World Cup 2014: Your Guide to All 32 Teams
England may have invented the sport, but it is the Brazilians who’ve taken to it with the most passion. A World Cup, regardless of location, is essentially a month-long holiday in Brazil, and since this year the party is at their place…
This Brazilian team isn’t quite the fearsome monster of years past. The lightning passing has been replaced by a more organized and defensive unit. Still, not a team to be taken lightly.
Players to watch: Monster strike force Neymar and Hulk (yeah, that’s what they call him) will be the players to watch. Also, a midfield full of solid, tireless runners with as much an eye for a tackle as a pass (Oscar, Fernandinho, Ramires, Willian, etc).
Prediction: Semifinals, though don’t be surprised if they win the whole thing.
Over the past decade, Croatia has grown into a real force. It still doesn’t have the depth to compete against the very best, but will at least put up a good fight.
Players to watch: Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandzukic is the gangly center forward who will be on the end of all those slippery passes. Real Madrid’s Luka Modric is the tiny puppet master in midfield.
Prediction: May beat Mexico out of the group, but unless the team is given an easy draw, it will probably crash out in the round of 16.
El Tri almost didn’t make it to the big stage, but a barn burning play-off game against the Kiwis saved their spot in the Cup.
Players to watch: Man U’s Javier Hernandez will try to put a terrible season (both personally and for his club) behind him with a strong performance in the Cup.
Prediction: Will be neck and neck with Croatia for 2nd place in the group. If they do advance, don’t count on them making it out of the round of 16.
The “Indomitable Lions” of Cameroon have been riding high for the past decade, largely on the back of a solid defense and super-striker Samuel Eto’o. But if his past season at Chelsea has been any indication, Eto’o, now 33, is beginning to lose the blistering pace and lightning reflexes that made him one of the best in the world. They will struggle valiantly, but ultimately bring up the rear.
Players to watch: Eto’o and Barcelona’s Alex Song are the big names.
Prediction: 4th in their group, but hopefully with their heads held high.
Of the 11 men that started the 2010 World Cup Final for Spain, 7 of them played for FC Barcelona. And just as Barcelona’s star has begun to fade a bit, so too has Spain’s. Though it still has some of the most impressive midfielders in the world, this team also still relies on David Villa and Fernando Torres…two strikers that were already a bit past their primes in 2010.
Players to watch: This is almost certainly Xavi’s last World Cup as a player, and hopefully he can still turn it on one more time. After the season he’s just had, Diego Costa may be the answer to Spain’s aging striker problem.
Prediction: A quarterfinal exit seems likely, but you just never know.
The cliché image of the Dutch team is of an exceptionally talented group of players whose egos prevent them ever being a good team and who spend the entire World Cup hating each other far more than the opposition. Nevertheless, that talent was enough to make it to the final last time and only an exceptionally good Spain team kept them from taking home their first trophy. The stars of the 2010 team are now four years older, though, and their younger replacements have yet to convince.
Players to watch: Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben, and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are all back…but Holland’s offense has never been the problem….
Prediction: Unless Chile or the hapless Australians can pull off a shocker, the Netherlands should easily escape the group stages…but any further than the quarters would be a surprise.
Despite having never won a major trophy, Chile has frequently been a major competitor on the international stage. This squad seems like the archetypical third-place team, but its qualifying campaign has been full of promise, including a high-profile win over England in a friendly in the fall.
Players to watch: Juventus’s Arturo Vidal is the kind of box-to-box midfielder that runs the modern game. Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez will provide the attacking threat.
Prediction: It depends on the Dutch. Third in the group seems most likely, but if Holland chokes or Chile soars, a place in the round of 16 awaits.
Look, there’s no way to sugarcoat this…by and large, the Asian teams are going to be cannon fodder in this Cup and, with the possible exception of Iran, none more than Australia (which, yes, FIFA lumps in with “Asia”). A team composed of has-beens and never-will-be’s (and not enough of them), things are not looking up for the Aussies.
Players to watch: Tim Cahill...I guess.
Prediction: No wins. In all likelihood, it will be embarrassing.
Colombia - Group C
If Group G has been labeled “The Group of Death” for its collection of difficult teams, Group C has been somewhat overlooked as a group with no clear standout team, particularly now that superstar Ramadal Falcoa has withdrawn from the cup with knee injury. Even with the injury, Colombia is the closet the group has to a favorite, and with the other solid competitors in this group that’s no sure thing.
Players to watch: Porto’s Jackson Martinez is the kind of striker that can light up a match. AC Milan’s Cristian Zapata is a solid defender who should keep the pretenders at bay.
Prediction: Should top the group, but with these teams, who knows?
