Now that the playoffs are out of the way we can get a decent view of all 32 teams heading over to Brazil next year for this prestigious footballing tournament that even gets non-soccer fans cheering on their respected nation, or their favourite national side. From what we can see many of the same old big guns will be challenging for this major trophy, as we expect some passionate moments and a few surprises along the way.
With Brazil as hosts we can expect them to be favourites especially with a background of winning five tournaments since the World Cup began, but we could also see the neighbours Argentina with Messi and co being right at home playing for their third star along with Uruguay.
With a heavily congested group of talents heading over from Europe we are sure the emergence of Spain coming off the back of the last World Cup win and a European Cup also look like candidates for their second World Cup win, while Germany are also a force to be reckoned with at major tournaments looking to join Italy on four wins of this prestigious trophy.
World Cup 2014 qualified teams heading to Brazil 2
Italy are another team you cannot rule out and as slow starters they will be aiming to halt Brazils reign as five time winners and claim that fifth title for themselves, while the likes of England and France, like Spain have only one World Cup success to show for their times competing in this tournament.
The likes of Holland always produce great teams but still have not managed to get that all important World Cup win, so 2014 could be their opportunity to show the world they are one of the top contenders in world football.
Other teams that are normally regarded as relative outsiders like Portugal, Belgium, Colombia, Switzerland, Russia, Chile and Greece look like decent outfits going into 2014, while teams from territories yet to win a World Cup have also shown their fans that they have evolved as footballing teams.
USA seemed to have grown stronger over the years and a decent run in Brazil could accumulate the kind of soccer fanbase the likes of Pele and Beckham couldn’t. In addition, African sides like Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana are much improved sides along with Asian nations including Japan and the Korea Republic, not to mention the emergence of Australia.
The FIFA website lists the teams and venues for next year’s tournament along with current FIFA World Rankings, and the draw will be held in the Brazilian state of Bahia on 6th December. Therefore, do you think the group seeding from the upcoming draw will give us more of an idea which teams will progress? Alternatively, who you are tipping to become next year’s World Champions?
