On second thought, that's a lot of typing lol.
I'll be brief and elaborate a bit more on the knockouts.
Group A:
Uruguay - Gimenez & Godin chemistry from club and country will prove vital in the back. Cavani & Suarez are two of the best in the world at their position. Cakewalk to the #1 spot.
Egypt - Their fate all comes down to Salah's health. Unfortunate to get Uruguay first. I'm sure they would've loved giving a few extra days before that matchup. Russia and the Saudi's have little chance.
Russia - Pressure is on them. They'll lift a lot of pressure off their shoulders at the opener with a W. But that will be their only W.
Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia was fortunate to fall into this group. Things won't get too ugly for them, but it won't be pretty...except against Uruguay, that could be real bad.
Group B:
Portugal - Much stronger offensively than 2016. Andre Silva (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia via PSG) and Bernardo Silva (Man City) add another dimension that was not there in the Euro. Defense is the main concern due to age, but Pepe doesn't age so everything will be OK
. Expect Portugal to make things difficult on themselves by tying to one of Iran or Morocco.
Spain - The worry is who is going to score the goals here. Isco seems to perform best for Spain, but Diego Costa doesn't seem to fit in. If man-crush Iago Aspas gets playing time, he could bring them far in the tournament.
Morocco - My scouting hasn't been at its best when it comes to the African/Asian qualifiers. I know Ziyech is going to be a headache for everyone and Benatia keeps that defense nice and tidy. It absolutely won't be easy. People seem to be higher on Iran on this forum, but Morocco worries me lots more.
Iran - What makes me nervous about Iran, also makes me comfortable. Carlos Quieroz isn't the greatest coach, however, I know he would love to be able to take points away from the team who didn't think he was good enough in 2008-2010.
Group C:
France - Was shocking to see them tie USA, but these guys are hunting for revenge after their 2016 letdown. Benzema should be on this team, but since I don't support France, I'm glad he isn't. Give me Giroud every time. Denmark will put up a good fight but think the group is a breeze for the French.
Denmark - Christian Eriksen has these guys rolling along. This team is actually pretty fun to watch. Peru could put up a fight for the 2nd spot, but I think theirs too much offensive power between Eriksen, Poulsen and Jorgensen.
Peru - I'll be rooting for Peru as my co-worker is a fellow Peruvian (and their food is fantastic). Guerrero, Farfan, and Edison Flores provide a nice offensive spark, but I don't see enough talent on this team.
Australia - Tim Cahill to the rescue? Few years ago, maybe. Can't see the kangaroos getting any points here.
Group D:
Croatia - Man, the talent on this team is ridiculous. Looking at their roster, its crazy to me that they can't put it all together. They're due. Potentially the last tourny for Modric, Rakitic, Mandzukic and Perisic, expect them to put up a fight.
Argentina - If Messi pulls this off, there's no choice but to name him best of all time. Banega, Biglia, Mascherano, Enzo Perez. Argentina's center of the field is not very pretty. The lack of quality box-to-box midfielders will be felt against Croatia.
Nigeria - Its really a toss up between Nigeria and Iceland finishing in 3rd or 4th. I think Nigeria brings speed that will make Iceland uncomfortable and will be deciding factor.
Iceland - Recently played a friendly against Ghana and was unable to come away with the victory. The defensive sound Iceland also gave up two goals. They also recently lost to Peru. May not be able to keep up with lots of speed.