Your View: southsiders are up for the World Cup

The 20th FIFA World Cup kicks off tonight (Thursdday), when hosts Brazil take on Croatia. The tournament runs until the final on July 13

With Scotland — who have not made it to a finals since 1998 — nowhere to be seen yet again, southsiders are looking for a team to throw their weight behind.

Dr Nicolas Scelles, a sports economist from the University of Stirling, has predicted Brazil will win.

To come to the conclusion, he analysed more than 2,800 international matches in the past three years.

This week, we asked southsiders: who do you think will win the Jules Rimet trophy?

Max Dowie (18), from Newton Mearns, said: “France are my tip. They have a very solid defence and a good young team.

“I don’t think Ribery’s injury will make a difference, he’s past it.”

Frank Devlin (78) commented: “I can’t see past Argentina or Brazil. The South Americans will have an advantage.”

Wife Jeanette (73) added: “I think Spain will go all the way.”

For Newton Mearns man George Stewart (62), “the home crowd will help Brazil.

“I have also watched a lot of Fernandinho this season — he will be the difference maker. Italy will be strong as well.”

And for 79-year-old Clive Kelly, from Neilston, it’s all about the home team.

He said: “I am English and I believe they will do it. They have a good manager and a good mix of youth and experience — this could be Ross Barkley’s time to shine.”