Ben Blake
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
I’ve been told I was brought out to the Old Airport Road as a three-year-old to welcome home Ireland after Italia ’90 but watching that famous performance against Italy at Giants Stadium four years later is my earliest memory.
We had Italian and Spanish students staying with us that summer and I remember it getting pretty heated during the quarter-final between those two.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
Everyone seems to believe it’s all lined up for Argentina and Leo Messi to be crowned world champions in the home of their bitter rivals.
And while the Argies are likely to be there or thereabouts and Brazil’s home advantage should see them through to the last four, I’m going for Spain to win a fourth consecutive major tournament and back-to-back World Cups.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
Not so much a surprise when you consider he chipped in with 26 goals to help Manchester City win the Premier League title, but I fancy Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Edin Dzeko to continue his rich vein of form (he scored ten goals in ten qualifying games) at his nation’s first World Cup.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
I’m as excited as the next fan to see how this talented Belgium squad get on but they must be the most over-hyped team at the finals, with the bookies placing them as fifth favourites behind big four Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Germany.
I like the look of Colombia and Switzerland as outside bets and have picked five potential dark horses here.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
I will flick between all three.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
In the office with Messrs Kelly, O’Rourke and O’Toole.
Sean Farrell
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
I feel like I should have earlier memories than 94, but I vividly remember watching the second half of Ireland v Italy in the pub across the road from my house. I had been bought a World Cup goodie bag and I think I spent most of my time playing with the mini battery-powered fan that came with it. It was hot out, so I definitely DID need to be using that fan.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
Tough one. I actually have no idea. Argentina are favourites for many people and I’d be happy with that, but they’ve let us all down so often.
I’d love it if Holland or Portugal could pull something incredible out of the bag, but I’ve an awful feeling Spain will just bore their way to another title.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
There’s a lot of pressure on Jackson Martinez, so let’s say Wilfried Bony to send the Ivory Coast to at least the quarter-finals.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
I liked their early stuff, but they’re way too mainstream now. Now that Falcao’s gone from Colombia, they’re the hipsters’ choice.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
I do like my pundits to be at the ground from time to time so I’ll definitely be flicking over to the Beeb during the breaks on RTÉ. If Leonardo is on, I may never turn back.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Wearing the full kit of whoever Spain are against.
Patrick McCarry
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
Qualifying for the event in 1989 and watching that win, 2-0 over Malta, in school on a big TV in the sports hall. We got to go home early that day.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
If I get around to throwing a bet on, it will be on Germany with a purely emotional side bet on Argentina. Marco Reus is out and the only have one striker but he’s Miroslav Klose and he loves a World Cup.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
Karim Benzema to get six goals at least and share the Golden Boot with Messi or Neymar. If Roy Hodgson goes with his heart and gives Ross Barkley a starting role, I don’t think he’ll regret it.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
Uruguay or Chile to be the Uruguay of 2010 or, if that is too much Uruguay for you, the Sweden of USA 94.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
BBC for most of it but I will regularly drop in to hear the RTÉ lads scrap away and to hear Billo wind them all up. ITV only if I want to get annoyed at Dixon, Wright and Townsend’s jingoism.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Just checked the calendar to find I’m off that night. Watching it at home and grimly anticipating five or six days of non-football until the Champions League qualifiers begin.
Hugh O’Connell
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
USA 94.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
I fancy Argentina for some reason. I think Messi may have been saving himself this past season in order to finally do the business for his national side.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
Raheem Sterling has been a revelation for Liverpool this season but the World Cup could be his opportunity to showcase his considerable talent on the big stage before England go out on penalties in the second round.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
If Uruguay could be classed as a darker dark horse than Belgium then I fancy them to do well, provided Suarez is back and fit by the second game.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
BBC for the game, RTÉ for the analysis. Never ITV.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Hoping to god it won’t be as dreadful as the last one.
Fintan O’Toole
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
Ireland v Italy in USA ’94. Watched it with my father and few neighbours in our house in Cork. People got a bit excited when Houghton lobbed Pagluica.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
The Argies. It’s Messi’s time to join the pantheon of football greats and with a stellar support cast of Aguero, Higuain and Di Maria and a favourable draw, they can rise to the challenge.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
Ross Barkley if he gets a chance to shine for England by Hodgson and Mateo Kovacic of Inter could similarly impress if he lines out for Croatia.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
Belgium are so widely-touted at this stage that they’re probably gone from the dark horse status to the bracket of contenders.
