{"id":425,"date":"2014-06-05T14:28:11","date_gmt":"2014-06-05T14:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marbellarocksmag.com\/london\/?p=425"},"modified":"2014-06-05T14:28:11","modified_gmt":"2014-06-05T14:28:11","slug":"world-cup-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The last World Cup Final, won in extra time\u00a0by Spain versus Netherlands, was viewed\u00a0by an estimated 910 million people \u2013 over\u00a0a billion if you include online and viewing in public\u00a0places. This year it\u2019s expected to be even more, which\u00a0isn\u2019t surprising when you consider there are over 200\u00a0countries in the world and every single one has a\u00a0national football team \u2013 even the Vatican City!<\/p>\n<p>With such global interest and attraction it\u2019s no mean\u00a0feat to be one of the 32 teams to qualify from the\u00a0original 204 contenders for the tournament, which\u00a0kicks off in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 12th.<\/p>\n<p>Football as we know it today may have originated\u00a0from England back in the 18th Century, but what\u00a0makes this year\u2019s World Cup even greater is that it\u2019s\u00a0being held in arguably the game\u2019s most successful and<br \/>passionate country to have ever graced the game \u2013\u00a0Brazil. The only country to have qualified for every\u00a0single World Cup and with an unprecedented 5 World\u00a0Cup Victories!<\/p>\n<p>With a population committed to the footballing cause,\u00a0they\u2019ve always taken the passion and creativity of the\u00a0game to new levels both on and off the pitch. If football\u00a0had a holiday home, it\u2019d be in Brazil.<\/p>\n<p>After a four year wait of exponential fanfare, the stage\u00a0is now set for an extravagance of music, colour, and\u00a0creative sporting hysteria \u2013 who are going to be this\u00a0year\u2019s ultimate Champions? Who will rise and who will\u00a0fall on the greatest show on earth? \u00a0We\u2019ll take a look at the main contenders and their\u00a0leading lights. It\u2019s going to be a battle, a gladiatorial\u00a0courtship of flair versus structure, man marking versus\u00a0zonal marking and speed versus skill \u2013 and that\u2019s just to\u00a0get the best seat to watch the games!<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-425 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/worldcup31.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/worldcup31-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>So, who has the balls to see this through? \u00a0Who can balance creativity with strategy? \u00a0Let\u2019s look first at what previous tournaments have\u00a0taught us..<\/p>\n<p><strong>It\u2019s worth noting a home advantage.<\/strong> \u00a0Of the 20 World\u00a0Cup Finals, 17 have been won by teams playing in their\u00a0own continent. In fact, 6 have actually been won whilst\u00a0playing on home turf \u2013 England in \u201966 at Wembley\u00a0included.<\/p>\n<p>Playing conditions and local climate clearly play a major\u00a0factor, but as any footballer will tell you \u2013 playing away\u00a0has other disadvantages when it comes to the opposing\u00a0home support and lack of familiarity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Never underestimate experience.<\/strong> Spain may have\u00a0won in 2010, but that was their first and only victory.\u00a0Brazil, Italy, and Germany have won a total of 13 times\u00a0between them whilst being winners or finalists in the\u00a0last 3 tournaments. With previous experience like this,\u00a0confidence and character are like a twelfth man on the\u00a0pitch<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who has the right manager?<\/strong> Alex Ferguson claimed\u00a0he was the most important person at Manchester\u00a0United and his trophy cabinet speaks for itself. Without\u00a0the right manager and well planned tactics, a team<br \/>can be lost at sea without a paddle. Who can steer a\u00a0collective of talent that play at a multitude of clubs and\u00a0form one winning formula \u2013 and not just the once,\u00a0but throughout the tournament. One bad game in the<br \/>knockout stages and it\u2019s goodnight with a plane home.<\/p>\n<p>So, now we\u2019re sitting comfortably with all the facts &#8211;\u00a0who are the teams to watch and what are their chances\u00a0for winning arguably the greatest sporting event on the\u00a0planet.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>SPAIN<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-432\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/costa-211x300.jpg\" alt=\"costa\" width=\"211\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/costa-211x300.jpg 211w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/costa-296x420.jpg 296w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/costa.