Brazil 2014: The Countdown begins

With less than two months to the kick off of the 2014 World Cup on June 12, 2014, the countdown has started as 32 teams jostle to outwit each other and wrest the crown from Spain on July13, 2013 at the Maracana Stadium on a night over four billion viewers will watch perhaps one of the best finals of the greatest sporting event in the world.

As we begin our series, this edition takes a look at some of the stars whom are bound to shine and make this summer a memorable experience in the Samba land. 

1. NEYMAR (BRAZIL): Neymar, the Barcelona star is one of the hottest properties in world football at just 21 years. H is a proven goal scorer whose flair on the field for both club and country has positioned him to be one of the stars at Brazil 2014. His high profile move to Barcelona last summer received rave reviews and has performed creditably so far for Barcelona. He inspired Brazil to win the 2013 Confederations Cup last summer. A delight to watch and he is carrying the hopes of a nation. 

2. Javier Hernandez (Mexico): The “little Mexican” who beats most offside traps and consistently scores against Chelsea in any premier league fixture was delight to watch at South Africa 2010. He has had a fluctuating season with Manchester United but has put aside the disappointment of the present season aside to concentrate on lifting his country at the world cup.

3. Marco Reus (Germany): After the recent revolution of young world class Germany players coming through, Marco Reus is yet another to come through the German production line. He is a regular with Borussia Dortmund. He remains one of the future assets in the German national team.

4. Lionel Messi (Argentina): At 26, Messi is a legend. He is immensely gifted and will captain the Argentina team to Brazil 2014. He has won the World footballer of the year several times and was only in January toppled by his closest rival Cristiano Ronaldo.  At South Africa 2010, Messi failed to fulfill the expectations of a great side led by the legendary Diego Maradona crashing out in the quarter finals but his sublime skills and pace at defenders have consistently distinguished him as one of the brightest stars that will shine at Brazil 2014. The Barcelona forward is a defender’s nightmare, coach’s delight to have and the pride of his team mates. His “little acts” will be ready when Argentina plays Nigeria in the final group match. Argentina are top favorites for the cup and watching Messi weave through opponents promises to be one of the highlights at the World Cup. 

5. Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina): Gonzalo’s transfer from Real Madrid to Napoli appears to have done him good. He scored 121 goals over several seasons at Real Madrid. Today, he has become a mainstay at Napoli especially the attack where he remains the team’s top scorer. A clinical striker, Higuain has also been successful when called up by the national team. With nine goals, he remains second to Lionel Messi his team mate and Luis Suarez in South American qualifying rounds. Higuain was Argentina’s top scorer at the 2010 World Cup with four goals including a hat trick in a group match against South Korea. 

6. Sergio Aguero (Argentina): The Argentines are all over the place. Aguero is a speedy and powerful player who made his debut in the Argentine league at only 15. Since then “Kun” has won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2008, the Europa League with Atletico Madrid in 2010 and the Premier League in his first season with Manchester City in 2012. Aguero’s injury time goal against Queens Park Rangers in the last game of that season clinched city’s first league title of four decades. As long as he arrives in Brazil injury free, he’s given in Argentine’s world cup squad but may have to battle with Gonzalo Huguain for a place in the starting lineup.

7.  Oscar (Brazil): Oscar, another young talent in the squad of Brazil, will be in charge of leading the midfield when the World Cup begins. The 22 year old Chelsea player has been a key component for the national team and Brazil Coach Luiz Fillipe Scolari is belting on the play maker to be in top form during the World Cup.  Oscar has had a lot of success with Brazil’s national team at all levels. He scored three goals in the final against Portugal at the Under 20 World Cup in 2011, and also played at the 2012 Olympics when Brazil was runner up to Mexico. Agile with the ball at his feet and clever setting up team mates, Oscar will be responsible for feeding Neymar and the rest of the Brazilian forwards during the World Cup. 

8.  Paulinho (Brazil): Defensive midfielder Paulinho is a key part of Luis Filipe Scorlari’s tactical scheme. Alongside Luiz Gustarvo, Paulinho is considered crucial in the first line of protection to the Brazilian defence. But in addition to being a solid defender, Paulinho is also known for his efficiency when attacking. He scored two goals at the Confederations Cup, including the winner in Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Uruguay in the semi finals and was voted the third best player at the World Cup warm up tournament behind Brazil team mate Neymar and Andres Iniesta of Spain. 

9. Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal: The current world footballer of the year and Real Madrid star single handedly qualified Portugal for the World Cup scoring all three goals in the play-offs against Sweden. Ronaldo is now perhaps, alongside Lionel Messi and David Beckham, the best known players on the planet. A former Manchester United Star, who won everything under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, remains a prolific nature in front of the goal as he takes on defenders with searing pace and mesmerizing footwork to boot. His ability to beat a player and whip in crises makes him a feared opponent. Add to the way his free kicks swerve with pace and power as he remains an asset to any team. 

10. Andres Iniesta (Spain): The unassuming midfielder from Albacete has long lived in the shadow of some of his team mates, but has demanded recognition of his own thanks to his dazzling brilliance for club and country. He is a wonderful technician and one of the finest exponents of the passing game in Europe. Iniesta also has an admirable willingness to work ceaselessly for the team. His dribbling, vision, and poise all catch the eye while his versatility also marks him out as a complete midfielder. He scored the goal which won Spain the World Cup in 2010.