It’s all kicking off – who’s your favourite to win World Cup?
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE greatest show on earth kicked off in São Paulo last night as Brazil and Croatia played the first game of the 2014 World Cup.
Despite it being 16 years since Scotland took part, it hasn’t dampened the nation’s enthusiasm for the four-week tournament which will see 32 teams battling it out to become world champions.
As with other popular sporting events, such as the Grand National, people have been spending millions of pounds at the bookies on having a cheeky punt on which team they think will be lifting the golden trophy on Sunday, July 13.
Offices across the country are also getting into the World Cup spirit by holding sweepstakes so everyone can have a team to support during the tournament.
If you’re stuck on deciding who to support, the John O’Groat Journal has asked football fans and players from across the county who you should be backing.
Dundee United winger Gary Mackay-Steven, from Thurso, yesterday tweeted about his prediction, revealing Argentina as his tip.
"If Messi, di María, Aguero, etc hit top form, they will score more than any opposition in my opinion," he said.
His view is shared by Wick Academy manager Gordon Connelly who supports Argentina as his second team and the country is also where his childhood hero came from.
"Argentina was one of the first football tops I got as a kid and I stuck with them ever since," he said.
"Also I’m a big Diego Maradona fan because he was one of the best players in the world, but I like the way Argentina play the game.
"Brazil will obviously be heavy favourites but there will be heavy pressure."
Academy chairman James Innes said his money is on Brazil but also would like to see the African teams do well.
"I fancy Brazil but I’m looking forward to watching the African teams as you don’t get the chance to see them play that much," he said.
"There is always one African team which seems to surprise everybody and I think Ivory Coast could do quite well this year and I will be rooting for them."
Scorries midfielder Stevie Cunningham will be backing Argentina as, in his opinion, they have the best player in the world.
"Lionel Messi is going to prove why he is number one and also, as a squad, they are tactically strong," he said.
"I think with the attack they have, they are just going to outscore everybody."
Academy striker Gary Weir believes home advantage will prove crucial as he backs Brazil to win the World Cup for a record sixth time.
"Brazil might not sound much of a tip but with the climate, playing in front of a home crowd and with the players they have, I think they are favourites to win it."
Brazil is also a popular choice among football fans. Scrabster’s Captain Galley’s chef Jim Cowie is backing the hosts because he is a fan of their 1970 World Cup winning team, which he said is the greatest of all time.
"Ever since I was a lad watching Brazil I have always been a big fan of them and I would love to see them win it on home soil," he said.
"But Germany and Italy also have an excellent record in the World Cup and I think they could also be in the running."
Caithness playwright and former Canisbay Pentland player George Gunn said Brazil playing in front of their own fans should ensure the World Cup stays in South America.
"I can’t see anybody past Brazil with the players they have and playing on home soil," he said.
"I think Spain have peaked and won’t win it but I’ve also got a sneaky suspicion about Uruguay as they have some excellent strikers and with Luis Suarez I think they have a chance."
Thurso councillor Donnie Mackay thinks England could pull off a major shock and win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
"I think England have a good chance of winning the World Cup," he said. "I think they have an excellent manager in Roy Hodgson and have a lot of talented players. I think they are capable of winning it."
Caithness civic leader Gail Ross is torn between Spain and Argentina but the fact a European team has never won the competition in South America has persuaded her to go for Lionel Messi and co.
She has also been a fan of Argentina ever since a certain incident at the 1986 World Cup.
"I have to go for Argentina since the World Cup is being played in South America," she said.
"When Scotland haven’t qualified, Argentina have been my second team ever since the Maradona Hand of God incident against England!"