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 211px) 100vw, 211px\" \/>First up are Spain &#8211; a team\u00a0massively on form, winning the\u00a0Word Cup in 2010 and also the\u00a0European Championships in\u00a02012. A real depth of talent in all areas with Spaniards\u00a0making up the majority of Barcelona, Real Madrid and\u00a0Atletico Madrid\u2019s teams, as well as a swath of talent\u00a0playing at top level across the continent.<\/p>\n<p>If that wasn\u2019t enough, Spain\u2019s manager is the native\u00a0Vicente Del Bosque \u2013 the only football manager to\u00a0have won the Champions League, The European\u00a0Championships, AND the World Cup!<\/p>\n<p>A winning mentality, versatility, strength in all areas,\u00a0and a unique combination of speed and skill mean\u00a0the Spaniards have a real chance to break the duck of\u00a0a European team never winning a World Cup when<br \/>hosted in South America.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can they win back to back like Italy and Brazil?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Player to watch: DIEGO COSTA<br \/><\/strong><br \/>Alongside the creative paring of Xavi and\u00a0Iniesta, the man to watch out for is Diego Costa.\u00a0The Atletico Madrid\u00a0striker, originally and\u00a0controversially from\u00a0Brazil, has been on\u00a0devastating form this\u00a0season, and at only 25 is<br \/>hitting his peak at just the\u00a0right time.<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; Maxisport \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>BRAZIL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-441\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/neymar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"neymar\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" \/>Next in line are Brazil. With\u00a0confidence, flair and creativity\u00a0in abundance \u2013 do they have the\u00a0talent of previous generations?\u00a0The answer is a resounding yes. They are a hotpot of\u00a0speed and creativity with the likes of Oscar, Willian,\u00a0and Fernandinho, and a defence including Marcelo,\u00a0Dante, and Luiz. They are strong on all fronts with the\u00a0characteristic attacking nature that\u2019s always made Brazil\u00a0the most spectacular and entertaining team to watch.<\/p>\n<p>The neutral\u2019s team, the armchair\u2019s favourite. \u00a0The pressure is on as expectations are high &#8211; but with\u00a0a point to prove and a strike force including Neymar,\u00a0Fred and Hulk, the world is looking forward to\u00a0watching them try. On home turf and with a manager\u00a0of the calibre of the native Luiz Scolari \u2013 they are this\u00a0year\u2019s team to beat. On current form, in the recent\u00a0Confederations Cup on home soil \u2013 Brazil beat Spain\u00a03-0 in the final.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Could history repeat itself?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>Player to watch: NEYMAR<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Barcelona Striker Neymar. With 30 goals in\u00a047 appearances for Brazil and only 22 years of age,\u00a0there\u2019s a reason Barcelona broke\u00a0the bank for him last year. He still\u00a0has a lot to prove but with the\u00a0talent to match it this would be the\u00a0perfect stage for the young prodigy\u00a0to really come of age. Oh yes \u2013 he\u00a0also won the FIFA Pusk\u00e1s Award\u00a0for the Goal of the Year in 2011!<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; Celso Pupo \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>ARGENTINA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-442\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/messi-300x228.jpg\" alt=\"messi\" width=\"300\" height=\"228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/messi-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/messi-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/messi-553x420.jpg 553w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/messi.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>In with a real chance this year\u00a0are Argentina. With a history of\u00a0iconic stars including Maradona\u00a0and Batistuta, these two times\u00a0winners will see this as a chance to put themselves back\u00a0on the proverbial pedestal. In fact Maradona was the\u00a0last Argentinian to hold aloft the World Cup Trophy in\u00a01986, and this football mad population is ready to hail\u00a0a new king.<\/p>\n<p>This is no surprise, as a glistening strike force is again\u00a0their greatest strength \u2013 in fact, the only problem is\u00a0who to select with a line-up of Lionel Messi, Sergio\u00a0Aguero, Higuain, Lavezzi, and Angel Di Maria \u2013 who\u00a0gets the nod!? Goals are guaranteed, but in the realities\u00a0of a competition like this you need strength in all areas. \u00a0There\u2019s no doubting Argentina have genuine talent all\u00a0over the park; remaining consistent and collaborative<br \/>will be the key to success.