Having just recently demolished a decent Italy side in the 2012 Euros final, Spain looks set to capture the 2014 world cup in Brazil as well. Their squad is not an aging one. Xavi who is 32, can easily play at his best for another 2 years, same goes for Cassillas. The only exception might be Puyol but even center backs have a knack of playing well into their thirties. Spain have now won 3 major tournaments in a row and there seems to be no team with the required skill and determination to overhaul them. Who can stop the Spanish Armada? Surely not the British this time, maybe the Brazilians.
Spain lifting the 2012 Euro trophy.
The next edition of the world cup will be held in Brazil itself, providing the the home team with an advantage. Brazil, having won 5 world cups to date, have never won on their home turf. This can change this time around. Brazil is renowned for their massive support and the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, which can now hold upto 85,000 people, once fitted in more than 150,000 people for the 1950 world cup final between Brazil and Uruguay, won by Uruguay. Most of the players in the national team now play in Brazil unlike in previous tournaments. This trend might prove to be a key factor in preparing the players better for the tournament. The riches and glamour of Europe often grab the attention of international players but I feel it is essential that these players play into their early twenties in their homelands. Later, a move to a big European club might be sensible.
A packed Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Recently, since the past 2 or 3 years, Brazil has been producing some of the most noticeable talents in the world. European clubs have been after many of the home grown Brazilian starlets such as Neymar, Ganso, Oscar, Moura and Piazon. Chelsea have already snapped up Piazon and look set to land Oscar from Internacional as well. Arsenal captured left back Andre Santos last year. Real Madrid have been hot on the heels of Neymar, who has become quite a sensation at a very young age. Not only has he impressed with his club Santos but also dazzled for Brazil. He is now a regular fixture in the national team. His Santos compatriot, Ganso, has been overshadowed by him to an extent but having returned from injury, he looks set to go again. Lucas Moura is being chased by Manchester United and Chelsea, with the red devils most likely to get the Brazilian's signature. This guy is sensational. Trust me when I say this, Moura has the quickest feet in football today. His low center of gravity, pace and amazing balance makes him extremely dangerous. Defenders get confused while dealing with him. He has the potential to be a true legend given he keeps up his form and avoids injuries.
Neymar for Brazil with Lucas Moura in the background.
In addition to the plethora of young players, Brazil also contains well established players in their mid or late twenties. One of them is Alexandre Pato, whom Milan signed from Internacional in 2007. He has done well for club and country, except a few injuries for Milan. Thiago Silva, arguably the best center back in the world, is going to marshal the defense at the world cup. He is Brazil's captain and recently transferred to PSG from Milan. Now that Lucio and Juan are no longer in the team it's up to him to bolster the defense. Playing alongside him might be David Luiz of Chelsea. Marcelo will slot into left back probably ahead of Andre Santos. The right back position will be contested between Rafael and Maicon if he is still playing.
The immense attacking options available to Brazil is simply mouth watering especially for Brazilian fans. Other than Pato, Brazil consists of youngsters Neymar and Leandro Damiao. Hulk, at 25 years of age, is at his prime and contains an unusual combination of pace and power, similar to Drogba. Robinho, at 28, can still prove to be an important player but his place in the team is not guaranteed. In midfield Kaka seems unlikely to start given his age and decline in form. I am expecting Ramires to start in the first eleven. He played in the previous world cup and is starting to show good form for his club Chelsea. The defensive mid position for Brazil is of a slight concern but it looks like Sandro is the main contender at the moment. Felipe Melo might be in with a shout but his form in recent years has been poor and he will have to improve in the next few years to make it into the main team.
Thiago Silva and Sandro for Brazil.
Having great players does not mean that a team will succeed but the current Brazil team has been performing well and has shown glimpses of what they can do. To compete in the world cup the younger players need to develop a bit of maturity. Other than that, I don't see any reason why Brazil shouldn't do well. Brazil's style of play is more dynamic than Spain's. They have different kinds of players with a lot of striking options, whereas Spain's strength lies in midfield. Spain's style is predictable and can be disrupted easily and I think Brazil is the perfect team to do it. It would be funny if some other team went on to win the trophy. Let's see, Italy cannot get any better than now, France is a developing team and also boasts a lot of decent young players and Germany is also in with a chance. But I will stick to my verdict and predict Brazil to win their 6th world cup in their own country.