In 2004 Greece was the dark horse that went all the way in the Euro Cup (a mini-World Cup for just European countries) with a dreadful-to-watch style that has come to be labeled “anti-football”: strong, organized defensive play and a plan to break up the opposition’s attacking rhythm rather than creating one of their own. Relying on set pieces to score goals, then locking the game down to prevent the other team from scoring can be a brutally effective strategy, but it’s also brutally boring to watch.
Players to watch: Consonants…lots and lots of consonants.
Prediction: Third or fourth in the group, depending on how Japan performs. Lord have mercy on soccer viewers’ souls if they make it out of the group stage.
Ivory Coast has become the most impressive of the African nations in the Cup. As a former French colony, the country’s youth program has been consistently raided by the prestigious Clairefontaine academy looking for players that were both athletic and skillful. The result has been largely to the benefit of the Ivory Coast.
Players to watch: At 36 years old, Didier Drogba has been a goal machine for so long, it’s hard to imagine him not turning it back on one last time. Swansea’s Wilfred Bony provides a promising understudy, while in Yaya Toure, the IC has a man many consider to be the best midfielder in the world.
Prediction: A strong showing could see them reach the quarters.
The awesomely named “Blue Samurai” of Japan could be the surprise in this group. In the 2010 World Cup they made a memorable appearance in the last 16 (they’re first escape from the group stages) before a narrow defeat to Paraguay. The Japanese team features plenty of razor-sharp passing and pace, but questions remain about its defense.
Players to watch: Shinji Kagawa has been a frustrating player since his move to Man U, but he’s still the conductor of this team, and at 25 has time to rediscover his best form. Keisuke Honda can hopefully be relied upon to provide a few goals. Yuya Osako has been tipped by some to be one of the most promising players to emerge from the tournament.
Prediction: If Colombia stumbles, Japan could be the team to profit.
It would be insulting to call the Uruguayan team a one-man show. But while Edinson Cavani is one of the most high-profile strikers in the game and 35-year-old maestro Diego Forlan will surely relish the chance to strut his stuff one more time on the world stage, the big question remains “will Luis Suarez be fit for the Cup?” It was in the 2010 Cup that Suarez first rose to infamy and there have been countless ups and downs since (he bit a guy during a match…seriously). Despite his personal foibles, at his best, he’s unstoppable. England and Italy will be hoping he doesn’t heal up in time.
Players to watch: Suarez, obviously. Cavani if Suarez isn’t fit…or probably even if he is.
Prediction: Given the competition, an escape from the group stage does seem to hinge on Suarez.
In an easier group, Costa Rica would not be such an obvious choice for a fourth-place finish, but as with the U.S. team, the draw has not been kind. Even so, the Costa Rican team has the feel of one that’s not quite there…but worth keeping an eye on. Brian Oviedo’s injury leaves them without one of their strongest defenders, so this team could concede a lot of goals but…who knows, the Costa Ricans may come of age on the big stage.
Players to watch: In Oviedo’s absence, pressure will be on Junior Diaz to marshal the defense against some of the best strikers in the world. Bryan Ruiz and youngster Joel Campbell will be hoping to prove they can fire in the goals against the best.
Prediction: Despite their best efforts, it’s hard to see past a fourth-place finish.
Jolly old England, inventor of the beautiful game…and always sort of pissed off that they aren’t better at it. They go into every Cup assuming that it is theirs by some sort of divine right, and generally crash out in the quarterfinals. This year, they’ll have to hope Italy or Uruguay chokes if they are to make it even that far. As always, the English team has plenty of power and pace, but lacks a little bit of cutting edge (preferring to be a blunt instrument). Unlike previous years in which they’ve had an embarrassment of riches on defense, this vintage is a bit questionable.
Players to watch: Wayne Rooney, of course, and Liverpool’s young striker Daniel Sturbridge, who just had his first exceptional season. Captain Steven Gerrard will be a steadying force in midfield, with understudy Jack Wilshire hoping to make some impressive appearances as well.
Prediction: A loss to Brazil in the quarters.
The most interesting aspect of the Italian team is its total devotion to its homeland. Only England can beat Italy in terms of players that actually play in their home country. For Italy, only the three players that were tempted to big-spending PSG play outside of Italy. Italian football is based on possession, close control and slow build-up play. Expect them to be the brick wall that stops the English freight train.
Players to watch: Mario Balotelli, who once started a fire by setting off fireworks in his bathroom, is always entertaining, and veteran midfielders Thiago Motta, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Pirlo will provide a stable base and clever passing.
Prediction: With a good run, they could make the semis.