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will a new king arise to gatecrash the home nation\u2019s\u00a0party?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>Player to watch: Lionel Messi<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Balloon d\u2019Or Player of the Year three years on\u00a0the trot \u2013 this footballing maestro has more\u00a0magic than Gandalf with\u00a0a young Harry Potter on\u00a0his back. His ability to run\u00a0with the ball and change\u00a0direction at top speed\u00a0gives defenders a headache\u00a0worse than the most\u00a0celebrated fans hangover.<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; Natursports \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>GERMANY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-443\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ozil-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"ozil\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ozil-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ozil-281x420.jpg 281w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ozil.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>a great World Cup track record\u00a0and we\u2019ve touched on the merits of\u00a0previous form and consistency to\u00a0win this tournament. They\u2019re also\u00a0efficient and cool under pressure. Just take a look at\u00a0their unrivalled penalty record of winning 4 and losing 0!<\/p>\n<p>A backbone of high performers from Bayern Munich\u00a0and Borussia Dortmund including Neuer, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Reus and Goetze. These players\u00a0are all world class and their clubs\u2019 successes in Europe<br \/>has been owed to this.<\/p>\n<p>Qualifying with 9 wins and a draw under the leadership\u00a0of Joachim Low, a manager who, originally working\u00a0with Jurgen Klinsmann, has transformed a team into a\u00a0far more attacking force. They have every reason to be<br \/>confident for a fourth World Cup success that has been\u00a0so close yet somewhat elusive since 1990.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can a star studded squad now achieve that fourth star\u00a0on their shirts?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>Player to watch: Mesut Ozil<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Following his high profiled transfer from Real\u00a0Madrid to Arsenal last summer,\u00a0Ozil has had periods of\u00a0brilliance and he can be a game\u00a0changing play maker. Injury and\u00a0a period of off form may hamper\u00a0him, but if he finds his boots in\u00a0the big games, he\u2019s one to watch\u00a0in awe.<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; Natursports \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>ENGLAND<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-444\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/rooney-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"rooney\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/rooney-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/rooney-280x420.jpg 280w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/rooney.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>Coming into the tournament as\u00a0underdogs should help the team\u00a0from a psychological point of view. \u00a0The impending weight of a football\u00a0nations expectations to \u2018Bring Football Home\u2019 has\u00a0doubtless contributed to the namesake\u2019s wait of 48 years\u00a0since England\u2019s first and only win at Wembley in \u201966.<\/p>\n<p>With the old guard of Lampard and Gerrard still\u00a0putting up a fight, there\u2019s a breeze, maybe even a storm\u00a0of new talent on the horizon including Shaw, Sterling,\u00a0Sturridge, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lallana and Barkley. If<br \/>these young and gifted players flourish and the likes of\u00a0Hart, Cahill, Wilshere and Rooney rise to the occasion\u00a0and remain injury free, they\u2019ll be a force to contend\u00a0with. As always, consistency is the key \u2013 and avoiding<br \/>a penalty shoot out! With a changing of the guard\u00a0this tournament may come too soon for England\u2019s\u00a0emerging talent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are the new troops ready for battle?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Player to watch: WAYNE ROONEY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of the highest paid footballers on the planet\u00a0and with a point to\u00a0prove to his critics on\u00a0this world stage. Can\u00a0his marking match\u00a0his marketing and\u00a0his shoots match his\u00a0boots?<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; fstockfoto \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>BELGIUM<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-445\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/hazard-205x300.jpg\" alt=\"hazard\" width=\"205\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/hazard-205x300.jpg 205w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/hazard-288x420.jpg 288w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/hazard.