Top five contenders for FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil

We are now less than a year away from the planet’s greatest sporting spectacle – The FIFA World Cup. And as some major teams contest the Confederations Cup in Brazil, we can begin to build up on the permutations and combinations of 2014. The amount of interest that the World Cup evokes is incomparable. Thirty-two of the best national sides are rigorously selected through the World Cup qualifiers from all parts of the world and come together to contest a game that unites them all. We saw a splendid and historic event in 2010 as South Africa played the role of the host with elan. The world will set its eyes on Brazil in 2014; however, it has not had a particularly promising start with protests surrounding the competition.

While we cannot predict how that aspect evolves, the footballing aspect of it can well and truly be predicted. The footballing talent emerging from South America, Europe, Asia and North America from various leagues gives us a fair idea as to what will be the final composition of the national sides at Brazil. Add to that their performance in the qualifying campaigns, and we have a good idea of who the contenders will be. We have seen Asia make gradual strides in the game ever since their highlight moment that was the 2002 World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea, but it is still difficult to put them on the contenders list. The same remains the case for African nations in spite of their repeated determined outings in previous editions of the World Cup. Here is a list of the top five contenders to win the World Cup at Brazil.

5. Netherlands

The Netherlands were runners-up to Spain in 2010. However, except in the finals, they looked invincible throughout the tournament. They have had a mixed bag of results since as they put up a spineless performance at the Euro 2012, bowing out of the group stage. That led to a change in guard as former Bayern Munich coach Louis Van Gaal came to the helm, and has managed the side admirably and bluntly. He has, in fact, ruled the Oranje out of the race inspite of having a flawless qualifying campaign so far. They will benefit from the experience of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie. They look to be the dark horses alongside the young Belgian side.