With the draw for 2014 Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil now just days away, we take a long hard gaze into our crystal ball and predict just what may happen when the action finally gets under way next June ….
Tournament Winner: Brazil
On their own patch, backed by their adoring legion of supporters and in a continent where no European team has ever triumphed, all the signs point towards Luiz Felipe Scolari guiding the five-time world champions to yet another title, and a record-breaking second as coach for ‘Big Phil’, as holders Spain are finally beaten in the final in Rio’s Maracana Stadium next July.
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Tournament top scorer: Radamel Falcao (Colombia)
Expect in-form Colombia to enjoy a highly successful campaign in South America next summer, with the big-money AS Monaco front man at the forefront of everything good that Jose Pekerman’s men produce in the global show-piece event as the red-hot marksman further develops his already growing reputation as one of Planet Football’s most deadly marksmen by topping the scoring charts come the end of the competition.
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Tournament Best Player: Neymar (Brazil)
You just get the feeling that the brilliant Selecao star is gearing up to have the competition of his life in his homeland next summer, especially if his eye-catching form so far for new team FC Barcelona is anything to go by.
And if the 21-year-old does start the World Cup on fire for the five-time world champions, then expect the momentum behind him from the Brazil fans around the country to build into an unstoppable crescendo that will only further boost the twinkle-toed playmaker’s confidence.
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Tournament Best Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
Already considered by many judges and experts alike to be the world’s best young keeper, the Chelsea shot stopper will use next summer’s competition to demonstrate to the watching public that he is also now Planet Football’s best goalkeeper full stop, with the 21-year-old set to shine in goal for his country at Brazil 2014.
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Tournament Dark Horses: Belgium
Marc Wilmots’s men will be playing at their first World Cup since Japan and South Korea in 2002, and what is more, the side from the Low Countries will most definitely be one to keep an eye out for in South America next summer.
For one thing, Belgium qualified with ease for next year’s competition with an unbeaten record, while secondly, the squad of players that Wilmots will be able to call upon in Brazil will be the envy of the majority of the 32 nations competing for the trophy.
So watch out, as Belgium have the potential to cause a major surprise by going all the way …
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Tournament Flops: England
Three Lions head coach Roy Hodgson will be taking an ageing squad with him to take part in a competition that will be played in humid, tropical temperatures after what is sure to have been a long, draining season for the majority of his players.
And as a result, there will be every chance that the 1966 World Cup winners do not even make it out of their group at next summer’s global jamboree.
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Breakout Star: Julian Draxler (Germany)
The much talked about Schalke 04 midfield player is enjoying yet another promising campaign for his club side, both domestically in the Bundesliga, as well as in the Uefa Champions League too, and do not be surprised at all to see the 20-year-old continue with that form in next summer’s World Cup in Brazil as the up-and-coming Germany international confirms his immense promise for all to see on the biggest stage of all.
Keep up to date with all the 2014 World Cup News on CaughtOffside
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