The first match of the 2014 World Cup is now less than six
months away! Who are the favorites to claim the crown? Who are the players to
watch? What surprise team might make a run toward the final? Find out all this
and more in our World Cup 2014 series, 5 Lists of 5:
Part 1: Who are the
favorites?
1. Brazil
Since the World Cup began in 1930, the host country has won six of 19 tournaments with one runner up and three third place finishes. In other words the host nation has a better than 50% chance of finishing in the top three. Add to that the fact that Brazil is perennially one of the top teams in the world and their fan base eats, sleeps, breathes the sport and you have the makings of a juggernaut. Brazil is a young team that has not yet found their preferred starting lineup but they have plenty of talented players to choose from including the sensational forward Neymar and his seemingly bottomless bag of tricks. Fellow youngster Oscar is a creative dynamo in the midfield, capable of picking out passes many veterans can only dream about, and captain Thiago Silva is widely regarded as the best center back in the world. Brazil’s fluid style of play relies on creativity, speed and individual skill, all of which they have in abundance. They have won the title a record five times, most recently in 2002, and anything less than a victory on home turf would be a disappointment.
Since the World Cup began in 1930, the host country has won six of 19 tournaments with one runner up and three third place finishes. In other words the host nation has a better than 50% chance of finishing in the top three. Add to that the fact that Brazil is perennially one of the top teams in the world and their fan base eats, sleeps, breathes the sport and you have the makings of a juggernaut. Brazil is a young team that has not yet found their preferred starting lineup but they have plenty of talented players to choose from including the sensational forward Neymar and his seemingly bottomless bag of tricks. Fellow youngster Oscar is a creative dynamo in the midfield, capable of picking out passes many veterans can only dream about, and captain Thiago Silva is widely regarded as the best center back in the world. Brazil’s fluid style of play relies on creativity, speed and individual skill, all of which they have in abundance. They have won the title a record five times, most recently in 2002, and anything less than a victory on home turf would be a disappointment.
2. Spain
Spain are the reigning World Cup Champions after defeating The Netherlands in the 2010 final in South Africa. Their starting lineup has been nearly impossible to break into for the past six years as they boast a world class player at nearly every position. They have dominated international tournaments in that span, claiming the 2008 and 2012 European Championships on either side of their 2010 World Cup victory. Spain play a quick-passing, possession based style that wears down opponents by forcing them to chase the ball around the pitch. Midfielders Xavi and Iniesta, teammates at Barcelona, are easily two of the best passers in the game and nearly impossible to win the ball away from. They are the engine that drives the squad, and at age 33, Xavi will be extra motivated to shine in what is likely his last major tournament. Although they lost to Brazil in the less-illustrious 2013 Confederations Cup final, Brazil’s status as host is the only reason Spain falls to second.
Spain are the reigning World Cup Champions after defeating The Netherlands in the 2010 final in South Africa. Their starting lineup has been nearly impossible to break into for the past six years as they boast a world class player at nearly every position. They have dominated international tournaments in that span, claiming the 2008 and 2012 European Championships on either side of their 2010 World Cup victory. Spain play a quick-passing, possession based style that wears down opponents by forcing them to chase the ball around the pitch. Midfielders Xavi and Iniesta, teammates at Barcelona, are easily two of the best passers in the game and nearly impossible to win the ball away from. They are the engine that drives the squad, and at age 33, Xavi will be extra motivated to shine in what is likely his last major tournament. Although they lost to Brazil in the less-illustrious 2013 Confederations Cup final, Brazil’s status as host is the only reason Spain falls to second.
3. Germany
For the past 60 years, Germany (formerly West Germany) have been a major force on the international stage. They were World Cup Champions in 1954, 1974 (in Germany) and 1990, while finishing as runners-up in 1966, 1982 and 1986. They have made the semi-final in each of the last three tournaments and have an extremely talented and deep squad. Traditionally known for their defending and technical skill, Germany have been labeled boring in the past. Their current squad is anything but. While they do have arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in Manuel Neuer, and a strong defense that includes versatile fullback Phillip Lahm, it is their young attacking players Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil and Marco Reus that bring a fearsome blend of dazzle, pace and power. They can score goals in bunches and embarrass lesser opponents. Germany’s starting lineup is almost entirely made up of Bayern Munich players that last season won every club tournament they entered. They are the most complete and deep team, with several players at each position that would be welcomed into any international squad.