As an outside bet, I’d go for Colombia to prove they can cope without Falcao and Chile to knock the Netherlands out at the group stage.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
RTÉ for Aprés Match and the last tournament where Billo is at the helm.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Trying to wrap up Munster hurling final coverage and get to a TV to watch events at the Maracana.
Niall Kelly
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
Germany and Bolivia in the opening game of USA 94. The following night, I remember wanting to see Colombia v Romania — who wouldn’t? — but being told I had to go to bed. I hid underneath the couch and watched it from there.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
I really don’t know. Until Reus got injured, I thought Germany had way more of a chance than people were giving them; now I’m not so sure. If it is to come down to the two South American giants — and it very possibly will — I’d rather see Argentina win it than Brazil.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
If Argentina go far, it will take something serious to overshadow Messi but Angel di Maria’s creative spark makes him a crucial cog for me.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
Portugal — and I’m not just saying that because they tonked Ireland.
They’ve made it to at least the semi-finals at three out of the last five major tournaments, and you could argue that they would made it that far in South Africa four years ago as well had luck gone their way against Spain. They’re in the easier half of the draw this time, with Argentina the only major threat I see.
I’m not saying they’ll win it, but they’ll go far.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
BBC for the bulk of it but I’ll pop in to RTÉ every now and again. If I’m at home for the final, I’ll stick with RTÉ for Billo’s farewell.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Praying for weather delays, extra-time, penalties — anything to make it last a couple of more minutes before four years of withdrawal symptoms set in.
Murray Kinsella
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
Oddly enough, my first World Cup memory is Sunday Oliseh smashing home a winner against Spain in ’98. Had a soft spot for that Nigeria team for some reason and it was a serious strike. Dennis Bergkamp’s incredible goal against Argentina is next in the memory bank.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
I’ll go for Argentina to win it all. They have sheer quality in the final third of the pitch and I’m not sure who’s going to be able to prevent them from scoring for 90 minutes in the knock-out stages.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
James Rodríguez of Colombia. That’s based on him dominating the 2014 World Cup in a previous life as a Football Manger superstar.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
Chile. Not a straightforward pool at all, but they have some excellent players. I’d obviously prefer if they somehow brought Marcelo Bielsa back on board at this late stage, but I’d be happy to see Alexis Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia tormenting defenders.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
BBC for me, especially in the group stages.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Planted firmly on the couch with a beer in hand and, as a neutral, hoping that both defences are shambolic.
Sinéad O’Carroll
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
Italia 90. Specifically, walking a gigantic tricolour around Celbridge with all my neighbours, holding my Dad’s hand. I had no shoes on because I I didn’t have time to put them on as they were all impatient to leave. I was just turned five years old.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
Brazil. Home turf is going to be the decider, I think.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
Ah, I was going to say Sterling but Hugh stole that. Is Mario Götze too obvious?
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
I was also going to say Uruguay because I really hope Suarez gets back and lights up the whole place. In a good way. Not in a controversial way.
Are hipsters into unions and pay disputes? If so, let’s go with Cameroon. They’ve sorted their problems out (and I have them in a sweepstake).
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
I feel bad about this but it’ll be BBC and then flick to RTÉ to see what the lads are being cranky about. Never ITV. Sorry ITV.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Hopefully invited to whatever party TheScore.ie will be holding. That’s why I’m filling out these questionnaires, right?
Steven O’Rourke
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
I have vague recollections of 1986, specifically the giant spider that seemed to appear across the pitch and, of course Maradona’s two goals against England. The first one I have really vivid memories of is Italia 90 and being allowed swear after Schillaci’s goal.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
Spain let us down for years and finally came good last time out. I think Argentina and specifically Lionel Messi are going to have a great tournament. Expect some South Korea-esque refereeing decisions to go in Brazil’s favour too but it should still be their neighbours who win it.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
Well I’m not allowed mention that country between Netherlands and France so I’m going to throw Argentina’s Higuain (50/1) in as a longshot for player of the tournament.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
Oh yeah, even my mam was talking about how she had a sneaky suspicion Belgium could do well the other day. It’s like when Dylan went electric or something. Bosnia are the real European dark horses for me Bill.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
I’ll switch around. I’ll tend to watch ITV/BBC when England are losing just to watch the massive over-reaction.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Working, probably, and/or counting my winnings when Argentina win thanks to a Higuain hat-trick.
