2014 FIFA World Cup™: Final predictions and why Brazil will win on home soil

This time tomorrow, football fans' excitement and adrenaline levels will be high as they get ready for the 2014 FIFA World Cup's Opening Ceremony and Opening Game, where Brazil take on Croatia. It promises to be an absolute spectacle of a tournament, albeit in the midst of off-the-pitch conflict and troubles. What happens between then and the final will be what the fans have been eagerly anticipating since the draw was made on 6th December 2013. Here are my final predictions on how I think the tournament will go.


ADIDAS GOLDEN BOOT: 

Boy Wonder: Neymar da Silva Santos Junior

His first season at FC Barcelona following a £50 million move from Santos has been average at best, but Neymar will well and truly feel at home when representing Brazil on the 12th June against Croatia in Sao Paulo. Already Brazil's 11th top all-time goalscorer at the age of 23, Neymar's goals will be extremely pivotal in sending A Selecao kicking and screaming to the Final on 13th July. He's definitely not Pele, but the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be the perfect opportunity for Neymar to help Brazil gain a 6th World Cup winners star on their iconic yellow jersey. Lionel Messi will come close to claiming such an accolade, as may the ageing yet ever-potent Miroslav Klose of Germany. Spain's Diego Costa is another contender for the Golden Boot, but with the euphoric Brazilian aura of the tournament, you sense that 2014 may still be Neymar's year. 

ADIDAS GOLDEN BALL :

This one's a tough one, given the sheer abundance of talent on display in Brazil this summer. But if one player, who's not a striker will claim the same accolade as Diego Forlan at South Africa 2010 and Zinedine Zidane at Germany 2006, that player will be PSG and Brazil centre-back, Thiago Silva. Silva definitely bears the hallmarks of previous Brazilian World Cup winning captains like Cafu and Carlos Dunga and is a true leader of men. His rock-solid defensive qualities speak for themselves, forming the very bedrock of Brazil's back-four. He is a Roy Keane/Steven Gerrard-esque captain and is top contender for the Golden Ball if he leads Brazil to World Cup glory in July.

BEST YOUNG PLAYER AWARD:

Mario Gotze had an impressive first season with FC Bayern Munich in 2013/14. His exquisite dribbling and acrobatic skills and ability to chip in with vital goals was all the more underpinned in Germany's 6-1 victory against Armenia last Friday, where Gotze grabbed a brace. Joachim Low may rely more on Gotze in the unfortunate absence of Marco Reus through a knee injury. Although I don't see Germany winning the World Cup, Gotze may perform for Die Manschaft in as great a manner as Mesut Ozil did in South Africa, four years ago. 

DARK HORSES:

All in: Belgium's youngsters

In my last article, I said that Colombia will cope well without Radamel Falcao, at least progressing to the second-round, with James Rodriguez and Jackson Martinez being Los Caferteros' stand-out performers. But if Colombia do not make it past the Round of 16, then the true surprise package will be Belgium, who have an awful amount of talent at their disposal and play brilliant attacking football, with players like Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel and Marouane Fellaini. Argentina will also take Brazil 2014 with storm, similar to how Uruguay did at South Africa 2010. 

BRAZIL VS ARGENTINA: THE DREAM FINAL

Ever since Brazil's phenomenal performance at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup on Home Soil, they have proved to football fans worldwide that they are indeed, a force to be reckoned with. The days of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Cafu are well and truly over, but Luiz Felipe Scolari has weaved together a team of potential champions, through household names like Neymar, Hulk and Dani Alves, as well as emerging world superstars such as Bernard and Paulinho. There is no reason why they cannot make up for the 'National Tragedy' of the 1950 tournament where they lost 2-1 to Uruguay, especially with a generally young squad, led by the experienced and enthusiastic captain. Not only does the 1950 home soil defeat provide motivation for A Selecao, but also the fact that there will be partisan crowds at each and every one of their games, absolutely roaring the team on. 

I believe that Argentina, who are without doubt Brazil's most fiercest rivals, will join them at the Maracana on the 13th July in a quest to claim their 3rd World Cup title, and their first since Diego Maradona led them to victory at Mexico 1986. La Albiceleste have a more advanced attack than Brazil, for Messi, Di Maria and Aguero appear, in tandem, more potent than Brazil's Neymar, Fred and Hulk. Their defence can be quite shaky at times, but yet again, the significance of mentality may outweigh that of physicality, as a win in their own arch-rivals' backyard would be a fairytale, one which many have thus far only dreamt of. It's hard to predict, but I see the glistening World Cup trophy being held aloft by Brazil captain Thiago Silva in Rio de Janeiro on 13th July. What happens in the game is a completely different story.