For the past 60 years, Germany (formerly West Germany) have been a major force on the international stage. They were World Cup Champions in 1954, 1974 (in Germany) and 1990, while finishing as runners-up in 1966, 1982 and 1986. They have made the semi-final in each of the last three tournaments and have an extremely talented and deep squad. Traditionally known for their defending and technical skill, Germany have been labeled boring in the past. Their current squad is anything but. While they do have arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in Manuel Neuer, and a strong defense that includes versatile fullback Phillip Lahm, it is their young attacking players Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil and Marco Reus that bring a fearsome blend of dazzle, pace and power. They can score goals in bunches and embarrass lesser opponents. Germany’s starting lineup is almost entirely made up of Bayern Munich players that last season won every club tournament they entered. They are the most complete and deep team, with several players at each position that would be welcomed into any international squad.
4. Argentina
A South American side has won the World Cup each time it has been held on the continent. Uruguay won the inaugural tournament (in Uruguay) in 1930, and again in Brazil in 1950. Brazil won in Chile in 1962 and Argentina were victorious at home in 1978.
With Brazil automatically qualified as hosts, Argentina finished as the top qualifier in the region. In 16 qualifying games they scored 35 goals, the highest rate in the group, and were shut out only twice. Argentina are an offense-heavy side that includes the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, and fellow forwards Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain in a potent attacking trident. In the last 18 months they have defeated top sides Germany, Italy and Brazil in friendly matches, proving their firepower is difficult to contain by scoring a combined nine times in those games. Defense has been their weakness in recent tournaments and will be again in 2014. The later stages of the World Cup are often tactical, defensive battles, but a side like Argentina that can score against anyone is always a threat.
A South American side has won the World Cup each time it has been held on the continent. Uruguay won the inaugural tournament (in Uruguay) in 1930, and again in Brazil in 1950. Brazil won in Chile in 1962 and Argentina were victorious at home in 1978.
With Brazil automatically qualified as hosts, Argentina finished as the top qualifier in the region. In 16 qualifying games they scored 35 goals, the highest rate in the group, and were shut out only twice. Argentina are an offense-heavy side that includes the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, and fellow forwards Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain in a potent attacking trident. In the last 18 months they have defeated top sides Germany, Italy and Brazil in friendly matches, proving their firepower is difficult to contain by scoring a combined nine times in those games. Defense has been their weakness in recent tournaments and will be again in 2014. The later stages of the World Cup are often tactical, defensive battles, but a side like Argentina that can score against anyone is always a threat.
5. The Netherlands
Competition was tight for this last spot but the Dutch just beat out perennial contenders Italy, and South American powerhouse Uruguay. Similar to Argentina, they are an offense-orientated team with a nice blend of youth and experience. They were runners-up in 2010 and easily topped their qualifying group with nine wins and a draw in ten matches. Their captain and talisman, forward Robin van Persie, is one of the best in the business. Capable of scoring with his head or his feet, he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and his intelligent movement on the field opens up space for teammates. Fellow veteran Arjen Robben is a lightning fast right winger with a patented move of cutting in from wide to unleash a vicious left-footed shot. The Dutch are also known for their tough tackling and physical play which makes them a frustrating opponent for any squad, especially those that rely on lighter, more agile players. If they can make it out of their difficult group that includes Spain, they have a good chance to go all the way.
Coming soon, Part 2 of the series: 5 Players to Watch!
Competition was tight for this last spot but the Dutch just beat out perennial contenders Italy, and South American powerhouse Uruguay. Similar to Argentina, they are an offense-orientated team with a nice blend of youth and experience. They were runners-up in 2010 and easily topped their qualifying group with nine wins and a draw in ten matches. Their captain and talisman, forward Robin van Persie, is one of the best in the business. Capable of scoring with his head or his feet, he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and his intelligent movement on the field opens up space for teammates. Fellow veteran Arjen Robben is a lightning fast right winger with a patented move of cutting in from wide to unleash a vicious left-footed shot. The Dutch are also known for their tough tackling and physical play which makes them a frustrating opponent for any squad, especially those that rely on lighter, more agile players. If they can make it out of their difficult group that includes Spain, they have a good chance to go all the way.
Coming soon, Part 2 of the series: 5 Players to Watch!