Spain lifting the 2012 Euro trophy.
The next edition of the world cup will be held in Brazil itself, providing the the home team with an advantage. Brazil, having won 5 world cups to date, have never won on their home turf. This can change this time around. Brazil is renowned for their massive support and the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, which can now hold upto 85,000 people, once fitted in more than 150,000 people for the 1950 world cup final between Brazil and Uruguay, won by Uruguay. Most of the players in the national team now play in Brazil unlike in previous tournaments. This trend might prove to be a key factor in preparing the players better for the tournament. The riches and glamour of Europe often grab the attention of international players but I feel it is essential that these players play into their early twenties in their homelands. Later, a move to a big European club might be sensible.
A packed Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Recently, since the past 2 or 3 years, Brazil has been producing some of the most noticeable talents in the world. European clubs have been after many of the home grown Brazilian starlets such as Neymar, Ganso, Oscar, Moura and Piazon. Chelsea have already snapped up Piazon and look set to land Oscar from Internacional as well. Arsenal captured left back Andre Santos last year. Real Madrid have been hot on the heels of Neymar, who has become quite a sensation at a very young age. Not only has he impressed with his club Santos but also dazzled for Brazil. He is now a regular fixture in the national team. His Santos compatriot, Ganso, has been overshadowed by him to an extent but having returned from injury, he looks set to go again. Lucas Moura is being chased by Manchester United and Chelsea, with the red devils most likely to get the Brazilian's signature. This guy is sensational. Trust me when I say this, Moura has the quickest feet in football today. His low center of gravity, pace and amazing balance makes him extremely dangerous. Defenders get confused while dealing with him. He has the potential to be a true legend given he keeps up his form and avoids injuries.
Neymar for Brazil with Lucas Moura in the background.
In addition to the plethora of young players, Brazil also contains well established players in their mid or late twenties. One of them is Alexandre Pato, whom Milan signed from Internacional in 2007. He has done well for club and country, except a few injuries for Milan. Thiago Silva, arguably the best center back in the world, is going to marshal the defense at the world cup. He is Brazil's captain and recently transferred to PSG from Milan. Now that Lucio and Juan are no longer in the team it's up to him to bolster the defense. Playing alongside him might be David Luiz of Chelsea. Marcelo will slot into left back probably ahead of Andre Santos. The right back position will be contested between Rafael and Maicon if he is still playing.
The immense attacking options available to Brazil is simply mouth watering especially for Brazilian fans. Other than Pato, Brazil consists of youngsters Neymar and Leandro Damiao. Hulk, at 25 years of age, is at his prime and contains an unusual combination of pace and power, similar to Drogba. Robinho, at 28, can still prove to be an important player but his place in the team is not guaranteed. In midfield Kaka seems unlikely to start given his age and decline in form. I am expecting Ramires to start in the first eleven. He played in the previous world cup and is starting to show good form for his club Chelsea. The defensive mid position for Brazil is of a slight concern but it looks like Sandro is the main contender at the moment. Felipe Melo might be in with a shout but his form in recent years has been poor and he will have to improve in the next few years to make it into the main team.
Thiago Silva and Sandro for Brazil.
Having great players does not mean that a team will succeed but the current Brazil team has been performing well and has shown glimpses of what they can do. To compete in the world cup the younger players need to develop a bit of maturity. Other than that, I don't see any reason why Brazil shouldn't do well. Brazil's style of play is more dynamic than Spain's. They have different kinds of players with a lot of striking options, whereas Spain's strength lies in midfield. Spain's style is predictable and can be disrupted easily and I think Brazil is the perfect team to do it. It would be funny if some other team went on to win the trophy. Let's see, Italy cannot get any better than now, France is a developing team and also boasts a lot of decent young players and Germany is also in with a chance. But I will stick to my verdict and predict Brazil to win their 6th world cup in their own country.
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