The big question IMO is whether Brasil and the players will be able to cope with the enormous pressure of a World Cup at home. Plus add to that he spectre of 'el Maracanazo' by Uruguay in 1950 will come haunting them as soon they face any challenge. Felipao is the right man to lead this team commando style as he did in 2002. IF Brasil can keep cool during the enormous pressure they will feel, then no team will stop them. Specially not at home.
Argentina is a very strong challenger. Their front line is simply all star quality, the stuff of fairy tales like. However, their defence leaves a lot to be desired. Specially in net which has always been their Achilles point ever since 1990.
Spain are very strong, very self aware of their mastery and strength. However, key players are getting older or not here anymore such as Puyol. I see them in the last 4. Plus, let's not forget that their players might be contend and tired if winning, at least subconsciously.
Italy is a team that should NEVER be underestimated. Hey may not play he most sexy football but their resilience is legendary. They are always extremely hard to break down and score against. Italy is the prototypical team that can wear down a technically stronger side and with determination and unity at the back come out winners. For me, along with Argentina, they are the main challengers for Brasil. I'd put them even ahead of Spain.
Portugal, are a very strong team. They play a style which is a mix of Italy and Spain: very tough at the back yet they can play ball and keep position as they have very talented players. Plus, in Cristiano, they have a player that few if any other team have, a true world beater. If he's healthy and defence holds on, I can see Portugal reaching the 1/2 lead by a monstrous Cristiano.
Germany, the Teutons are always a force to reckon with. Just like the Italians, they are always present and a major contender. They have a solid team which plays good football. I like watching them and an be at times entertaining contrary to previous German teams who were less sexy but way more efficient and cynical like a machine. 1/2 final material.
Dark Horses
Belgium has been widely touted as one of the dark horses and for good reason. This is probably the best generation that Belgium has had since the 80's and the likes of Scifo, Gerets, Pfaff and co. They have a very young and exciting group and this will be their first major tourney together. This will be a building block for them for 2016 and beyond when they will be a true contender as these young players truly mature with more international experience. I can see them reach the 1/4 finals and with a bit of luck, and by luck, I mean, having all their top players healthy and suspension free. And if during key moments, some key decisions going their way, they could match their historical run of 1986 where they reached the 1/2 finals.
Uruguay: as always one of these teams that are extremely hard to play. Very tough at the back, experienced midfield and a mouth watering pair up front with Cavani and Suarez. Potential 1/4 finalist.
Chile: this is a very talented team and very hard to play. The are tough at the back, good with the ball in their feet and go forward very fast. Alexis is a super player who can cause havoc in any defence. I'm putting some money on them for getting out if their very tough group at the expense of eithe the Dutch or the Spaniards!
Holland: the eternal mystery. They have a good team, maybe not as strong as 4 years ago, but still strong enough to do some serious damage. I've always been a big fan of them and their attractive football so will be following them with great interest. I hope they won't self hara kiri as they have a tendency to do in major tourneys with internal problems. 1/4 finalist potential with the potential to go higher depending in the fitness of their key players.
England: its always funny with them. They have good players but for some reason, as a team, always under perform. I don't have high expectations from them for this tourney, hey should use it as an opportunity to allow the younger players to accumulate precious international experience for the future competitions. 1/2 round would be a good result for them and from there, depending on how key players perform, they could create an upset and reach the 1/4.
Non Euro/South American Teams which can cause surprises:
Ghana: I like this team, they have talent, experienced payers and flair and can go far. In 2010, they were robbed by the antics of Luis Suarez. I can see them cause a ton of problems to any team that will face them. I'd love to see them reiterate the same result as four years ago. However, they are unlucky to be in the same group as two of the best teams in the compet: Portugal and Germany. If they can get a good result against one of the two tenors, they can create the surprise and go through and from there, a 1/4 finals is not out of sight. ..
Ivory Coast: another super talented team. Any team with the likes of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba, even tough an aging Drogba, is one to be feared. They have a relatively easy group in the first round so that should give them some confidence.
Finally, one team that is not getting much love but who I feel has all the ingredients to realize a good World Cup and reach even the 1/4. I'm talking about France. They have a solid team, a great keeper, good midfield and interesting attack. I'm having my doubts about he defence but if they keep their focus, they can do some interesting things. Ribery and Benzemma will need to take the team in their hands and be the leaders of the team. I'm curious to see Pogba and Varanne and Griezmann. They are two future world class players who will get invaluable experience of international football for future competitions. Specially for 2016 when the Euro will be in France. Plus, they all want to make us all forget the fiasco of 2010. With Deschamps, we have a good coach who is not afraid to leave undesirables out of the team such as Nasri. Finishing first, France will face more than likely Nigeria thus avoiding Argentina. 1/4 finals are within realistic grasp and then a historical 1/4 finals against Ze Teutons. From there anything can happen...
It's going to be a fantastic tournament. The World Cup in the country of football with the most mythical stadiums anywhere. It couldn't be or get any better than this. If it were up to me, the World Cup would always be in Brasil.