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px\" \/>Akin to an English Premiership\u00a0All Stars team, Belgium\u2019s line-up\u00a0looks more like a Match of The Day\u00a0team of the week! We\u2019re not talking\u00a0fringe players, this team has the spine of any title\u00a0contender. Vincent Kompany for Man City is arguably\u00a0the best centre half in the world. Eden Hazard has just\u00a0won the PFA Young Player of the Year and has been\u00a0on outstanding form for Chelsea this season. Benteke\u00a0is injured so Lukaku leads the attack having shown\u00a0glimpses of magic and an impressive goal tally in the\u00a0premiership for Everton whilst on loan from Chelsea.\u00a0Vertonghen, Vermaelen, Dembele, Fellaini, Chadli and\u00a0Mirallas all make up the teamsheet \u2013 and now Man\u00a0United\u2019s new rising star Adnan Januzaj has recently\u00a0committed his future to Belgium despite eligibility for\u00a0raft of countries with England included.<\/p>\n<p>If all of these players are on form, and can play to each\u00a0other\u2019s strengths \u2013 Belgium are the Wild Card of the\u00a0tournament. Watch this space!<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Premiership All Stars<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Player to watch: Eden Hazard<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mourinho claims he has the makings for a World\u00a0Player of Year to rival\u00a0Ronaldo and Messi \u2013 can\u00a0he gain traction on the\u00a0world stage to put him\u00a0in the higher echelons of\u00a0footballing stardom?<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; Rnoid \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>ITALY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-446\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/balotelli-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"balotelli\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/balotelli-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/balotelli.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The Azzurri have previous\u00a0pedigree and are second only to\u00a0Brazil with Four World Cup Wins,\u00a0and as recently as 2006. That\u2019s an\u00a0impressive track record, especially so for a team who\u00a0are rarely classed as tournament favourites. One year\u00a0they\u2019re up and doing well, then they struggle before\u00a0rebuilding again.<\/p>\n<p>This time round under the guidance of Cesare\u00a0Prandelli, Italy qualified for the World Cup with two\u00a0matches to spare. It\u2019ll be in at the deep end of hot water\u00a0in this tournament though with their first group game\u00a0against England in the Amazonian city of Manaus.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019ll aim to be serious group contenders as unlike\u00a0in South Africa, where they hit rock bottom, they now\u00a0have a fusion of youth and experience \u2013 write them off\u00a0at your peril!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Under the radar and back on form<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Player to watch: Mario Balotelli<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A player to watch and hard to avoid if he\u00a0continues to walk in on press conferences. More\u00a0headlines than David\u00a0Beckham &#8211; if he\u2019s not\u00a0setting off fireworks in\u00a0his house he\u2019s scoring\u00a0crackers on the pitch!<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; Yiannis Kourtos \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Other teams that deserve our unbinding attention are;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HOLLAND<\/strong><br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-447\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/robben-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"robben\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/robben-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/robben-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/robben-419x420.jpg 419w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/robben.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>A team famous for their rich\u00a0heritage in technically gifted\u00a0players and hard to miss in their\u00a0trademark bright orange shirts.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s in their genes to play a style of football that\u2019s\u00a0enjoyable to watch &#8211; bringing a natural grace of flair\u00a0and technical substance to the game. Always an\u00a0opposing\u2019s team to avoid and with confidence and<br \/>creativity in equal measure, should they succeed it\u00a0would certainly make up for the last tournament\u2019s\u00a0near miss where they lost out in the dying minutes of\u00a0extra time to Spain. In fact, the Netherlands have now<br \/>reached the final three times and lost each one.