The eyes of the whole world will be on Brazil next month as the greatest celebration of ‘The Beautiful Game’ kicks off – the FIFA World Cup.
The Samba stars of the host nation will welcome the national teams of 31 other countries, who each battled their way through three years’ of qualification matches to make it to the famous festival of football.
And now, with all the best teams in the world assembled, 64 matches are set to be played in twelve cities across the South American country, in either brand spanking new or redeveloped stadiums.
It will be the second time Brazil has hosted the competition, but will home advantage prove decisive for Neymar and Co? The previous four World Cups held in South America were all won by South American teams, so the signs are good that coach ‘Big’ Phil Scolari could be dancing a victory samba come July 13 – the final showdown.
But there are other commanding contenders from the continent also vying for glory; the superstar-stacked Argentina squad, boasting Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and of course Leo Messi, the Luis Suarez-inspired Uruguay and a Colombia squad boasting the strike power of Radamel Falcao.
But could this finally be the time a non-South American team lifts the famous trophy? Defending champions Spain are still a potent force, Joachim Low’s Germany are now adding experience to their vigour and slick movement, the Netherlands offer a bit of steel along with their technical prowess and the emerging Belgian team are packed with potential match-winners.
This year’s competition promises to be more exciting and thrilling than ever before, and to get you in the mood for some fantastic football action, here’s Abu Dhabi Week’s guide on who to look out for, and where to watch.
Group A
Brazil
The pressure is on for every team during the finals of the World Cup. But it’s nothing like the burden on Brazil. Being the competition hosts, one of the favourites to win and boasting five title-winning tournaments in previous years, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari may find his heart beating faster than a samba drum this summer. However with players like Neymar, Dani Alves and Júlio César available, ‘Big Phil’ could also be chilling on the Copacabana Beach as his squad has strength and depth. The opening match against Croatia will be a test, and with all the other pressures of being in the Brazilian starting XI, the South American giants may have shaky salsa-legs for all the wrong reasons…
Croatia
In 1998, the Croatians exploded onto the world stage, as their stubborn and relentless style of play saw Miroslav Blažević and his squad come third in final standings of the cup. The Croats put their fans through the wringer in the qualification rounds, though, as despite winning the opening five games on the route to the finals, they also lost to Scotland and Belgium, which unnerved fans in the final stages. But thanks to the strong five-game foundation, the Balkans made it through. Real Madrid star Luca Modric will be on most team’s radar, as the midfield maestro has come into his own this last season. Youngster Mateo Kovačić will add to the veteran talents of Niko Kranjcar and Eduardo. If there was ever a team to catch you on the break…
Mexico
After winning gold in the Olympic 2012 final against Brazil, the Mexican national team will travel south to try and once again cause an upset for their fellow group members. Yet struggling to progress further than the final 16 in their last five World Cup appearances, maybe the only chance of satisfaction this year is by throwing a spanner in Brazil’s group stage performances. The young and vibrant squad, which has had time to grow since London 2012, offers a serious attacking threat. Spearheaded by Manchester United’s Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, and the likes of Oribe Peralta, Raul Jiménez and Carlos Pena. But further than the final 16? We’ll eat our sombrero if they do…
Cameroon
The Cameroon team of the 1990 World Cup surged to the quarter-finals only to crash out against England to a 105th minute Gary Lineker penalty. Current coach Volker Finke will be hoping to emulate former coach Valeri Nepomniachi’s epic tournament form, and hopefully progress further than ever before. Cameroon has some very talented players, playing in some of the best leagues of the world. Chelsea’s Samuel Eto’o, Barcelona’s Alex Song and Tottenham Hotspurs’ Benoit Assou-Ekotto all offer experience and bundles of talent – but will these individual stars help cement the foundations of a quality team? Three other teams in the group look favourites to beat Cameroon, leaving them at the bottom of the pile. If they are to get a result against anyone, it will be against Mexico.
