2014 Fifa World cup will be held in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014. 32 teams from all over the world are taking place in this tournament. A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 different venues. The following countries have qualified for the Fifa 201 world cup.
AFC
- Iran
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
CONMEBOL
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Cambodia
- Uruguay
CAF
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Ivory Coast
- Algeria
- Nigeria
CONCACAF
- Mexico
- United States
- Honduras
- Costa Rica
UEFA
- Greece
- Germany
- Belgium
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Portugal
- Switzerland
- Croatia
- England
- Russia
- Netherlands
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
Now, we take a look at top 10 favorite teams to win the 2014 world cup.
1. Brazil
Brazil have won the most number of world cups in the history (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002). They are most successful team in football history. Their FIFA ranking is 4 and they have successful players like Júlio César, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Maicon, Oscar, Fred, Hulk and Neymar. The fact that all the previous world cups held in South America were won by South American teams, Brazil is a favorite to win this tournament.
2. Spain
Spain is current the best team in soccer and are at #1 in FIFA’s ranking. They have only won one world cup (2010) and will be looking for their 2nd trophy. With players like Iker Casillas, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas, Xabi Alonso, Santi Cazorla, David Silva, David Villa and Fernando Torres, they are threat to every other team in the tournament.
3. Argentina
Argentina have won 2 world cups (1978, 1986). Their current FIFA ranking is 7 and have a number of talented players like Lionel Messi, Maxi Rodríguez, Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Agüero, Sergio Romero and Federico Fernández. If Messi delivers in this world cup, they have a good chance at winning this tournament.
4. Belgium
Although Belgium have never won a world cup, they are ready to shine in 2014 FIFA world cup. They did no quality for the last two world cups and their current ranking is 12. They have many talented players like Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Vermaelen, Vincent Kompany, Daniel Van Buyten, Axel Witsel and Eden Hazard.
5. France
France is at #16 currently in FIFA’s ranking and have won one world in history (1998). With players like Hugo Lloris, Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna, Franck Ribéry, Karim Benzema and Yohan Cabaye, they are sure to make an impact in the tournament.
6. Italy
Italy is ranked at #9 in FIFA’s ranking and have won 4 world cups (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006). With players like Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano and Ignazio Abate, they can easily qualify for the quarter-finals.
7. Netherlands
Netherlands were the runner-up in 2010 world cup losing to Spain in a disappointing final. Their current ranking is #15 and they have never won a world cup. Netherlands have great soccer players like Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Jordy Clasie, Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt. We’ll be expecting some surprises from this team in the tournament.
8. Germany
Germany have won 3 world cups in history (1954, 1974, 1990). Their current ranking is #2 and have only lost 2 matches since Euro 2012. They have never failed to reached the latter stages of tournament and with players like Philipp Lahm, Matthias Ginter, Manuel Neuer, Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski, they’ll be looking to have a victory on their hands.
9. England
England’s FIFA ranking is #11 currently but that doesn’t change the fact that they have one of the best players in soccer including Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. England has won only 1 world cup in history (1966) and will be looking for another world cup trophy.
10. Colombia
Colombia is back in World cup after 16 years. They did not qualify for the previous three world cups. In January 2014, Radamel Falcao was injured and left out of the tournament. This is a massive blow to Colombia as Falcao is one of the best strikers in soccer. Their current form is impressive and are ranked as 5th in FIFA ranking. They have a pretty good chance of reaching quarter-finals in the first time in history.