My dream is to see another France - Brasil preferably at the Maracana. And if France were to do the unthinkable of beating Brasil in a world cup yet again, but this time in Brasil, then it would be mega orgasmic! I know very long shot but dreaming is free!
Argentina is a very strong challenger. Their front line is simply all star quality, the stuff of fairy tales like. However, their defence leaves a lot to be desired. Specially in net which has always been their Achilles point ever since 1990.
Spain are very strong, very self aware of their mastery and strength. However, key players are getting older or not here anymore such as Puyol. I see them in the last 4. Plus, let's not forget that their players might be contend and tired if winning, at least subconsciously.
Italy is a team that should NEVER be underestimated. Hey may not play he most sexy football but their resilience is legendary. They are always extremely hard to break down and score against. Italy is the prototypical team that can wear down a technically stronger side and with determination and unity at the back come out winners. For me, along with Argentina, they are the main challengers for Brasil. I'd put them even ahead of Spain.
Portugal, are a very strong team. They play a style which is a mix of Italy and Spain: very tough at the back yet they can play ball and keep position as they have very talented players. Plus, in Cristiano, they have a player that few if any other team have, a true world beater. If he's healthy and defence holds on, I can see Portugal reaching the 1/2 lead by a monstrous Cristiano.
Germany, the Teutons are always a force to reckon with. Just like the Italians, they are always present and a major contender. They have a solid team which plays good football. I like watching them and an be at times entertaining contrary to previous German teams who were less sexy but way more efficient and cynical like a machine. 1/2 final material.
Dark Horses
Belgium has been widely touted as one of the dark horses and for good reason. This is probably the best generation that Belgium has had since the 80's and the likes of Scifo, Gerets, Pfaff and co. They have a very young and exciting group and this will be their first major tourney together. This will be a building block for them for 2016 and beyond when they will be a true contender as these young players truly mature with more international experience. I can see them reach the 1/4 finals and with a bit of luck, and by luck, I mean, having all their top players healthy and suspension free. And if during key moments, some key decisions going their way, they could match their historical run of 1986 where they reached the 1/2 finals.
Uruguay: as always one of these teams that are extremely hard to play. Very tough at the back, experienced midfield and a mouth watering pair up front with Cavani and Suarez. Potential 1/4 finalist.
Chile: this is a very talented team and very hard to play. The are tough at the back, good with the ball in their feet and go forward very fast. Alexis is a super player who can cause havoc in any defence. I'm putting some money on them for getting out if their very tough group at the expense of eithe the Dutch or the Spaniards!
Holland: the eternal mystery. They have a good team, maybe not as strong as 4 years ago, but still strong enough to do some serious damage. I've always been a big fan of them and their attractive football so will be following them with great interest. I hope they won't self hara kiri as they have a tendency to do in major tourneys with internal problems. 1/4 finalist potential with the potential to go higher depending in the fitness of their key players.
England: its always funny with them. They have good players but for some reason, as a team, always under perform. I don't have high expectations from them for this tourney, hey should use it as an opportunity to allow the younger players to accumulate precious international experience for the future competitions. 1/2 round would be a good result for them and from there, depending on how key players perform, they could create an upset and reach the 1/4.
Non Euro/South American Teams which can cause surprises:
Ghana: I like this team, they have talent, experienced payers and flair and can go far. In 2010, they were robbed by the antics of Luis Suarez. I can see them cause a ton of problems to any team that will face them. I'd love to see them reiterate the same result as four years ago. However, they are unlucky to be in the same group as two of the best teams in the compet: Portugal and Germany. If they can get a good result against one of the two tenors, they can create the surprise and go through and from there, a 1/4 finals is not out of sight. ..
Ivory Coast: another super talented team. Any team with the likes of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba, even tough an aging Drogba, is one to be feared. They have a relatively easy group in the first round so that should give them some confidence.
Finally, one team that is not getting much love but who I feel has all the ingredients to realize a good World Cup and reach even the 1/4. I'm talking about France. They have a solid team, a great keeper, good midfield and interesting attack. I'm having my doubts about he defence but if they keep their focus, they can do some interesting things. Ribery and Benzemma will need to take the team in their hands and be the leaders of the team. I'm curious to see Pogba and Varanne and Griezmann. They are two future world class players who will get invaluable experience of international football for future competitions. Specially for 2016 when the Euro will be in France. Plus, they all want to make us all forget the fiasco of 2010. With Deschamps, we have a good coach who is not afraid to leave undesirables out of the team such as Nasri. Finishing first, France will face more than likely Nigeria thus avoiding Argentina. 1/4 finals are within realistic grasp and then a historical 1/4 finals against Ze Teutons. From there anything can happen...
It's going to be a fantastic tournament. The World Cup in the country of football with the most mythical stadiums anywhere. It couldn't be or get any better than this. If it were up to me, the World Cup would always be in Brasil.
My dream is to see another France - Brasil preferably at the Maracana. And if France were to do the unthinkable of beating Brasil in a world cup yet again, but this time in Brasil, then it would be mega orgasmic! I know very long shot but dreaming is free!