ESPN Analysts Make Their World Cup Predictions

Before today’s opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, ESPN analysts – many of whom are former national team players who competed in the World Cup themselves – offer their predictions for the tournament.

Host nation Brazil (eight votes) is the overwhelming favorite to win among the 16 experts polled. Brazil’s South American rival Argentina follows with four votes, while another 10 experts predict Lionel Messi’s squad to reach the Final.

ESPN Analyst (Home Country) World Cup Winner Runner-Up
Michael Ballack (Germany) * Germany Argentina
Craig Burley (Scotland) * Brazil Argentina
Efan Ekoku (Nigeria) * Brazil Argentina
Kasey Keller (USA) * Brazil Argentina
Alexi Lalas (USA) * Spain Germany
Roberto Martinez (Spain) Argentina Germany
Steve McManaman (England) * Spain Argentina
Alejandro Moreno (Venezuela) Argentina Brazil
Jorge Ramos (Uruguay) Brazil Germany
Stewart Robson (England) Argentina Brazil
Gilberto Silva (Brazil) * Brazil Argentina
Tommy Smyth (Ireland) Italy Argentina
Santiago Solari (Argentina) Brazil Argentina
Taylor Twellman (USA) Brazil Argentina
Ruud van Nistelroy (Netherlands) * Argentina Brazil
Luis Roberto Alves (Mexico) Brazil Argentina

* played in a FIFA World Cup

The 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off today at 3 p.m. ET with host nation Brazil vs. Croatia live on ESPN from Arena de Sao Paulo. For schedules, release and more, visit ESPN’s World Cup media kit