The last World Cup Final, won in extra time by Spain versus Netherlands, was viewed by an estimated 910 million people – over a billion if you include online and viewing in public places. This year it’s expected to be even more, which isn’t surprising when you consider there are over 200 countries in the world and every single one has a national football team – even the Vatican City!
With such global interest and attraction it’s no mean feat to be one of the 32 teams to qualify from the original 204 contenders for the tournament, which kicks off in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 12th.
Football as we know it today may have originated from England back in the 18th Century, but what makes this year’s World Cup even greater is that it’s being held in arguably the game’s most successful and
passionate country to have ever graced the game – Brazil. The only country to have qualified for every single World Cup and with an unprecedented 5 World Cup Victories!
With a population committed to the footballing cause, they’ve always taken the passion and creativity of the game to new levels both on and off the pitch. If football had a holiday home, it’d be in Brazil.
After a four year wait of exponential fanfare, the stage is now set for an extravagance of music, colour, and creative sporting hysteria – who are going to be this year’s ultimate Champions? Who will rise and who will fall on the greatest show on earth? We’ll take a look at the main contenders and their leading lights. It’s going to be a battle, a gladiatorial courtship of flair versus structure, man marking versus zonal marking and speed versus skill – and that’s just to get the best seat to watch the games!
So, who has the balls to see this through? Who can balance creativity with strategy? Let’s look first at what previous tournaments have taught us..
It’s worth noting a home advantage. Of the 20 World Cup Finals, 17 have been won by teams playing in their own continent. In fact, 6 have actually been won whilst playing on home turf – England in ’66 at Wembley included.
Playing conditions and local climate clearly play a major factor, but as any footballer will tell you – playing away has other disadvantages when it comes to the opposing home support and lack of familiarity.
Never underestimate experience. Spain may have won in 2010, but that was their first and only victory. Brazil, Italy, and Germany have won a total of 13 times between them whilst being winners or finalists in the last 3 tournaments. With previous experience like this, confidence and character are like a twelfth man on the pitch
Who has the right manager? Alex Ferguson claimed he was the most important person at Manchester United and his trophy cabinet speaks for itself. Without the right manager and well planned tactics, a team
can be lost at sea without a paddle. Who can steer a collective of talent that play at a multitude of clubs and form one winning formula – and not just the once, but throughout the tournament. One bad game in the
knockout stages and it’s goodnight with a plane home.
So, now we’re sitting comfortably with all the facts – who are the teams to watch and what are their chances for winning arguably the greatest sporting event on the planet.
SPAIN
First up are Spain – a team massively on form, winning the Word Cup in 2010 and also the European Championships in 2012. A real depth of talent in all areas with Spaniards making up the majority of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid’s teams, as well as a swath of talent playing at top level across the continent.
If that wasn’t enough, Spain’s manager is the native Vicente Del Bosque – the only football manager to have won the Champions League, The European Championships, AND the World Cup!
A winning mentality, versatility, strength in all areas, and a unique combination of speed and skill mean the Spaniards have a real chance to break the duck of a European team never winning a World Cup when
hosted in South America.
Can they win back to back like Italy and Brazil?
Player to watch: DIEGO COSTA
Alongside the creative paring of Xavi and Iniesta, the man to watch out for is Diego Costa. The Atletico Madrid striker, originally and controversially from Brazil, has been on devastating form this season, and at only 25 is
hitting his peak at just the right time.
Photo – Maxisport / Shutterstock.com
BRAZIL
Next in line are Brazil. With confidence, flair and creativity in abundance – do they have the talent of previous generations? The answer is a resounding yes. They are a hotpot of speed and creativity with the likes of Oscar, Willian, and Fernandinho, and a defence including Marcelo, Dante, and Luiz. They are strong on all fronts with the characteristic attacking nature that’s always made Brazil the most spectacular and entertaining team to watch.
The neutral’s team, the armchair’s favourite. The pressure is on as expectations are high – but with a point to prove and a strike force including Neymar, Fred and Hulk, the world is looking forward to watching them try. On home turf and with a manager of the calibre of the native Luiz Scolari – they are this year’s team to beat. On current form, in the recent Confederations Cup on home soil – Brazil beat Spain 3-0 in the final.
Could history repeat itself?
