ISH soccer writer, Adam Leightman, predicts every match in the 2014 World Cup. Who will win each group? Will Brazil win the tournament they are hosting? Is there a dark horse ready to make a deep run in the tournament? Join International Sports Hub every day as each group is predicted and eventually a country will be crowned champion.

featured image via thescore.com

Round of 16:

Brazil (A1) VS. Chile (B2):

The tournament host will face their continental rival, Chile, in the Round of 16. Neymar, Hulk, and Oscar will be a force and have a field day against a Chilean team that will use all of its energy to make it out of Group B.

Brazil defeats Chile 3-1   

Ivory Coast (C1) VS. England (D2):

The Three Lions will play Ivory Coast, who will be participating in their first ever knockout game. England will be flying high after getting out of the tough Group D, and will continue their good form by defeating Ivory Coast.

England defeats Ivory Coast 2-1

France (E1) VS. Bosnia and Herzegovina (F2):

The French and the Bosnians will both feel they deserve to advance to the quarterfinals. After 120 minutes of great football, this Round of 16 tie will come down to penalties after drawing 2-2 after extra time.

France defeats Bosnia 4-2 on penalties 

Germany (G1) VS. Russia (H2)

Germany and Russia both have the talent to advance deep into this tournament. However, Germany will control this game from the opening whistle and have an upper hand on the Russians after a seventh minute goal by Miroslav Klose.

Germany defeats Russia 3-1 

Spain (B1) VS. Croatia (A2):

The reigning Champions will face European dark horse Croatia in the round of 16. Spain will hold the ball throughout the game and will give Croatia very few chances to make this a close contest.

Spain defeats Croatia 2-0

Uruguay (D1) VS. Colombia (C2):

Luiz Suarez and Uruguay will face Colombia in a close contest. 90 minutes will not be enough to separate the two sides, but during Extra time, Suarez will find the winner to move Uruguay to the quarterfinals.

Uruguay defeats Colombia 3-2 (aet)

Argentina (F1) VS. Ecuador (E2)

Lionel Messi and Argentina will have no problem getting around Ecuador in the round of 16. Ecuador is no match for Argentina and the game will be over by halftime.

Argentina defeats Ecuador 3-0 

Belgium (H1) VS. USA (G2)

USA and Belgium will play a very exciting game that will come down to the wire. Both teams will have their chances, but Belgium will come out on top after a second half strike from Romelu Lukaku.

Belgium defeats USA 2-1

Quarterfinals:

 Brazil (A1) VS. England (D2)

This is a very intriguing matchup between two countries with rich footballing history. Brazil, once again, will use its class and flair to beat England and advance to the semifinals!

Brazil defeats England 2-0

France (E1) VS. Germany (G1)

The European rivals will square off for a chance to play in the semifinals. The Germans will prove to be too much for the French, and they will hold the ball in the second half to secure the victory.

Germany defeats France 2-0

Spain (B1) VS. Uruguay (D1)

The defending champions will face Uruguay, who will be looking to make a second straight semifinals appearance at the World Cup. Diego Costa and Spain, will be determined to defend their title and will move on to the semifinals with a hard fought victory.

Spain defeats Uruguay 2-1

Belgium (H1) VS. Argentina (F1)

My dark horse of the tournament, Belgium, faces off against Argentina, one of the tournament favorites. This might be the best game of the tournament, with end to end action for the full 90 minutes. Belgium will be victorious.

Belgium defeat Argentina 3-2.

Semifinals:

Brazil (A1) VS. Germany (G1)

Brazil and Germany both came up short of making the final in 2010. They will both look to erase that memory by making it to the final in 2014. After 120 minutes of fantastic counterattacking football, the score will be 1-1 and require penalties to determine a winner. Unfortunately for Brazil, the Germans never miss penalties. Germany will advance to the final!

Germany defeats Brazil  5 – 3 on penalties 

Spain (B1) VS. Belgium (H1)

Belgium will look to continue their magical run in Brazil. Spain will be determined to fight their way back to the final and defend the title they earned in 2010. At the end of the game, the 2010 Champions will be too much for the young guns from Belgium.

Spain defeats Belgium 2-1

World Cup Final:

Spain (B1) VS. Germany (G1)

For the first time, a European team will win the World Cup on South American Soil. The last game of this tournament is set up to be a thriller. Diego Costa will strike first for Spain, but Thomas Muller will hit the equalizer in the second half. 90 minutes will not be enough to separate the sides. The drama will not end, as Germany will score 5 minutes into extra time to take a 2-1 lead. However, Spain will respond and equalize through a Sergio Ramos header. The 2014 World Cup Final will be decided by penalties. Like I said before, The Germans do not miss penalties.

Germany defeats Spain 5 – 4 on penalties

Germany Wins the 2014 FIFA World Cup!