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Expectations are as always high and their current squad\u00a0suggests they will again be a force to be reckoned with. \u00a0Van Persie remaining injury free and on form will\u00a0make a big difference.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can the bridesmaid become the bride?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Player to watch: Arjen Robben<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s been a force of nature for Bayern Munich. \u00a0Consistent, direct and\u00a0dangerous as provider\u00a0and goal scorer with\u00a0the best left foot in the\u00a0business. He\u2019ll now be\u00a0looking to replicate\u00a0this club cup winning\u00a0form for The Oranje.<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; fstockfoto \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>PORTUGAL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-448\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ronaldo-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"ronaldo\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ronaldo-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ronaldo-280x420.jpg 280w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ronaldo.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>Leading from the front is the\u00a0Captain Cristiano Ronaldo &#8211; the\u00a0current Balloon d\u2019Or World\u00a0Player of the Year, World Record\u00a0goal scorer and Worlds Highest paid player. Anyone\u00a0would think this man would have an ego to match his\u00a0footwork. Well if he does, he can store it in his new\u00a0Museum he\u2019s just opened in his native Madeira for the\u00a0public to exhibit his awards and numerous Golden\u00a0Boots.<\/p>\n<p>In all seriousness, there is a talented team to support\u00a0Ronaldo in the likes of Luis Neto and William\u00a0Carvalho, and how they cope with the limelight on\u00a0one man and take advantage of this will prove decisive. \u00a0Other strikers can also shine &#8211; for Hugo Almeida with\u00a0the opposition marking Ronaldo, this number 9 could\u00a0have a blank cheque to cash goals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cThe Ronaldo Show!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Player to watch: Ronaldo<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Akin to Spartacus, this is one man\u2019s mission to\u00a0Greatness. With more goals than games at Real\u00a0Madrid he\u2019s dangerous\u00a0from anywhere on the\u00a0pitch and can turn a\u00a0game on its head. Speed,\u00a0strength, agility and ability\u00a0combined.<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; fstockfoto \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>FRANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-450 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ribery-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"ribery\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ribery-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/ribery.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Temperamental, enigmatic,\u00a0mercurial. Describing the French\u00a0team is a description in itself. Akin\u00a0to predicting the weather, they\u00a0have a great team but prone to change at short notice. \u00a0Just the one World Cup win could be testament to\u00a0this, but with players like Pogba, Ribery and Benzema\u00a0\u2013 a bright future in Rio beckons if they can keep the\u00a0storms at bay. Nasri\u2019s exclusion was for this very reason. \u00a0Unfortunate to be drawn in the same group as Spain\u00a0for Qualification, despite this setback and having\u00a0beaten Ukraine in the playoff they\u2019re now settled in\u00a0Group C with Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras. It\u2019s\u00a0an easier ride but no joyride against a well-disciplined<br \/>opposition. Their Manager Didier Deschamps was\u00a0Captain of France when they won the trophy in 1998. \u00a0Now, as coach, he\u2019ll be looking to emulate that success\u00a0for Les Bleus.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Have the storms past?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Player to watch: Franck Ribery<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Known for his pace, skill, and precision passing. A\u00a0three time French Player of the Year and uniquely\u00a0German Player of the Year\u00a0also. In fact his recent form\u00a0for Bayern in the club\u2019s\u00a0treble winning season\u00a0saw him on the three man\u00a0Balloon d\u2019Or shortlist with\u00a0Messi and Ronaldo.