, they have a great squad with quality all over the park, plus they’ve got Lionel Messi who is imply unbelievable,” said Inglewood’s midfield maestro. “Ronaldo has been in good form, Luka Modric will be dangerous, Karim Benzema will be a handful and Mario Gotze will have a good tournament … I’d also like to see Adam Taggart play, hopefully he gets some game time.”