For the past few World Cups, the Swiss team has largely been the tough obstacle that other teams had to overcome…but usually did. This year is a bit different. With young players Xherdan Shaqiri and Josip Drmic both having exceptional seasons in the German league, the offensive holes in this squad (sorry, had to make a cheese joke) seem to have been filled. Particularly given the group, the Swiss have a decent hope of making it to the knockout stage.
Players to watch: Drmic and Shaqiri will provide the goals, while captain Gokhan Inler will lay a defensive groundwork in midfield.
Prediction: Depending on the strength of the South American teams in their group, could make it to the Round of 16.
Ecuador come into this tournament facing a legitimate tragedy: Star striker Christian Benitez died at 27 last summer, leaving both a hole in the squad and a sense of sadness in the team. Ecuador seems likely to finish last in this group, but promising youngster Enner Valencia will hope to fill Benitez’s shoes and help shock the bigger teams.
Players to watch: Valencia, who could be one of the surprises of the tournament, along with Man U’s Antonio Valencia, who captains the team.
Prediction: Will probably finish no better than third in their group, unless the Swiss fall apart.
Depending on your point of view on the French National Team (or perhaps just the French, full-stop) the massive hissy fit of self-destruction that ended their 2010 World Cup was either a travesty or absolutely hilarious. Either way, this time history seems extremely unlikely to repeat itself. Les Bleus have gotten their act together, and should dominate this relatively easy group.
Players to watch: Young midfielders Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba are on the brink of stardom, and would do well to announce their presences. Karim Benzema and the famously handsome Olivier Giroud will be the focal point of the attack.
Prediction: Out to Germany in the quarterfinals.... Insert your own joke here.
Honduras did not score one single goal in the last World Cup, so scoring one (and not conceding a bunch) would be a drastic improvement. Beyond that, it’s hard to see much reason for hope.
Players to watch: Young striker Carlo Costly (great name) is probably their best bet for a goal. Wilson Palacios is basically the only big name on the team, though it’s hard to recommend watching a dour defensive midfielder.
Prediction: Fourth in the group, but maybe with a goal to their name.
It may just be the Irish trickster in me, but man do I want Argentina to win this thing. And there is a good chance that it will. This is a team that not only has the nearly unanimous choice for the best player in the world, but all around solidity at almost every position. Playing on their home continent (albeit at their greatest rival), this could get very, very interesting.
Players to watch: At 26, Lionel Messi should still play in at least two more World Cups, but this season there has been a sense that he has peaked. This is his best chance to win the trophy. Even without Messi, a strike force of Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and Gonzalo Higuain should scare the hell out of any defense.
Prediction: Argentina will be in the final against either Germany or Brazil. Expect fireworks either way.
The Dragons (yes, really) suffer from a clear gap in their squad that in a tougher group would be fatal. Though they possess creative attacking players and rigid defenders, their midfield is lightweight and will certainly be pushed over by Argentina, and possibly Nigeria as well.
Players to watch: Edin Dzeko is the most high-profile name on the squad, despite having a somewhat indifferent season. Left Back Sead Kolasinac is the cocky but talented (and fast) young player who could stand out on this team.
Prediction: Third place in the group.
Much like Honduras, Iran will do well to even score a goal. Only the relative weakness of the non-Argentinian teams in the group will give them hope. Former Manchester United Assistant Manager Carlos Queiroz manages the team and will hope that he can add some steel to their spines.
Players to watch: Ashkan Dejagah had a good season with a bad team this year, and speedy youngster Reza Ghoochannejhad could provide some spark.
Prediction: Fourth.
The Super Eagles (again, really) have not won a single World Cup game in 16 years, but look likely to change that this time around. Powerful and fast, the Nigerians just edge out the Bosnians as the most likely to finish second in the group.
Players to watch: The team has plenty of journeyman professionals such as Joseph Yobo (somehow only 33), Victor Moses, and John Obi Mikel, but it is the mercurial Peter Odemwingie who will decide how far Nigeria goes.
Prediction: An exit to France in the round of 16.
Without resorting too heavily to national stereotypes, this German team (which, should be noted, features several players of Turkish and African decent) is ruthlessly efficient and will probably steamroll the rest of this (very good) group.
Players to watch: All of them, though watching Per Mertesacker play football is one of the game’s more fascinating sights. Setting your eyes on the 6’ 6” defender, who gleefully embraces his NSFW nickname (BFG, wherein the “B” stands for “Big” and the “G” for “German”), is rather like watching one of Tolkien’s Ents play the game. You assume he’s too big and cumbersome and slow, right before one of those giant legs stomps in front of you.