<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; fstockfoto \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>URUGUAY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-451\" src=\"http:\/\/www.marbellarocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/suarez-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"suarez\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" \/>Famously winning the inaugural\u00a0World Cup in 1930 on home soil\u00a0in Montevideo, they repeated this\u00a0success 20 years later in Brazil at\u00a0the same stadium to be played at in July \u2013 the Estadio\u00a0do Maracana in Rio do Janeiro.<\/p>\n<p>It was clearly a while ago but these two time winners,\u00a0and also current holders of Copa America, are on\u00a0their home continent again with supportive playing\u00a0conditions. They may have only qualified through the\u00a0playoffs, but with a strike force of Edinson Cavani of\u00a0PSG and Luis Suarez of Liverpool FC \u2013 this could prove\u00a0a lethal partnership.<\/p>\n<p>Lacking defensive credibility and the creative depth\u00a0of their South American neighbours, but as goals win\u00a0games \u2013 they\u2019re always in with a chance to make it a\u00a0World Cup hat-trick!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can they relive past success?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Player to watch: Luis Suarez<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Despite missing the start of the Premiership\u00a0season he\u2019s bagged over 30\u00a0goals this year and recently\u00a0voted PFA Player of the Year. \u00a0He may have bitten off more\u00a0than he can chew last year,\u00a0but he\u2019s a reformed marksman<br \/>now.<\/p>\n<p>Photo &#8211; mooinblack \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Teams to keep\u00a0an eye on:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Other nations to keenly consider for this year and\u00a0moving forward are from the Africas. These teams\u00a0have a physical presence on the pitch and combine skill\u00a0with versatility. With athletic, strong, and powerful\u00a0players who haven\u2019t had success in tournaments past,\u00a0they are here to make their presence known in Brazil. \u00a0Yaya Toure, Bony and Drogba are players to certainly\u00a0keep your eye on for Ivory Coast, but expect a strong\u00a0showing from Cameroon, Ghana, and the reigning\u00a0Africa Cup of Nations Champions &#8211; Nigeria. If these\u00a0teams can get through their tough Group Stages,\u00a0momentum could see them through to their first World\u00a0Cup Final.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, with the ex-England Manager Fabio Capello\u00a0now managing the Russian national team, will his\u00a0tactical nous see Russia break new ground. Whatever\u00a0happens, it\u2019s going to be a spectacle \u2013 that\u2019s one\u2019s thing\u00a0you can bet on.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s clearly no shortage of takers for footballs\u00a0greatest honour. We\u2019ve outlined some of the main\u00a0contenders, from previous winners to armchair\u00a0champions. One thing that\u2019s emerging in the current\u00a0era of the game is that there are no bad teams. With the\u00a0increasing commercial aspect and further globalisation\u00a0of the game, talent is everywhere and every nation has\u00a0a genuine shot at glory. Who\u2019d have thought Greece\u00a0would have won the Euros in 2004? There is no script,\u00a0and that\u2019s the beauty of the game.<\/p>\n<p>As Pele so eloquently put it<br \/><strong>\u201cThe more difficult the victory, the\u00a0<\/strong><strong>greater the happiness in winning\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With a backdrop as beautiful and dramatic as Brazil \u2013\u00a0winning really would mean the world.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>Where to watch the\u00a0World Cup 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No matter where you are on the coast there\u2019s an abundance of venues showing the World Cup 2014.<br \/>Here\u2019s our round up of some good places to go and soak up the action.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Marbella<\/strong> &#8211; Slainte Irish\u00a0Sports Bar \u2013 Located\u00a0opposite La Sala and\u00a0Aqwa Mist this fun,\u00a0friendly Irish Bar has\u00a0undergone a recent\u00a0refurbishment with\u00a010 screens and a\u00a0promise to be the place\u00a0to watch the World<br \/>Cup, whoever your\u00a0supporting.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Lineker\u2019s<\/strong> \u2013 The Home\u00a0of Sport. It\u2019s owner\u00a0Wayne Lineker, Former\u00a0England Captain Gary\u2019s\u00a0Lineker\u2019s younger\u00a0brother, runs this place,\u00a0so an obvious choice for\u00a0football viewing really. \u00a0The infamous second\u00a0line bar in Puerto Banus\u00a0will be showing all the\u00a0live matches.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Portside<\/strong> \u2013 Probably the\u00a0largest place to watch\u00a0the football. 