Not all their teams are actually in the World Cup (ahem, Johnie and Darren), but they’re all avid football fans glued to the action in Brazil.

Towards the end of the tournament’s first week, here’s who our No Strings World Cup Panel are predicting to win:

 

Neil Morrissey, Actor, No Strings Patron (England): “So far it’s been looking like a European side, Holland or Germany. Probably Germany. But more to come yet.”

 

 

Darren Shan, Author, No Strings Supporter (Ireland): “I can only see one winner – it has to be Costa Rica, of course! When England lose to Uruguay (painful but probable, alas) that will leave them with nothing to play for in the last game, so Costa Rica will sweep to victory and emerge second in the group behind Italy. They will then face Colombia in the last 16, a more than winnable game, and as their confidence grows, they will roar on to brush all the competition aside, underestimated all the way to the final, which they will win in fine style. I’d bet my house on it!!!”

 

Hugo Speer, Actor, No Strings Patron (England): “I’m thinking Brazil obviously. They’re looking good and with the home advantage are in a very strong place. Argentina also looking good with Lionel Messi as captain. BUT… after their demolition of the reigning world champions, I’m going for the Dutch.”

 

Lisa Buckley, No Strings Lead Puppet Trainer (USA): “Holland still look strong… Man U fans must be dancing in the aisles. Germany look good too, very committed. France also. One of my favourite goalies, Hugo Lloris, never disappoints. Pogba is a great potential, plus he has an awesome name. Best hair goes to Ghana… Brazil need to relax, they have an amazing team. I also like Mexico, they’re fighters. Best goal celebration so far from Joel Campbell. Arsenal, I do believe he is ready!”

 

Bill Leeson, Garden Africa. No Strings Advisor & Founder of War Child (England): “My current thoughts are that England will scrape through the group stage and although after that anything is possible – sadly I doubt if they’ll get much further. The obvious choices are either Brazil or Argentina – remembering that no team from outside South America has ever won a World Cup held in the Americas. I think one of these teams will play either Holland, Belgium or Germany in the final…”

 

Johnie McGlade, No Strings Founder & Director (Ireland): “I think Belgium might get to a semi-final, and Chile the other surprise. Not sure if Brazil will make it past the quarters though. Germany looking good but I think Argentina may well win it. England v Uruguay tonight? England to win by two clear goals!”