Prediction: If they can take Brazil out in the semis, then a final against Argentina seems likely. From there, flip a coin.
Much like Uruguay, Portugal will have an anxious wait to see if their best player is healthy enough to play. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player who could possibly be considered better than Lionel Messi. Ronaldo, whose preening vanity can be exceptionally grating, particularly in comparison to the “humble” Messi, is nearly everything that his Argentinian counterpart is, plus 9 inches taller, making him an aerial threat that Messi will never be. Should he miss the cup, the Portuguese would be left with a solid but unremarkable team…and the U.S. might have a prayer.
Players to watch: If not Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese do have his chief imitator in Nani. Also, with or without Ronaldo, their defense will be rock solid.
Prediction: With Ronaldo, they will probably still lose to Argentina in the semis. Without him, expect them to still get out of the group but lose to Belgium or Russia in the round of 16.
Along with the U.S., Ghana can feel a bit slighted by this draw. In an easier group, E or F for instance, the team would have been fairly comfortable second-place finisher. But being in the same group with the German juggernaut and Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad means that Ghana will be scrambling. Ghana is a fast and powerful team — traits that can cover for a slight lack of finesse. Not a team to take lightly.
Players to watch: Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari are both a touch past their peaks, but should rally for the Cup, providing brickwall defense in midfield. Marseille’s Ayew brothers and Kevin Prince-Boateng will bring the flash.
Prediction: If the U.S. can step up its game enough and overcome its pitiful past against Ghana, this team should be left in fourth place in the group.
The draw for the group stage was a tremendous blow to the hopes of American soccer fans. Ever since hosting the 1994 World Cup, the tournament and soccer in general have been growing in popularity in the U.S. The past few World Cups have seen a much more dogged American team, and the hiring of Jurgen Klinsmann (and the willingness to let him do things his way) showed a real desire for success. Then the draw came. Couple an almost-impossible-to-escape-from group with pre-tournament matches in which the U.S. defense has been embarrassingly porous, and the U.S. prospects look dim. The potential absence of Cristiano Ronaldo provides some hope, but even should Portugal stumble, Ghana remains an obstacle.
Players to watch: Landon Donovan was left off the final squad, but he’s been a fading force since the last World Cup anyway. Midfield marshal Michael Bradley will need to have a strong tournament to stop the ruthless attacks of the Germans and Portuguese stars. Captain Clint Dempsey will also need to find the back of the net, as goals have been hard to come by in previous campaigns.
Prediction: Finishing better than third in the group just doesn’t seem likely.
If you are looking for an underdog that has a chance of actually going far in this World Cup, you could do worse than Belgium. A focus on fostering young players has finally begun to pay off for the Belgians with a team full of some of the most promising players in the world. Whether or not these superstars-in-the-making can play together remains to be seen.
Players to watch: Thibaut Courtois is on his way to becoming the best goal keeper in the world while Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard are on their way to becoming two of the best attacking players in the world. Vincent Kompany is already one of the best defenders in the world.
Prediction: Whether they get further than the round of 16 depends largely on how the rest of this group and Group G shake out. Avoid the Germans and the Argentinians and Belgium could go all the way to the semis.
Some nations come to the World Cup to conquer, others to be conquered. Even in this soft group, Algeria is the low man on the ladder, and it will not be a surprise to see them finish pointless and goalless in fourth.
Players to watch: I got nothing. Sporting Lisbon’s young forward Islam Slimani is picked as the player on this team to watch by other publications.
Prediction: Fourth place, by a wide margin.
Russian soccer’s presence on the world stage had grown dramatically over the past 20 years. Partially fueled by Russia’ emergence from the Cold War — and just as equally by Russian oil money — this team looks set to top the group. Managed by former Real Madrid, A.C. Milan and England Coach Fabio Capello, expectations are high as Russia plays its first World Cup since 2002.
Players to watch: Capello did important work in clearing out aging Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin. In their place is a cohesive unit of young players who may not be big names but collectively could be a force to be reckoned with.
Prediction: Should top the group, unless beaten by Belgium. Expect a loss to Germany in the round of 16 or to Argentina in the quarters.
South Korea has been one of the surprises of the last few World Cups (including 2002, when the country co-hosted the games with Japan), but this team certainly sputtered its way into qualifying. Though strong in defense and attack, a lightweight midfield and seriously questionable keeper will be tested against the organization of Russia and the flash of Belgium.
Players to watch: Another young squad that has cleared out a lot of the old mainstays, but attacking midfielder Son Heung-min is tipped to impress. And childish though it may be, Ji Dong-won’s name will always cause a chuckle.
Prediction: Third in the group, unless Belgium or Russia stumbles.