Group B
Netherlands
The Oranje fans will no doubt once again light up the stadiums of Brazil, not only with their luminous orange shirts, but also with their passion for the game. The Total Football team cruised through to Brazil during the qualifiers, where they were joint top point scorers alongside Germany. Louis Van Gaal, Manchester United’s new manager, will no doubt want to leave clicking his clogs with delight as a World Cup winner. And there’s no reason to say they can’t do it. Robin Van Persie is now fit and ready for the tournament after an injury stricken season, while Arjen Robben, despite winning the Bundesliga will be planning to add another trophy to his cabinet this year after crashing out to Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Dutch were extremely close last tournament, only for Andres Iniesta to crush their dreams. Time for revenge?
Spain
The reigning World and European champions will be wearing their bright red shirts this summer, like a matador goading the bull, as teams will be determined to knock the Spaniards off the top spot. Every player poses a threat and its difficult to highlight only a few. But we feel defender Sergio Ramos, midfield maestros Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, and striker David Villa will all add bite and composure to this prolific team. If there’s a weakness it’s that the opposing coaches have now had time to analyse and prepare for the Spaniards. Vincente del Bosque has created a powerful team with skill, unity and depth, proving difficult for any team to break down. But will it be enough to pry their fingers off the cup?
Chile
A tough group for La Roja, but it’s certainly possible for coach Jorge Sampaoli and his squad to pinch a place into the final 16. The South Americans are about to feature in their ninth tournament, with 1962 being their best performance to date – a year they hosted the competition. France 1998 and South Africa 2010 saw the Chileans fall to the hands of Brazil, and with the way the groups fall, it’s possible that Chile could face them once again – third time unlucky? Chile have a penetrating forward third, with players like Alexis Sánchez and Eduardo Vargas leading to strike force and attacking midfielders Matias Fernández and Arturo Vidal to help with a surging attack. The starting XI is made up of rising stars and experienced players, bolstering their chances of making it to the final 16. Chile may cause a stir in this competition and may squeeze a second place finish in the group.
Australia
The road to Brazil has proved a bumpy one for Australia, with losses to Oman and a narrow comeback against Thailand serving as a warning shot. The Socceroos cruised to South Africa in 2010, but recent erratic performances saw the Aussies scrape into this year’s competition. Head coach Ange Postecoglou will be calling on experienced players like Lucas Neill and talisman Tim Cahill to rally his troops in search of glory. Fans will be hoping midfielder Brett Holman, as his creative play and vicious shooting ability can create goals respectively. However, Australia are likely to boomerang their way back down-under before the group stages are over, as their group is just too strong for them.
Group C
Colombia
Columbia have a few individual stars that stand out in the footballing world, creating caution for teams within their group. The likes of Monaco’s Radamel Falcao and Teo Gutiérrez are predators in front of goal, along with experienced defensive duo Mario Yepes and Luis Perea bolstering their back line. But will the starting XI gel as a team and progress to the final 16? It’s certainly within their reach. Coach Jose Pekerman has had an impressive success rate in the run-up to the tournament with five wins in their six games – a sequence that puts them firmly on course for the finals. Pekerman and his Columbian crew will be out to prove a point this year, hoping to beat the country’s best world cup performance of reaching the final 16.
Greece
Ten years ago Greece celebrated an historic victory in the UEFA Euro 2004 against the Portuguese, but have yet repeated any sort of impressive development or threat of winning another tournament. The Greeks enjoyed an excellent qualification campaign entering Group C with confidence. And with the teams in the group, we are predicting each game to a battle for all four teams. Argentine coach Fernando Santos will be hoping captain Giorgos Karagounis will dictate from the midfield and be the engine-force to drive them through the group stages. Experienced players like Theofanis Gekas and Giorgos Samaras will also bring a level head to the squad. Greece also present a formidable defence and this will have caught the eye of other international coaches – breaking them down will be key if they want to rack up important group stage goals. They conceded a mere four goals in ten games, a defensive wall stronger than that of the Parthenon.
Côte d’Ivoire
After walking through the group stages, Côte d’Ivoire almost let their Brazilian dreams slip away in the home-and-away play off Senegal. Drawing 2-2 with 15 minutes to play, a resurgent Senegalese were about to crash coach Sabri Lamouchis’ South American dream. Yet a late winner from Salomon Kalou sent the Ivorians into their third consecutive finals. Midfield duo Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure will no doubt control plenty of possession, hoping to provide explosive winger Gervinho and striker Didier Drogba with goal scoring opportunities; don’t be surprised if Yaya Toure sends a few 40-yard screamers towards to the goal. Côte d’Ivoire will be out to better their South African group stage failure and we believe this group offers them a great chance to do so.
