The World Cup is in a battle for it’s soul – corruption and scandal has plagued the ‘Beautiful Game’ since Russia and Qatar were awarded their respective World Cups, but after all the dissent and controversy it’s finally time to let the action on the pitch do the talking.

Exactly 1,463 days on from Germany lifting the World Cup trophy in Brazil’s wild, weird and wonderful World cup, the usual suspects and assorted others travel to Russia in hope, expectation, and with a degree of trepidation with regard to the welcome they’ll receive from the hosts.

Much like 2014 (and any of the other tournaments this century), it’s hard to see a winner beyond Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany or France.

The absence of both the Dutch and Italians is a deviation from the norm and music to the ears of the rest of the contenders.

The favourites

Of those five, Brazil have been installed as favourites by the bookmakers, who see a sixth win for the South Americans on the cards.

That sixth win was supposed to come four years ago on home soil, but the broken back suffered by golden boy Neymar and the 7-1 shellacking at the hands of Germany put paid to that and sent Brazilian football into a tailspin. They’ve recovered quickly though and once again the weight of the country’s expectation is on Neymar’s shoulders.

However, with the emergence of Phillipe Couthino, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus, there is a supporting cast of the highest order, something that was clearly lacking last time round.

Had Brazil not lost the abrasive, effective and emotional Diego Costa to Spain, the attack would be truly terrifying.

Messi’s moment?

While Neymar carries the weight of Brazil, Leo Messi must feel that he is carrying the expectations of the whole world. Everyone waits eagerly to see if the pint-sized magician can finally land the medal that is likely to tip all the ‘greatest ever’ debates in the Argentinian’s favour.

Turning 31 next week, it is not impossible that Messi won’t be

involved in 2022 but now, while still at the peak of his powers, is when victory would have the most impact on his claims to be the best ever.

Having scraped unimpressively through qualification, the beaten 2014 finalists hope that their electric attack comprising of Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuaín and Pablo Dyabala can overcome a suspect defence and deliver a third throphy and Messi’s legacy.

Mo’s year?

As Messi takes aim at becoming the best ever, there is another intriguing battle raging to see who will be the world’s best player this year. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have had a monopoly on the Ballon d’Or for the past decade, but this season Mo Salah has emerged as a credible candidate to break that stranglehold. Propelling Egypt to the knock-out stages on the back of the shoulder injury he suffered in the Champions League final could be enough for the Liverpool man to take the prestigious honour.

European heayweights

Ronaldo meanwhile leads European Champions Portugal into battle, but despite that 2016 win, his side looks a step below the European heavyweights of Germany, Spain and France.

All three have enviable quality and depth – Germany’s second string would also be serious contenders.

Spain look to bounce back from poor showings in 2014 and at Euro 2016, while this France squad will aim to prove that 23 Frenchmen can co-exist for three weeks without a national scandal or explosive falling out. If they manage that they could well be the team to beat.

Three Lions

As for England (certainly not amongst the European heavyweights despite what Sky Sports may lead you to believe), our near neighbours travel as ever with inflated expectations and sense of self importance.

Manager Gareth Southgate has picked a young and inexperienced squad that no expert would have forecast even a few short months ago. By picking on form and merit, rather than just those playing for the big clubs, Southgate has assmebled a well-drilled if unspectacular unit.

Captain Harry Kane will have to be at his goalscoring peak if they are to pull off any shocks.

More likely though is the chance of England being on the end of a shock. Their tournament begins with tricky ties against Tunisia and Panama – both potential banana skins.

Memories of the embarrassing capitulation to Iceland two years ago will spring to mind if both aren’t dispatched with ease before the hour mark.

Those plucky Icelanders who defeated England have also qualified, becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the finals. Ever the underdogs, and boasting a population of just 335,000, they’ll need all their fighting spirit to make it out a group that features Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria.

Russian experience

While the action on the field is sure to excite and enthral for the next 32 days, what the action and atmosphere away from the field will be like remains an unknown.

The granting of the tournament to Russia remains questionable, with allegations of corruption and bribery still marring the bidding process eight years on.

Despite that, the games will go ahead in Russia, where ensuring fan safety will be paramount to Vladimir Putin and the country, avoiding worldwide embarrassment. A repeat of the violent scenes that involved Russian hooligans at Euro 2016 would leave all involved with considerable egg on their faces.

For those not travelling, you can join RTÉ’s crazy gang of Dunphy, Giles and Brady for every minute of every one of the 64 games.