32 nations, 2 finalists - Brazil and Argentina : But there's only one winner

Germany, with yet another young squad will at least reach the semi-finals but are likely to face Brazil in the first semi-final on 8th July, where A Selecao will be expected to win and in my so-far humble opinion, will do so, although the Germans will push hard. Spain will be the best-adapted European team to the extremely hot Brazilian weather, but in a match-up against Argentina on 9th July, they will be involved in a major tussle which will be extremely tight and tough and will require some luck to beat La Albiceleste. 

WAIT...WHAT ABOUT ENGLAND?

They'll finish second in Group D to Uruguay and will, as I see it, win by the tightest of margins this Saturday against Italy. England will at best make the quarter-finals where a tense encounter against Brazil in Fortaleza may almost definitely destroy them.


This, ladies and gentlemen, is Joga Bonito (the Beautiful Game) at its best...


CREDITS:

Neymar pic:

 http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/002/645/482/hi-res-170866931-neymar-of-brazil-celebrates-scoring-the-opening-goal_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75

Belgium team selfie: 

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/05/27/article-0-1E3F08DB00000578-814_634x635.jpg

Brazil and Argentina fan: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/images/2006/09/04/brazil_440x320.jpg

2014 FIFA World Cup™: Colombia, the potential surprise package

It has hurt and frustrated football fans worldwide, including me, that AS Monaco and Colombia striker Radamel Falcao will not play at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. His absence will mean that one less world class player will not be gracing 'the greatest show on earth'. Yet in context, the fact that the ex-Porto and Atletico Madrid man will not grace the 20th FIFA World Cup tournament, does not damage Colombia's World Cup credentials as much as one might perceive.

Los Cafeteros, whose World Cup campaign kicks off on 14th June against Greece, finished 2nd in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification group, behind Argentina. Their first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1998, Colombia will also face Japan and the Ivory Coast in Group C. They are, attacking-wise, a very underrated team, despite the fact that Falcao will not be leading the front line for them in Brazil. His absence puts pressure on coach Jose Pekerman to prove that Colombia are not, contrary to popular opinion, a one-man team. 

So who are the ones to watch?

James Rodriguez, Falcao's teammate at AS Monaco will be Los Cafeteros' main man, having netted 9 times in France's Ligue 1, as well as assisting 12 other goals for the Southern French outfit. Predominantly playing on the wing, the ex-Porto man has the power to cut in from the left and is not afraid to have a pop at goal. Rodriguez will be going to Brazil having less and lower expectations/attention than the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Rooney. Should he replicate his club form for country, then he may well develop the same reputation Mesut Ozil did for Germany in South Africa, four years ago. If that is the case, then expect a bidding war for the wingman across Europe, post-Brazil 2014.

Go get it son: James Rodriguez somewhat fills the void left in attack by Radamel Falcao

And it's not just Rodriguez who's the man to watch. FC Porto's Jackson Martinez will be carrying much of Los Cafeteros' goalscoring burden. Scoring 23 goals in 41 outings in all competitions for the Portuguese club, Martinez is impressively acrobatic and has a reputation for scoring headers and is indeed a target man. His ball control skills are very advantageous for an ice-cool finisher like him. Teofilo Gutierrez is likely to partner Martinez, but an injury or suspension for the latter could significantly crush Colombia's chances of progressing beyond their 1990 second round finish - their best at a World Cup finals. Carlos Bacca of Sevilla is another striker available to Jose Pekerman, should Gutierrez not play.

Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado will be instrumental in supplying crosses and assisting goals for the front two of Martinez and Gutierrez, in tandem with Rodriguez. On the flipside, Colombia's defence won't be among the best at the World Cup, which isn't helped with Christian Zapata's spontaneous clumsiness and an ageing captain in Mario Yepes. This leaves Colombia very exploited at the back, especially when the full-backs will support Rodriguez and Cuadrado. Carlos Sanchez will have a lot on his plate protecting the back-four. A 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 formation is the norm for Pekerman's Colombians, with predominantly-attacking football being at the very epitome of the South Americans' style of play.

Furthermore, the heat in Brazil will not be a  problem for Colombia given the fact that they are used to such conditions and will be expected to play comfortably in Belo Horizonte, against Greece, and in Cuiaba against Japan. 

Pekerman took Argentina to the Quarter Finals at Germany 2006

Colombia could face England in the second-round of the tournament in Rio de Janeiro on 28th June (if Colombia top Group C and England finish second in Group D; or vice versa). Colombia, being a South American team, will relish the chance to get at Roy Hodgson's men and may have a slightly more potent attack. But the pace of England players like Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling may catch Los Cafeteros' defence with their pants down, especially off the back of an unsuccessful counter-attack. If the Three Lions can keep the trio of Rodriguez, Cuadrado and Martinez under-control, then Falcao's absence may be a key deciding factor in a potential Colombian defeat to the 1966 FIFA World Cup champions.