Japan
Japan have produced some superb footballers of the years – Hidetoshi Nakata and Shunsuke Nakamura are names known throughout the world – but the team have never managed to produce a truly potent team. The 2002 Korea/Japan tournament saw the joint-host nation progress through the group only to falter to eventual third place winners Turkey. And after being dumped out in Germany 2006 and a redeeming performance in South Africa, it’s fair to say Japan have had a varied World Cup career. Coach Alberto Zaccheroni will have confidence with his strikers Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki, and set-piece specialist Yasuhito Endo working from the centre of the team. But will this be a year they are on the up rather than slumping down?
Group D
Italy
With four world titles to their name, along with two runners-up medals, La Squadra Azzurra have no reason to be blue. 2006 saw Italy last pick up the golden trophy, and similarly to England, Cesare Prandelli has selected his players with young, emerging players. But to keep the hand shaking and dramatics to a minimum, the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi will serve as composers of the team. Maverick Mario Balotelli has been named in the squad after an impressive season with Milan, along with recent Serie A winners Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci in defence. Italy can produce some classic football, both stunning to watch with the like of Pirlo on the ball, but also nerve-racking for supporters of their opponents. This group of death could see Italy crash out, or soar through to the final games.
Uruguay
Another South American team that is bound to impress – Uruguay. Managing to qualify after a play-off against Jordan, coach Oscar Washington Tabarez has a squad he can be proud of which, could cause tears for a few teams. Uruguay brag a threatening duo that will make even the most seasoned defender shudder with fear. Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Paris St Germain’s Edinson Cavani are the complete striking package. Suarez will be hungry for cup glory this summer after narrowly missing out on the Premier League after a late slip from his team. The team also boasts vastly experienced players like Diego Lugano and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera providing confidence between the posts. Uruguay has a trophy cabinet that should make their fellow group members worry.
Costa Rica
With two games to spare, Cost Rica cruised their way to Brazil, making Colombian coach Jorge Luis Pinto a happy man. With undefeated games at home and only conceding seven goals in the final rounds – less than any other team – its no wonder Los Ticos are in the finals. Bryan Ruiz offers great attacking ability and will be known by players in the English and Dutch leagues for having a natural goal-scoring ability. Along side him will be the young Joel Campbell, a player with a flourishing career. Keeper Kelior Navas – a player giving Uruguay such an impressive goals-conceded rate – also adds to an impressive squad. However Pinto will face some tough games, so it’s possible that they may not reach the round of 16.
England
English football fans often believe that “this is their year” only to falter with dramatic style to rival teams like Germany and Argentina. So many fans, and critics, have already written them off, with the thought of Roy Hodgson and his clan crying like a girly Gazza. But there is hope, but for the future. Hodgson has gathered a youthful squad with a few veterans to help keep the young heads cool in the South American heat. Many Liverpool stars here, with in form players like Daniel Sturridge, lightening-quick winger Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson named on the team sheet. Old hands Steven Gerrard, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Manchester City’s James Milner will all add much-needed experience gained from previous international tournaments. England can still pose a threat to many teams with their fearless youth. They think it’s all over? We are not quite sure…
Group E
Switzerland
Things didn’t exactly run like clockwork for Switzerland on the road to Brazil. In fact Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side suffered a bit of a stuttering qualifying campaign, with setbacks against Norway, Iceland and Cyprus. But Hitzfeld’s side are deceptively potent, with the talents of Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri perhaps the pick of the talented youngsters available (as well as Granit Xhaka and Valentin Stocker), alongside more experienced heads such as ‘keeper Diego Benaglio, and Philippe Senderos. The Swiss’ opening game against Ecuador promises to be at the very least well drilled. Is the time right for the Swiss to succeed? Or is that a bit cuckoo?
