Fifa World Cup: were our alternative predictions for Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Sergio Ramos at Russia 2018 accurate?
Our team tried to call this year’s vuvuzela, Nessun Dorma and Paul the Octopus – now that the dust has settled we hold them to account
That is exactly what we asked our team before the tournament and now we look back at what was spookily accurate and what was just plain wrong.
Here are our alternative predictions for Russia 2018 and how they stood up to 64 games and all that goes with that.
Spoons of Victory?
We said: Eight years ago, World Cup fans were treated to the soothing South African symphonies of the vuvuzela. The deafening novelty plastic horns just about made it through the group stages before whispers of stadium bans arose. The official 2018 Russia World Cup instrument is the lozhka – a Russian spoon often used by folk musicians – and appears to be less ear shattering. I predict these so-called “Spoons of Victory” will reach the semis.
Miss: One vuvuzela is enough so we have got off lightly.
Live it Up
We said: By the end of a tournament where we have been delighted with more goals than ever before and absolutely no hooliganism, the official Fifa tune Live it Up will have transformed from one of the worst songs to feature Will Smith this side of the Willennium to the kind of banger that is so meaningful you’ll be having your first dance at your wedding to it.