After years of speculation and qualification, after weeks of training and anticipation, the World Cup is finally upon us.
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And what would a World Cup be without predictions? From group play to the Golden Boot, 18 of our experts weigh in:
Which teams will make out of Group A?
Our experts say the host country will have no issues making it out of group play. The race for the second spot is close, between Croatia and Mexico.
Which teams will make out of Group B?
The defending champs are an overwhelming choice to advance to the round of 16. No love for the Aussies, though.
Which teams will make out of Group C?
Even without Falcao, Colombia still get our experts' vote.
Which teams will make out of Group D?
Italy and Uruguay are the top vote-getters for this group.
Which teams will make out of Group E?
France are an unanimous choice, while Switzerland are No. 2 for our experts.
Which teams will make out of Group F?
No doubting Argentina, but it's a tight race between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Nigeria for the second spot.
Which teams will make out of Group G?
The group of death is not kind for Ghana or the United States, with our experts seeing Germany and Portugal moving on.
Which teams will make out of Group H?
Belgium and Russia will be moving on to the round of 16, according to our team.
Which teams will reach the World Cup final?
It's down to four teams for our panel -- Argentina, Brazil, Germany and Spain.
Which team will win it all?
The hosts have the momentum.
Which player will win the Golden Boot?
Although two votes went toward the now-injured Romelu Lukaku, the majority of the panel looked to Argentina.
ESPN FC experts: Who voted?
A list of our ESPN FC voting panel, and their pick on which team will win it all:
- Roger Bennett (Argentina)
- John Brewin (Brazil)
- Jeff Carlisle (Brazil)
- Michael Cox (Spain)
- Miguel Delaney (Spain)
- Dale Johnson (Brazil)
- David Hirshey (Spain)
- James Horncastle (Spain)
- Graham Hunter (Spain)
- Richard Jolly (Brazil)
- Julien Laurens (Argentina)
- Ian Macintosh (Brazil)
- Gab Marcotti (Brazil)
- Doug McIntyre (Brazil)
- Andy Mitten (Spain)
- Jonathan Molyneux-Carter (Argentina)
- Kevin Palmer (Argentina)
- Colin Udoh (Brazil)