Ecuador
The Ecuadorian team boasted an unbeaten record at home in qualifying, but blotted their copybook by failing to win away at all. They are consistently inconsistent then heading into this year’s tournament. But the team have a powerhouse midfielder in Dynamo Moscow’s Christian Noboa, who has become an integral part of the national side, alongside the influential Edison Mendez and captain Antonio Valencia – despite his stuttering form in an underperforming Manchester United side this past season. And sharp-eyed fans may also spot UAE Pro-League striker Felipe Caicedo, who plays for Al Jazira here in the UAE. Coach Reinaldo Rueda had to contend with losing one of his stars, after the tragic death of Christian Benitez in Qatar last year, but has still fashioned a team that may surprise a few in Brazil. Matching their exploits in Germany 2006, where they reached the last-16, would be a great achievement.
Honduras
Since the last World Cup, the Hondurans have gone through a period of introspection and rejuvination. After failing to make it out of the group stages in South Africa, new coach Luis Fernando Suárez was brought in, and he immediately set about introducing fresh blood into the national team. The result was that in the final qualifying stage for this year’s competition, the team took third place – and thus the last direct qualifying slot – in the final six-team phase, mostly due to their home form, where they dropped only four points, and scored a momentus win over Mexico at their Azteca fortress. Keep an eye out for Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre – named Scottish Premier League Player of the Year – aswell as captain and goalkeeper Noel Valladares.
France
After the highs of their final win in 1998, on home soil, and a 2006 final appearance, where they eventually lost to Italy, Les Bleus have underperformed massively in recent tournamanets, failing to win a single game at both Euro 2008 and also the last World Cup in South Africa. For a team that boasts some of the top talent in world football a continuation of this trend is simply unthinkable. With shortlisted World Player of the Year Franck Ribery, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema along with a new generation of top talent which includes Juventus’s Paul Pogba, Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho to call upon, coach Didier Deschamps will be expected to make an impact at this year’s competition.
Group F
Nigeria
As the 2013 champions of Africa, Nigeria, aka the Super Eagles, will hope to put their embarrassing 2010 campaign well behind them. After being drawn into a group with Malawi, Kenya and Namibia, many would have thought that they would have cruised through to the qualifying stages, but somehow they managed to draw one and win one against each of their competitors. This unimpressive record put them into the play-offs where they managed to brush a decent Ethiopian team aside and qualify for a trip to Brazil. With key players such as John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike, they should put up an interesting fight to get through to the knockout rounds.
Argentina
With one of the most impressive teamsheets in the competition, Argentina boast an attacking line up that would strike fear into any opposition with stars such as, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Javier Mascherano, Pablo Zabaleta and last but not least, the multi-trophy winner and leader of this all-star team, Lionel Messi. La Albiceleste land in Brazil with a remarkable 14 game unbeaten run, which helped them cruise through the qualifying stages of this year’s competition. If Alejandro Sabella can manage to get this team of amazing individuals to play the brilliant football we have witnessed whilst we have watched them play for their clubs in Europe this season, Argentina could be a serious contender to take home the most famous cup in sporting history. Definitely one to keep an eye on!
Bosnia Herzegovina
Going into this year’s competition,with an impressive record of 8 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, Bosnia coach Safet Susic led his team to score a remarkable 30 goals, putting them in an automatic place to qualify in this year’s World Cup. Nobody would have thought that this would be their first time competing for the most sought-after trophy in football, but with an all-star backbone of Manchester City’s hitman Edin Dzeko, Roma’s intelligent playmaker Miralem Pjanic, Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive rock Emir Spahic and Stoke City’s up-and-coming goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Susic’s squad seems to have the required talent to shine at this year’s competition. This could be an interesting team to follow.
Iran
Iran made it into this year’s world cup by the skin of their teeth, with an impressive start to their campaign they then seemed to hit a rough patch which almost put their place in the competition in jeopardy. However, Carlos Queiroz’s side managed to kick into action with wins against Lebanon, Qatar and Korea Republic that sealed their ticket to Brazil. This will be Iran captain Javad Nekounam’s second time leading the squad at the World Cup and he will be be eager to get his team past the group stages for the first time. Keep an eye out for Reza Ghoochannejhad, he could have a few of the big clubs in Europe knocking on his door if he can bring his club form into the competition.
