Encomium
Ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, which starts June 12, 2014, football pundits are lining behind Brazil, the host country to win the coveted trophy, this is because they are at home playing in their country and they never lose there.
The tide may however favour another team at the end of the tournament.
BRAZIL: The Salecao
Brazil tops the rank of football nations likely to win the World Cup in 2014. Various factors work in their favour. They are the host country. They hardly lose matches in their home turf and parade some big stars doing well across leagues in Europe and America.
Brazil is the most successful national football team in the history of the FIFA World Cup having won the trophy five times 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. They are also the most successful team in the FIFA Confederations Cup with four titles in their kitty 1997, 2005, 2009 and 2013.
Potential starting X1
Goalkeeper: Julio Ceasar
Left Back: Marcelo
Central Back: David Luiz
Central Back: Thiago Silva
Right Back: Dani Alves
Midfielder: Luiz Gustava
Midfielder: Paulinho
Midfielder: Neymar
Midfielder: Oscar
Midfielder: Bernard
Striker: Fred
Coach: Luis Felipe Scolari
SPAIN: Lafuria Roja
Reigning World Cup champions, Spain rank second among teams tipped to win the mundial in Brazil. The team currently ranked number 1 in the world and parade stars who are playing in the highest level of the game in Europe. Their style of play Tiki Taka has been successfully applied to win the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and two European titles in 2008 and 2012. They can still defend the trophy they won four years ago in South Africa.
Potential starting X1
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
Left Back: Jordi Allba
Central Back: Sergio Ramos
Central Back: Gerrad Pique
Right Back: Cesar Azpilicuate
Midfielder: Xavi Hananadez
Midfielder: Andres Iniesta
Midfielder: Sergio Busquet
Midfielder: Jesse Rodriguez
Midfielder: Albaro Negredo
Striker: Diego Costa
Coach: Vicente Del Bosque
GERMANY
Germany’s impressive run at the 2010 World Cup was punctured by the eventual winners, Spain. The way the team sent England and Argentina parking from the tournament convinced many analysts that Germany will lift the trophy before they bowed to the superior skills of the boys, from Spain.
Germany is one of the most successful national teams in international competition having won a total of three World Cup, 1954, 1974 and 1990, they also have three European trophies which they won in 1972, 1980 and 1995.
Potential starting X1
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neur
Left Back: Philip Lahm
Central Back: Kevin Grosskrents
Central Back: Met Hummels
Right Back: Bastian Schweinstaiger
Midfielder: Tuni Kroos
Midfielder: Thomas Muller
Midfielder: Mario Gotze
Midfielder: Lukas Podolski
Midfielder: Marco Reus
Striker: Andre Schurrle
ARGENTINA: La Albiceleste
Argentina has always played at the highest level of the FIFA World Cup. The team appeared in four World Cup finals, the first being in 1930, which they lost 4-2 to Uruguay. Argentina won in their next final appearance in 1978, beating Netherlands 3-1. The team led by Diego Maradona won in 1980, 3-2 over Germany, then most recent World Cup final appearance was in 1990 which they lost to Germany 1-0. Argentina will face Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria in Group F.
Potential starting X1
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero
Left Back: Pablo Zabalefa
Central Back: Ezegniel Garay
Central Back: Nicola Otemendi
Right Back: Emiliano Lusna
Midfielder: Javier Mascherano
Midfielder: Ever Bauega
Midfielder: Lionel Messi
Midfielder: Javier Pasture
Midfielder: Angel Di Maria
Striker: Gonzalo Higuian
Coach: Alejandro Seballa
NETHERLANDS: The Orange Boys
Netherlands have never won the World Cup but they came close in 2010, after they were beaten by Spain in the final, 1-0. The Orange Boys are expected to return to the tournament in Brazil rejuvenated and determined to surpass their previous achievement in the global soccer tournament
Potential starting X1
Goalkeeper: Tim Krul
Left Back: Bonno Martins
Central Back: Patrick Von Aanholt
Central Back: Ron Vlaar
Right Back: Nigel de Jang
Midfielder: Wesely Sneijder
Midfielder: Arjen Robben
Midfielder: Jonathan Conzman
Midfielder: Rob Van Persie
Midfielder: Klass Jan Huntelaar
Striker: Dirk Kuyt
Coach: Luis Van Gaal
TIT BITS AHEAD WORLD CUP
- Mexican coach, Miguel Herrera has banned his players from having sex during the World Cup tournament. According to him, “If a player cannot endure a month or 20 days without sex, then you are not prepared to be a professional.”
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria will have N2 billion to spend in Brazil. The money will however be giventhem if the House of Representatives approve the release.
- The Americans are protesting the non inclusion of one of their star players in the squad to Brazil 2014. Donovan was left out of the final 23-man to represent USA at the mundial and Americans are calling for the head of the coach, Jurgen Kilinsmann.
STEPHANIES BOSS KICK STARTS SPECIAL WORLD CUP PACKAGE FOR FUN LOVERS
Stephanie Geddes, the boss of fun place, Stephanies has kick started a special campaign. And it’s called Special World Cup package.
The package which entails occasional special performances from star entertainers will have Terry G as the first performer, others on the card are yet to be unveiled as they are being kept a mystery to create suspense as part of the game.
Fun lovers will also have the opportunity to win prizes such as ipads and enjoy discounted prices and special promo offers. According to Geddes, “The package aims at appreciating customers and welcoming prospective clients before, during and after the World Cup which starts June 12, 2014.”
-FOLUSO SAMUEL