Eamon Donoghue
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
Watching Ireland and Germany in the World Cup in 2002, going nuts!
And then after the pain of the Spain defeat, winning the World Cup with a Roy Keane-inspired Ireland a million times on the Playstation .
2. Who’s going to win it all?
I’d have to say Argentina. It’s hard to call but I reckon it’s going to be a special summer for Lionel Messi.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
Danny Sturridge to bag a few? He’s been hot and cold of late but he always has goals in him.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
England for me are the dark horses. If they had an attack-minded manager they’d be a real contender but nonetheless I do see them causing an upset or two at least.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
Would have been ITV, but since Keano moved on it’ll probably be RTÉ for a bit of Aprés Match. Although now that I think of it Rio might have a few interesting things to say.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Hopefully watching the final near a sunny beach in Europe hoping to see something historic!
Paul Fennessy
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
Germany v Bolivia. It was the opening game at the 1994 World Cup, and a fairly dour match if memory serves me correctly. I watched the entire contest, apart from when I took a toilet break in the 61st minute, which is when Klinsmann scored the only goal of the encounter typically.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
Brazil or Spain. I’m leaning towards the latter for all the obvious reasons – they have the best squad of players of any country and they know what it takes to win a big tournament, though if Diego Costa doesn’t recover from injury quickly enough, they might be a bit lightweight up front.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
The more I watch Adnan Januzaj, the more I’m convinced he’s destined to be a great player. Provided he starts with Belgium, he could have a serious impact on the tournament, particularly given that his team are in such weak group.
Also, I realise pretty much everyone already knows Paul Pogba is good, but unless you’re a Serie A aficionado, I’m not convinced everyone understands just how good he is, so there’s no reason why the Juventus man shouldn’t be able to dominate at will.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
I’ve heard a few people tipping Uruguay of late, mainly on the basis that they finished fourth four years ago and have Luis Suarez in their team. However, Man United won the Premier League two years ago, but that doesn’t mean they’re a great side now. Also, they scraped through the qualifying and have far too many ordinary players in their team to be genuine contenders – in fact, I’d be surprised if they get past the group stage.
So I’m out-hipstering the hipsters if you like, by dismissing Uruguay’s chances altogether.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
It has to be RTÉ, particularly now that the Roy Keane ship has sailed.
The likes of ITV and BBC seem far too cosy with the England players/management, so it’s RTÉ for me Bill!
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Re-watching the Coronation Street omnibus… Nah, I’ll probably be helping to cover it at work or sitting on a sofa with a beer awaiting another monumental moment in Spain’s footballing history.
Rónán Duffy
1. What’s your earliest World Cup memory?
Sitting down to watch Ireland play Italy in USA ’94 and then going outside to the green afterwards to play football in the dark with half my estate.
2. Who’s going to win it all?
I was convinced that Brazil had forged a tough workmanlike team with a cutting edge in Neymar that would be very tough to beat. But watching their vulnerability against Serbia, I don’t think they’re as solid as we’re led to believe. This generation defining Spain team could therefore show us one more time why they’re just that.
3. Forget about your Messis and your Ronaldos – who is going to do a Diego Forlan and be the surprise of the tournament?
Angel Di Maria has been exceptional for Real Madrid this season when moved back into a three-man midfield by Carlo Ancelotti. He’ll fill that role in an Argentina team that looks odds-on to go far and could be key to a truly world class attack.
4. Are Belgium really the hipsters’ choice? Or is there another, even darker dark horse waiting to bolt from the pack?
Portugal’s starting line-up is regularly written off, often too readily . They have an impressive tournament record and have lost to all-conquering Spain in the last two tournaments. They could well face Belgium in the Second Round and have the experience to silence the hipsters. Obviously this is all dependent on the form of Ronaldo who hasn’t really looked fit for the last six weeks.
5. RTÉ, BBC, or ITV?
Roy Keane tearing into England while those around him drool could actually have been a highlight of this tournament, alas not to be. I’ll happily switch between RTÉ and BBC.
6. On the night of the World Cup final, I will be…
Hungover from Arctic Monkeys and hopefully wearing an Argentinian jersey.