Group G
Germany
Unsurprisingly, the Germans are again one of the favourites to lift the famous trophy this year. Joachim Low’s flamboyant attacking technique led them to an unbeaten record in qualifying, automatically booking a slot at this year’s football jamboree. One blot on their copybook, though, a painful 4-4 draw against Sweden, meaning the Germans still have a few kinks to work out, mainly in defence. The 2013 World Goalkeeper of the year Manuel Neuer is in fine form, while playmaker Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle, Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze form the basis for a most formidable attacking unit.
Ghana
While Portugal had a rough one, the Black Stars hung tough! Pulling through Africa’s most challenging qualifying groups, Ghana won five out of their six matches. They only lost once 1-0 against 2012 African champions Zambia that sent them to the final play-off round, setting them against seven-time African champions Egypt. The 7-3 aggregate win against the Pharoehs led them to their third FIFA World Cup appearance. Asamoah Gyan will be playing a vital role alongside veterans Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien with Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andre Ayew and Kwadwo Asamoah also major players.
Portugal
The road to Brazil 2014 was a very rough one for the Portuguese team. Finishing second in the group behind Russia, Paulo Bento’s side had to go through the play-offs, with a tricky tie against Sweden, before qualifying to reach their sixth World Cup. Team captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored all four goals in the 4-2 win over the Swedes is still very much the golden man. With solid defenders such as Bruno Alves and Pepe, imaginative midfielder João Moutinho and winger Nani beside Ronaldo, Portugal are still a big threat to opponents.
USA
After a gloomy start for the Americans under their German coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Team USA faced heavy criticism on their way to this year’s competition. Klinsmann continued experimenting with old and new players in different positions and formations until winning historic victories against Italy and Mexico. These games boosted confidence throughout the team, which eventually finished top in the CONCACAF zone group, winning seven out of ten games and a ticket to Brazil. Experienced players like Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard will still be men to watch together with tough midfielder Michael Bradley. The bruising presence of Jozy Altidore up front will surely make life difficult for opposing defences too.
Group H
Russia
Fabio Capello’s side booked themselves a ticket to this year’s World Cup after winning seven out of ten games in their group during the qualifying stages. The most unexpected win was against the powerhouses of Portugal, whom they beat 1-0 in Moscow. The Russians are depending on their solid defence to win games with their trusted keeper Igor Akinfeev a key player in keeping things tight at the back. The sturdy defending of Sergey Ignashevich twinned with the dynamism of Roman Shirokov and Victor Fayzulin could definitely spring some unexpected results.
Algeria
After their scoreless campaign at the last World Cup in South Africa, the Fennec Foxes made their way to Brazil by topping their qualifying group and then beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final play-off round. Now going into their fourth FIFA World Cup, the Algerians are relying on their shining striker Islam Slimani, creative midfielder Sofiane Feghouli, the defensive-minded Medhi Lacen and team captain Madjid Bougherra at the back. Another player to watch will be Nabil Bentaleb, a promising 19-year-old midfielder, currently playing with Tottenham Hotspur.
Belgium
The Belgians are considered to be a very strong contenders this year. Considered by many experts to have managed to gather a ‘golden generation’, the Red Devils not only boast some of the world’s most exciting emerging talent, but have also managed to add the key ingredient of consistentcy to their game. They were almost flawless during qualifying, topping a group containing Croatia, Serbia and Scotland, and in the process gaining their best ever FIFA world ranking. Coach Marc Wilmot was credited for the improvement and has forged a good relationship with his team which includes Eden Hazard, Nacer Chadli, Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld and Thibaut Courtois.
Korea Republic
The South Koreans only just made it to Brazil this summer, and had Uzbekistan’s 5-1 win over Qatar (which qualified them on goal difference) to thank for their ticket to the ‘big show’. The Taeguk Warriors were hindered by a constantly changing squad, in direct contrast to their rival Japan, who had a reliable starting XI and experienced players to call upon, meaning the South Koreans are still looking for the right combination under new head coach Hong Myungbo. Notable players are Koo Jacheol and Son Heung-min, who both play for German clubs. Newly installed captain Lee Chungyong, playing for Bolton Wanderers and star strikers Lee Keun-ho and Kim Shin-wook.