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We are now less than a year away from the planet’s greatest sporting spectacle – The FIFA World Cup. And as some major teams contest the Confederations Cup in Brazil, we can begin to build up on the permutations and combinations of 2014. The amount of interest that the World Cup evokes is incomparable. Thirty-two of the best national sides are rigorously selected through the World Cup qualifiers from all parts of the world and come together to contest a game that unites them all. We saw a splendid and historic event in 2010 as South Africa played the role of the host with elan. The world will set its eyes on Brazil in 2014; however, it has not had a particularly promising start with protests surrounding the competition.
While we cannot predict how that aspect evolves, the footballing aspect of it can well and truly be predicted. The footballing talent emerging from South America, Europe, Asia and North America from various leagues gives us a fair idea as to what will be the final composition of the national sides at Brazil. Add to that their performance in the qualifying campaigns, and we have a good idea of who the contenders will be. We have seen Asia make gradual strides in the game ever since their highlight moment that was the 2002 World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea, but it is still difficult to put them on the contenders list. The same remains the case for African nations in spite of their repeated determined outings in previous editions of the World Cup. Here is a list of the top five contenders to win the World Cup at Brazil.
5. Netherlands
The Netherlands were runners-up to Spain in 2010. However, except in the finals, they looked invincible throughout the tournament. They have had a mixed bag of results since as they put up a spineless performance at the Euro 2012, bowing out of the group stage. That led to a change in guard as former Bayern Munich coach Louis Van Gaal came to the helm, and has managed the side admirably and bluntly. He has, in fact, ruled the Oranje out of the race inspite of having a flawless qualifying campaign so far. They will benefit from the experience of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie. They look to be the dark horses alongside the young Belgian side.
4. Brazil
The Selecao have opened the Confederations Cup with great flamboyance and, as hosts, they will be definite contenders at the tournament. In Luiz Felipe Scolari, they have a man at the helm who has been there and done that before. Brazil have a very young squad, although that has come in for some criticism as they did not look particularly threatening coming into the dress rehearsal of the World Cup. Neymar has justified the hype that has surrounded him and he will be a key player for Brazil. We will get to know a lot more about their strengths and weaknesses as they get ready to face the likes of Italy, Uruguay and Spain at the business end of the Confederations Cup.
3. Argentina
Argentina have disappointed at the big stage a number of times now, but they have always been a tough side to beat. It will be no different at Brazil in 2014. With the strike-force of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, and the creativity of Angel Di Maria, they look to be more than a potent side. Argentina lead the qualifying group as of now, and have maintained a healthy lead over challengers Colombia. The good thing about this Argentina side now is that they do not look like a one-man team. That is not to say that there will be no expectation from Lionel Messi, but one has the feeling that this World Cup might just be Messi’s moment in the sun.
2. Spain
It would be rather courageous to say that the Spanish are not the top contenders for 2014 as there is no real evidence for that. However, with Bayern Munich sweeping all the trophies in Europe last season, one can detect a power shift. Despite this, La Roja remain the greatest force in world football with their strict adherence to the tiki-taka philosophy, and a coveted midfield that can implement it on the field. They will showcase their strength at the Confederations Cup, which is the one trophy that has been missing from their already-full cabinet. As Cesc Fabregas said in a recent interview, the generation of footballers that Spain has produced – Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Torres, to name a few – probably deserves to win everything there is out there.
1. Germany
The Germans took the world by storm in the 2010 World Cup when nobody really expected them to. A lot of that talent has matured by now; in addition, they have added a whole host of quality young players like Marco Reus and Mario Goetze, to name a few. The fact that most of their players have already been part of the Champions League finals with their respective Bundesliga sides is a good sign, as they will get used to the pressure of the big occasion. There’s no reason why this German side can’t dethrone La Roja with its youthfulness and skill.
