Firstly this is a chance to show off my wonderful World Cup bunting that I bought for my World Cup room - but also to give you my predictions for the group stages of the World Cup.

GROUP A - Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Massive pressure is on the hosts Brazil to deliver, but at the same time, Brazil have not lost a competitive match in normal time in home territory for something ridiculous like 30 years! I have a feeling they will not win the tournament, but I struggle to see them topping this group. In all honesty, the other three teams aren't in great form. Mexico should suit the conditions, but have been in utterly woeful form and lack a truly world class player. Their youth players are failing to deliver on a big scale. Cameroon only qualified thanks to Togo fielding an ineligible player, and an aging Eto'o seems to be the best they could offer. That leaves Croatia who have Real Madrid's Luka Modric, along with plenty of other capable players. I expect Croatia to come second in what will be truthfully a very close race for second. Might come down to who can nick a point of Brazil in their game with the hosts.

Brazil 1st, Croatia 2nd

GROUP B - Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

For me arguably the toughest group in the whole tournament, Spain will have to be at the races straight from the off if they wish to retain their title. Spain will be capable once again, even know they have faded a little. I expect them to top this group, perhaps not with all nine points. Chile are young and rising are exciting - but with no Plan B, whilst Holland are a major footballing nation fading fast. With Sanchez coming into form at just the right time, I really could see Chile taking second and sending the likes of Van Persie home. Australia will have to be happy with their role as whipping boys in this one.

Spain 1st, Chile 2nd

GROUP C - Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

This group has been blown open by the news that Falcao has failed to be passed fit. That makes Colombia one of the more beatable top seeds, and really anyone from this group could get through. Ivory Coast have two great players in Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba, real difference makers. They are also likely to like the weather, so I'm going to choose the Ivory Coast as shock winners if this group. I think Japan and Greece will have plenty to offer, but the former lackes world class players for this level, and the later is a shadow of the Euro 2004 team that won ten years previously. I pick Colombia to wobble as only Colombia can, but ultimately squeeze through a group where everyone takes points off one another.

1st Ivory Coast 2nd Colombia

GROUP D - Uruguay, Italy, Costa Rica, England

Another group of death, and one where the seeds are at real risk of going out. Obvious home advantage for Uruguay will help, but their team is aging fast and an over-reliance on a half fit Suarez doesn't bode well. Expectations are low in both Italy and England, but I feel both are under-rated, whilst the Uruguayans are hugely OVER-RATED, with Cavani flattering to decieve at this level. England are still very much in transition, and I imagine Italy will be slightly more ready for the hotter conditions they face. Costa Rica will be more troublesome then many reckon, but ultimately this will be a three way shootout. I think Italy nick it with the Three Lions following close behind thanks to a win over Costa Rica in the final game.

1st Italy 2nd England

GROUP E - Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

Easily the weakest group in this World Cup - but also not as easy to predict as some would assume. France probably couldn't believe their luck getting this draw, but France are a team on the wane. That said, poor French teams have reached finals before, and despite an injury to Ribery, players coming through like Griezmann offer real hope. Switzerland are solid, with just enough flair, but I wonder if they may struggle in the conditions. Ecuador thrive in thsi conditions, but have little to no players of real note, and Honduras have has an awful preparation for the tournament. I expect Honduras to struggle, but I reckon Ecuador may well thrive. I'm gonna back France and Ecuador to qualify, with the Swiss feeling hard done by and being eliminated.

1st France 2nd Ecuador

GROUP F - Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Argentina are second favourites for the title with Messi in tow, and many assume they will walk this group, but I have a funny feeling they may be suprised in a group that is better then many reckon. Iran many forget are the number one team in Asia, above the usual suspects Japan and South Korea, Bosnia have loads of striking talent, and Nigeria won the African Cup of Nations with a fanastic team ethos. Personally I feel Bosnia-Herzegivina with Dzeko and Ibisevic have just the sort of strike partnership that might thrive, and I back them to suprise the Argies and top the group. After a shake, Argentina will qualify with Iran taking third place.

1st Bosnia-Herzegovina 2nd Argentina

GROUP G - Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

The third group of death, Germany although lacking slightly in confidence should top a tough looking group with relative ease. Portugal rely on Ronaldo so heavily, but if he reaches his devestating best it seems hard to see Ghana squeezing into the picture, expecially as they have failed to produce much in the way of new talent. USA are normally solid enough,but will be hopelessly outclassed in this particular group - with the difference between good players and producing world class ones becoming very obvious.

1st Germany 2nd Portugal

GROUP H - Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea

Belgium are seeded for the first time in decades, and rightly so - the team is one of the most exciting nations right now absolutely packed with world class players in basically every position. Unlike Colombia who are missing big names in similar form, Belgium have all their names in tact, and I expect the likes if Lukaku and Hazard to shine at this World Cup. The others are closely matched, Korea as well drilled as ever, although struggling since the retirement of Park Ji-Sung of Man United fame, Algeria have a suprising number of experienced top players, and Russia have produced more then their fair share of talent based in a strong lead under the dirge like stewardship of Fabio Capello. Russia have the ability to qualify in second in another unpredictable group, but I wouldn't be supirsed if Belgium took all nine points here.

1st Belgium, 2nd Russia