Player to watch: NEYMAR
The Barcelona Striker Neymar. With 30 goals in 47 appearances for Brazil and only 22 years of age, there’s a reason Barcelona broke the bank for him last year. He still has a lot to prove but with the talent to match it this would be the perfect stage for the young prodigy to really come of age. Oh yes – he also won the FIFA Puskás Award for the Goal of the Year in 2011!
Photo – Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com
ARGENTINA
In with a real chance this year are Argentina. With a history of iconic stars including Maradona and Batistuta, these two times winners will see this as a chance to put themselves back on the proverbial pedestal. In fact Maradona was the last Argentinian to hold aloft the World Cup Trophy in 1986, and this football mad population is ready to hail a new king.
This is no surprise, as a glistening strike force is again their greatest strength – in fact, the only problem is who to select with a line-up of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Higuain, Lavezzi, and Angel Di Maria – who gets the nod!? Goals are guaranteed, but in the realities of a competition like this you need strength in all areas. There’s no doubting Argentina have genuine talent all over the park; remaining consistent and collaborative
will be the key to success.
Will a new king arise to gatecrash the home nation’s party?
Player to watch: Lionel Messi
Balloon d’Or Player of the Year three years on the trot – this footballing maestro has more magic than Gandalf with a young Harry Potter on his back. His ability to run with the ball and change direction at top speed gives defenders a headache worse than the most celebrated fans hangover.
Photo – Natursports / Shutterstock.com
GERMANY
a great World Cup track record and we’ve touched on the merits of previous form and consistency to win this tournament. They’re also efficient and cool under pressure. Just take a look at their unrivalled penalty record of winning 4 and losing 0!
A backbone of high performers from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund including Neuer, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Reus and Goetze. These players are all world class and their clubs’ successes in Europe
has been owed to this.
Qualifying with 9 wins and a draw under the leadership of Joachim Low, a manager who, originally working with Jurgen Klinsmann, has transformed a team into a far more attacking force. They have every reason to be
confident for a fourth World Cup success that has been so close yet somewhat elusive since 1990.
Can a star studded squad now achieve that fourth star on their shirts?
Player to watch: Mesut Ozil
Following his high profiled transfer from Real Madrid to Arsenal last summer, Ozil has had periods of brilliance and he can be a game changing play maker. Injury and a period of off form may hamper him, but if he finds his boots in the big games, he’s one to watch in awe.
Photo – Natursports / Shutterstock.com
ENGLAND
Coming into the tournament as underdogs should help the team from a psychological point of view. The impending weight of a football nations expectations to ‘Bring Football Home’ has doubtless contributed to the namesake’s wait of 48 years since England’s first and only win at Wembley in ’66.
With the old guard of Lampard and Gerrard still putting up a fight, there’s a breeze, maybe even a storm of new talent on the horizon including Shaw, Sterling, Sturridge, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lallana and Barkley. If
these young and gifted players flourish and the likes of Hart, Cahill, Wilshere and Rooney rise to the occasion and remain injury free, they’ll be a force to contend with. As always, consistency is the key – and avoiding
a penalty shoot out! With a changing of the guard this tournament may come too soon for England’s emerging talent.
Are the new troops ready for battle?
Player to watch: WAYNE ROONEY
One of the highest paid footballers on the planet and with a point to prove to his critics on this world stage. Can his marking match his marketing and his shoots match his boots?
Photo – fstockfoto / Shutterstock.com
BELGIUM
Akin to an English Premiership All Stars team, Belgium’s line-up looks more like a Match of The Day team of the week! We’re not talking fringe players, this team has the spine of any title contender. Vincent Kompany for Man City is arguably the best centre half in the world. Eden Hazard has just won the PFA Young Player of the Year and has been on outstanding form for Chelsea this season. Benteke is injured so Lukaku leads the attack having shown glimpses of magic and an impressive goal tally in the premiership for Everton whilst on loan from Chelsea. Vertonghen, Vermaelen, Dembele, Fellaini, Chadli and Mirallas all make up the teamsheet – and now Man United’s new rising star Adnan Januzaj has recently committed his future to Belgium despite eligibility for raft of countries with England included.
If all of these players are on form, and can play to each other’s strengths – Belgium are the Wild Card of the tournament. Watch this space!
