Brazil:
Of all the teams competing in this summers World Cup, none are more heavily favorited than the host country. Brazil's entire starting line-up is filled with world class players like Real Madrid LB Marcelo Vieira, PSG Center Back Thiago Silva, Zenit Forward 'Hulk", and last but not least 22-year-old FC Barcelona Striker Neymar. Give the five-time world champions, and defending South American champions, home-field advantage, and you've got a match made in heaven.
Spain:
It's no surprise that Spain is ranked #1 in the world headed to Brazil. Spain won the World Cup 4-years ago in South Africa and won the Euro Cup in Ukraine 2-years ago. Although the squad has changed drastically since 2010, their goal is still the same. Even after being placed in a tough group with Holland and Chile, this years spanish squad, led by GK Iker Casillas, Defender Sergio Ramos, Midfielder Andres Iniesta and Striker Diego Costa, could easily win their second straight World Cup.
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| Spain's Iker Casillas hoists the World Cup around his team after winning the tournament in 2010. (Reuters) |
It's safe to say Germany has gotten the short end of the stick in recent World Cup history. In 2002, Germany lost the World Cup final to Brazil, and in both 2006 and 2010, Germany placed 3rd. This time around, the German team is looking to overcome their past and win their first World Cup since 1990. With Midfielders like Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and legendary Striker Miroslav Klose, this years German team is one of their best ever.
Argentina:
With two World Cup victories in 1974 and 1986, Argentina truly haven't had their share of success in recent history. After losing in the quarterfinals to Germany in both 2006 and 2010, many changes were made on the squad and coaching staff. This time around Argentina have one of the best attacks in the world led by Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero, and they have home-continent advantage.
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| Striker Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal for Argentina in 2012. (The Independent) |
The Italian National Team won the World Cup 8-years ago in Germany ranked 13th in the world. This years Italian squad may not be as good as their 2006 counter-part, but coming to Brazil "Gli Azzurri" are ranked 9th internationally. Italy has a good mix of young and old talent like Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Forward Mario Balotelli and last but not least, Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. This years Italian squad may not be a favorite, but they sure look promising.
England:
England's international soccer history has had their fair share of ups and downs. The same team that won the World Cup in 1966 didn't even qualify for the 1994 tournament. This years England team, like most, is pretty decent. Their roster, headlined by world class Goalkeeper Joe Hart, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, and Midfielder Captain Steven Gerrard, can help bring soccer's most beloved prize back to the Queen.
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| England Captain Steven Gerrard bosses out orders to team mates during a match in 2013. (Football 365) |
Considering that this years World Cup is taking place on South American soil, it's only right to include another South American team on the list. After losing in the "Round of 16" to rival Brazil in the 2010 World Cup Chile are back and ready for vengeance. Midfielders like Juventus' Arturo Vidal and FC Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez, and star Juventus defender Mauricio Isla lead this years young Chile squad as they compete for their first World Cup title.
Belgium:
The last nation on this list is one you don't hear much about. Belgium are entering this years World Cup ranked 11th in the world, and their cast of superstars have flown under the radar. Atletico Madrid GK Thibaut Courtois, CB Vincent Kompany and LB Thomas Vermaelen lead their world class defense while Chelsea Midfielder Eden Hazard leads their young young attack. Even though it's never been done, many people believe Belgium will win this years World Cup.
Even though it is impossible to predict who is going to win this summers World Cup, one thing is for certain, this summers tournament in Brazil will be unforgettable and amazing.
For More Information See:
http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/rankingtable/
