5 teams who will do well in the FIFA World Cup 2014

The wait is finally over. The 20th FIFA World Cup is upon us. It heads to the Samba land after a six decade gap. The coming month promises to be a roller coaster football ride high on entertainment, drama, emotions, It will culminate with sheer joy for one country. The quadrennial event promises to be the most watched, tweeted and followed sporting event in recent history and football fans are chomping at the bit. All the teams have been gearing up for the event in full flow. Here are 5 teams I personally hope will do well and look forward to watching:

#1 Brazil

The Selecao have always attracted huge worldwide interest as they are known for their flair-filled style of football. They have produced some magical players like Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka etc, players that come along once in a generation. The latest sensation Neymar carries their expectations this time around and will hope to join that elite list of Brazilian football greats.

This team is not as star-studded as the previous ones. But Scolari has done a great job of integrating them into a system he likes and getting them playing together as a cohesive unit.

There will be huge expectations and pressure on the Brazil boys. I Just hope they enjoy the occasion and produce some memorable moments.

#2 Germany

This is the team I'm most excited about. Germany is loaded with talent in all the departments and the squad is a good mix of youth and experience. Despite losing anin-form Reus to an unfortunate injury, they boast quality and depth in attack with the likes of Ozil, Muller, Gotze, Podolski etc aiming to do the damage. They are well stocked in other departments too, with the likes of Lahm, Schweinsteigger, Khedira, Hummels.

Their only weakness, perhaps, will be theirreliance on the ageing Klose to get the goals. They are speculated to use the false nine tactic, which will be interesting to watch.

#3 Netherlands

The Oranje are an unknown quantity this time around. An eccentric coach, a not-so-strong defence , a striker made of glass and few promising upcoming talents make up their squad. But having enjoyed a near perfect qualifying campaign, the squad will be quietly confident.

As a Manchester United fan I will be following them closely for indicators about van Gaal and his style of football. Having a world cup winning coach and the player-pulling power that comes with him is an exciting prospect. Go Louis!

#4 England

The perennially overhyped ones. The perennial under-achievers. The past decade was probably their golden generation of football with many a world class talents gracing the scene, yet they huffed and puffed to two mediocre quarter finals finishes in the past 4 world cup.

The current squad is a young and exciting one. Sturridge, Lallana, Barkley, Sterling, Henderson, Shaw etc all had great seasons and will eager to impress on the grandest stage of them all. There is also no Ronney injury distraction like the past two world cups gone by. How well the defensive minded Hodgson uses the attacking talents is to be seen.

#5 Belgium

The dark horses of this World cup, the Beligians could easily spring a surprise or two. Their talents like Hazard, Lukaku, Benteke, Vertonghen, Fellaini, Mirallas etc have taken the EPL by storm and enthralled us all. Hope to see good performances and a surprise or two from them to make things exciting.