The Premiership All Stars
Player to watch: Eden Hazard
Mourinho claims he has the makings for a World Player of Year to rival Ronaldo and Messi – can he gain traction on the world stage to put him in the higher echelons of footballing stardom?
Photo – Rnoid / Shutterstock.com
ITALY
The Azzurri have previous pedigree and are second only to Brazil with Four World Cup Wins, and as recently as 2006. That’s an impressive track record, especially so for a team who are rarely classed as tournament favourites. One year they’re up and doing well, then they struggle before rebuilding again.
This time round under the guidance of Cesare Prandelli, Italy qualified for the World Cup with two matches to spare. It’ll be in at the deep end of hot water in this tournament though with their first group game against England in the Amazonian city of Manaus.
They’ll aim to be serious group contenders as unlike in South Africa, where they hit rock bottom, they now have a fusion of youth and experience – write them off at your peril!
Under the radar and back on form
Player to watch: Mario Balotelli
A player to watch and hard to avoid if he continues to walk in on press conferences. More headlines than David Beckham – if he’s not setting off fireworks in his house he’s scoring crackers on the pitch!
Photo – Yiannis Kourtos / Shutterstock.com
Other teams that deserve our unbinding attention are;
HOLLAND
A team famous for their rich heritage in technically gifted players and hard to miss in their trademark bright orange shirts.
It’s in their genes to play a style of football that’s enjoyable to watch – bringing a natural grace of flair and technical substance to the game. Always an opposing’s team to avoid and with confidence and
creativity in equal measure, should they succeed it would certainly make up for the last tournament’s near miss where they lost out in the dying minutes of extra time to Spain. In fact, the Netherlands have now
reached the final three times and lost each one.
Expectations are as always high and their current squad suggests they will again be a force to be reckoned with. Van Persie remaining injury free and on form will make a big difference.
Can the bridesmaid become the bride?
Player to watch: Arjen Robben
He’s been a force of nature for Bayern Munich. Consistent, direct and dangerous as provider and goal scorer with the best left foot in the business. He’ll now be looking to replicate this club cup winning form for The Oranje.
Photo – fstockfoto / Shutterstock.com
PORTUGAL
Leading from the front is the Captain Cristiano Ronaldo – the current Balloon d’Or World Player of the Year, World Record goal scorer and Worlds Highest paid player. Anyone would think this man would have an ego to match his footwork. Well if he does, he can store it in his new Museum he’s just opened in his native Madeira for the public to exhibit his awards and numerous Golden Boots.
In all seriousness, there is a talented team to support Ronaldo in the likes of Luis Neto and William Carvalho, and how they cope with the limelight on one man and take advantage of this will prove decisive. Other strikers can also shine – for Hugo Almeida with the opposition marking Ronaldo, this number 9 could have a blank cheque to cash goals.
“The Ronaldo Show!”
Player to watch: Ronaldo
Akin to Spartacus, this is one man’s mission to Greatness. With more goals than games at Real Madrid he’s dangerous from anywhere on the pitch and can turn a game on its head. Speed, strength, agility and ability combined.
Photo – fstockfoto / Shutterstock.com
FRANCE
Temperamental, enigmatic, mercurial. Describing the French team is a description in itself. Akin to predicting the weather, they have a great team but prone to change at short notice. Just the one World Cup win could be testament to this, but with players like Pogba, Ribery and Benzema – a bright future in Rio beckons if they can keep the storms at bay. Nasri’s exclusion was for this very reason. Unfortunate to be drawn in the same group as Spain for Qualification, despite this setback and having beaten Ukraine in the playoff they’re now settled in Group C with Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras. It’s an easier ride but no joyride against a well-disciplined
opposition. Their Manager Didier Deschamps was Captain of France when they won the trophy in 1998. Now, as coach, he’ll be looking to emulate that success for Les Bleus.
Have the storms past?
Player to watch: Franck Ribery
Known for his pace, skill, and precision passing. A three time French Player of the Year and uniquely German Player of the Year also. In fact his recent form for Bayern in the club’s treble winning season saw him on the three man Balloon d’Or shortlist with Messi and Ronaldo.