Pekerman will no doubt guide his men to the second round at Brazil 2014, and they will do well to get there. Beating the Ivory Coast and Japan will be imperative, with Los Cafeteros' match against the latter potentially being one of the most exciting matches football fans will see this summer, when taking into account the sheer quality and fanpower held by either side. 

Whoever you support in Brazil this summer, do not take your eyes off Colombia...


CREDITS:

James Rodriguez and Falcao picture: 

http://www.beinsports.tv/di/library/bein_us/e9/62/james-rodriguez-radamel-falcao_1r02u8lx85zhh1wrbhz9lp3hdq.jpg?t=362158287&w=640&h=360&quality=97&cropTo=top

Jose Pekerman and player picture:

http://www.rpp.com.pe/pict.php?g=-1&p=/picnewsa/890415.jpg

2014 FIFA World Cup™: Why a youthful England will go further than they did in South Africa

I was only 13 years old when I saw Germany absolutely crush England to pieces at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It was clear that England had an ageing, average squad who were expected to at least reach the semi-finals. Yet another pathetic prediction by the media. But this summer, in Brazil, things will be different...

The World at their feet: Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana

...One thing which really pleases me about Roy Hodgson's England squad is the fact that he's opted for 2013-14's young standout performers in the form of Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley. The way Hodgson has selected such players reminds me of how Germany and Spain have blooded in youngsters to their respective national set-ups since 2004 and 2006, respectively. Hodgson's decision to pick Shaw over Ashley Cole indicates that he is not afraid of taking a risk which is necessary if England are to stake a claim as a good international side. But that is not to say that all responsibility will be on young players. Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney have played at the last two tournaments and know the extent to which there is pressure to meet expectations and will help keep the youngsters down-to-earth; especially the first two, who may be retiring from international duty come the end of the tournament.

A younger squad may ease the pressure on Hodgson and thus allow him realistically believe that his team will reach the quarter-final stage, although it is obvious that England will do their best to try and win their second world title. Yet the media will annoyingly and laughably expect the Three Lions to go all the way to the final at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro if they make it past the second round. I'll tell you why they won't win the World Cup below.

Talk the talk: But can Stevie G and Roy walk the walk?

Hodgson's men have flown to Miami today and will play both Ecuador and Honduras at the Sun Life NFL Stadium; the two opponents ironically face each other in Brazil in Group E. Of course England do not play their first game in Florida until Wednesday night, so at this early point, judging on the players available and their performances against Peru on Friday night, I see the team finishing 2nd in Group D. In the extreme heat of Manaus' Arena Amazonia, beating Italy will be crucial but also seems realistic, when considering that Gli Azzurri have an ageing squad, compared to England's youthful side. But, the heat will be a major deciding factor, and whether the Three Lions will be able to handle it will depend on their performances in the two warm-up games in the United States. Uruguay, (who finished 4th in the 2010 tournament) provided they have Luis Suarez fit to play, may prove too good for the Three Lions.

England, from a rational point of view, will finish 2nd in their group. I believe that at this early stage, they will face Japan or Colombia in the Round of 16, but will hope to avoid the latter South Americans who will be playing on continental soil. Depending on who they play and beat, a possible quarter-final set-up against Brazil on the 4th July will be extremely difficult, especially in the fiery heat of Fortaleza - perhaps the last city any team, including the hosts themselves, will wish to play in. We saw last year how Spain and Italy struggled to score even during extra time in Fortaleza's Estádio Plácido Aderaldo Castelo at last year's Confederations Cup tournament; expect the same from England. And even if the Three Lions do beat Italy in the humidity of Manaus, Brazil will be stronger opponents. Why? Because the likes of Neymar, Oscar and Thiago Silva will be playing on home soil, just as they did when they beat Spain to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and are arguably more skilled and experienced than Sturridge, Lallana, Cahill and co. 

Then again, it is too early to predict what will happen. Playing in a warmer climate may be a stumbling block for the Three Lions going far in Brazil, but the talent and team spirit will generally be quite high and will be crucial for a better performance than a mediocre at best campaign in South Africa, four years ago.

CREDITS:

Photo 1: http://static.allsports.com.gh/img/epl/origs2824744/797636761-w644-h960/lallanashawhighs-gj1fjfu2ifv112qz61e8bug3h.jpg

Photo 2: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/audio/video/2013/9/6/1378460659982/Roy-Hodgson-and-Steven-Ge-016.jpg