Guess the World Cup final pair. You may win a prize (two if Australia make it)

With Russia kicking off the 2018 World Cup, as has become the norm for host nations, with their opening game against Saudi Arabia tonight, Salut! Sunderland welcomes contributions from anyone who lives there (and I know of at least one SAFC supporter in Moscow) or has travelled/is travelling to support England or Another Country.

“By our own correspondent” in Volgograd, Novgorod or Kalingrad would have an appealing ring to it – and, no expense spared, Monsieur Salut promises a mug by way of reward.

But why not also have a competition? Our friends at Art of Football, all Nottingham Forest fans but generous sponsors of the Who are You? awards and other initiatives involving prizes, are offering a print of your choice if you win this simnple quiz.

I wondered about asking how far you all thought England would go in the tournament. But it seems more interesting, and encourages a greater range of replies, to invite you to name the two countries that will end up in the final at Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium next month.

If only one reader gets the pairing right, he or she will win outright.

But do not be put off if the teams you feel will go all the way have already been chosen. If more than one reader suggests the correct final pair, the winner shall be decided by a simple draw.

And if you go for Australia and they reach the final, I shall add a Salut! Sunderland mug as a prize you’ll receive even if you are wrong on the opposing finalist. Monsieur Salut’s pennies are probably safe on that score – but I shall allow multiple entires so you can include Oz as a joker and then hedge your bet by posting another comment with the two countries you actually think will vie for the Jules Rimet trophy on July 15.

Have a go. You’ve nothing to lose …