Photo – fstockfoto / Shutterstock.com
URUGUAY
Famously winning the inaugural World Cup in 1930 on home soil in Montevideo, they repeated this success 20 years later in Brazil at the same stadium to be played at in July – the Estadio do Maracana in Rio do Janeiro.
It was clearly a while ago but these two time winners, and also current holders of Copa America, are on their home continent again with supportive playing conditions. They may have only qualified through the playoffs, but with a strike force of Edinson Cavani of PSG and Luis Suarez of Liverpool FC – this could prove a lethal partnership.
Lacking defensive credibility and the creative depth of their South American neighbours, but as goals win games – they’re always in with a chance to make it a World Cup hat-trick!
Can they relive past success?
Player to watch: Luis Suarez
Despite missing the start of the Premiership season he’s bagged over 30 goals this year and recently voted PFA Player of the Year. He may have bitten off more than he can chew last year, but he’s a reformed marksman
now.
Photo – mooinblack / Shutterstock.com
Teams to keep an eye on:
Other nations to keenly consider for this year and moving forward are from the Africas. These teams have a physical presence on the pitch and combine skill with versatility. With athletic, strong, and powerful players who haven’t had success in tournaments past, they are here to make their presence known in Brazil. Yaya Toure, Bony and Drogba are players to certainly keep your eye on for Ivory Coast, but expect a strong showing from Cameroon, Ghana, and the reigning Africa Cup of Nations Champions – Nigeria. If these teams can get through their tough Group Stages, momentum could see them through to their first World Cup Final.
Finally, with the ex-England Manager Fabio Capello now managing the Russian national team, will his tactical nous see Russia break new ground. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a spectacle – that’s one’s thing you can bet on.
In Summary
There’s clearly no shortage of takers for footballs greatest honour. We’ve outlined some of the main contenders, from previous winners to armchair champions. One thing that’s emerging in the current era of the game is that there are no bad teams. With the increasing commercial aspect and further globalisation of the game, talent is everywhere and every nation has a genuine shot at glory. Who’d have thought Greece would have won the Euros in 2004? There is no script, and that’s the beauty of the game.
As Pele so eloquently put it
“The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning”
With a backdrop as beautiful and dramatic as Brazil – winning really would mean the world.
Where to watch the World Cup 2014
No matter where you are on the coast there’s an abundance of venues showing the World Cup 2014.
Here’s our round up of some good places to go and soak up the action.
Marbella – Slainte Irish Sports Bar – Located opposite La Sala and Aqwa Mist this fun, friendly Irish Bar has undergone a recent refurbishment with 10 screens and a promise to be the place to watch the World
Cup, whoever your supporting.
Lineker’s – The Home of Sport. It’s owner Wayne Lineker, Former England Captain Gary’s Lineker’s younger brother, runs this place, so an obvious choice for football viewing really. The infamous second line bar in Puerto Banus will be showing all the live matches.
Portside – Probably the largest place to watch the football. 30 large screens placed on three areas; inside, outside courtyard and front terrace. All the games will be shown live. They have warned to arrive early for seating and full waitress service during big matches.
Elviria – the newly renovated Nikki Beach is showing all the matches and are even putting on a Special Sunday World Cup Final Party on July 13th. Ticket only in advance though so book early if you want a beachside
viewing.
Fuengirola – Jackson Bar are putting up two projector screens (indoor and outdoor) as well as six in-bar screens showing all the matches. Great for atmosphere and fantastic American diner-style food.
Neuva Andalucia – The Living Room – has six HD flat-screens and a projector showing all the World Cup matches. They will also be offering 2 for 1 on select drinks and full waitress service. Whereas some people will be
sweltering in the heat, Living Room is fronted with sliding glass doors to let the much-needed air in.
Estepona – The Robin Hood Inn – a great choice to watch the football as they have outdoor as well as indoor screens. Located on the A7 it has ample parking and a great food menu to boost. Sotogrande – The Hairy
Lemon – Live coverage of every match on multiple screens and late night license until 3am showing all late games. There is a great selection of British larger, ciders and ales as well as Estrella Galicia naturally brewed in
copper tanks on the premises.
Gibraltar – The best bar to watch the football is Champions Sports Bar & Grill in Ocean Village, with O’Reilly’s Irish bar and Ivy Sports Bar coming a close second and third to that.