30 large\u00a0screens placed on three\u00a0areas; inside, outside\u00a0courtyard and front\u00a0terrace. All the games\u00a0will be shown live. They\u00a0have warned to arrive\u00a0early for seating and full\u00a0waitress service during\u00a0big matches.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Elviria<\/strong> \u2013 the newly\u00a0renovated Nikki Beach\u00a0is showing all the\u00a0matches and are even\u00a0putting on a Special\u00a0Sunday World Cup\u00a0Final Party on July 13th. \u00a0Ticket only in advance\u00a0though so book early if\u00a0you want a beachside<br \/>viewing.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Fuengirola<\/strong> &#8211; Jackson\u00a0Bar are putting up\u00a0two projector screens\u00a0(indoor and outdoor)\u00a0as well as six in-bar\u00a0screens showing all\u00a0the matches. Great\u00a0for atmosphere and\u00a0fantastic American\u00a0diner-style food.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Neuva Andalucia<\/strong> \u2013 The\u00a0Living Room &#8211; has six\u00a0HD flat-screens and a\u00a0projector showing all\u00a0the World Cup matches.\u00a0They will also be\u00a0offering 2 for 1 on select\u00a0drinks and full waitress\u00a0service. Whereas\u00a0some people will be<br \/>sweltering in the heat,\u00a0Living Room is fronted\u00a0with sliding glass doors\u00a0to let the much-needed\u00a0air in.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Estepona<\/strong> \u2013 The Robin\u00a0Hood Inn \u2013 a great\u00a0choice to watch the\u00a0football as they have\u00a0outdoor as well as\u00a0indoor screens. Located\u00a0on the A7 it has ample\u00a0parking and a great\u00a0food menu to boost. \u00a0Sotogrande \u2013 The Hairy<br \/>Lemon &#8211; Live coverage\u00a0of every match on\u00a0multiple screens and\u00a0late night license until\u00a03am showing all late\u00a0games. There is a great\u00a0selection of British\u00a0larger, ciders and ales as\u00a0well as Estrella Galicia\u00a0naturally brewed in<br \/>copper tanks on the\u00a0premises.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Gibraltar<\/strong> \u2013 The best bar\u00a0to watch the football\u00a0is Champions Sports\u00a0Bar &amp; Grill in Ocean\u00a0Village, with O\u2019Reilly\u2019s\u00a0Irish bar and Ivy Sports\u00a0Bar coming a close\u00a0second and third to that.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The last World Cup Final, won in extra time\u00a0by Spain versus Netherlands, was viewed\u00a0by an estimated 910 million people \u2013 over\u00a0a billion if you include online and viewing in public\u00a0places. This year it\u2019s expected to be even more, which\u00a0isn\u2019t surprising when you consider there are over 200\u00a0countries in the world and every single one has [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":671,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26,31,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","category-sports","category-uncategorised"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.9.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>World Cup 2014 - London Rocks<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"World Cup 2014 - London Rocks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The last World Cup Final, won in extra time\u00a0by Spain versus Netherlands, was viewed\u00a0by an estimated 910 million people \u2013 over\u00a0a billion if you include online and viewing in public\u00a0places. This year it\u2019s expected to be even more, which\u00a0isn\u2019t surprising when you consider there are over 200\u00a0countries in the world and every single one has [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"London Rocks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2014-06-05T14:28:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2014\/06\/worldcup31.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"385\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"18 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/\",\"name\":\"World Cup 2014 - London Rocks\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2014-06-05T14:28:11+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2014-06-05T14:28:11+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"World Cup 2014\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/\",\"name\":\"London Rocks\",\"description\":\"Your cutting-edge global lifestyle magazine\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/author\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"World Cup 2014 - London Rocks","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/rocksmag.com\/london\/world-cup-2014\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"World Cup 2014 - London Rocks","og_description":"The last World Cup Final, won in extra time\u00a0by Spain versus Netherlands, was viewed\u00a0by an estimated 910 million people \u2013 over\u00a0a billion if you include online and viewing in public\u00a0places. 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