And the Winner is..

Who is going to win the world cup?  I wonder. There are a lot of formidable teams coming to the mundial this year. No European team has won the World cup whenever, it is hosted in the Americas. Therefore, that should be an indicator of who could win it. Or maybe not. The last time the world cup was hosted in South America, was in Mexico '86. Not considering U.S.A 1994, but if you must, then 1994.  Soccer has made several leaps and bounds since then.African teams have grown stronger. The game laws are biased towards the attack-minded teams. The best players enjoy more than necessary protection by referees and the dirty side of the game such as diving and time wasting, isn't forgiven like in 1980s. Little wonder that Brazil is only team from the Americas, that keeps appearing in the finale since 1994. Whereas three different teams from Europe have won it during this timeline. 

Therefore, an European team might just win it in South America for the first time.

1. Belgium : Have a crop of very exciting players such as : Hazard, Lukaku, Januzaj and Kompany. On paper, they look like world beaters but they have not yet been tested in a tournament setting.

They will leave their group but their lack of tournament experience will haunt them against a more experienced side. 

Verdict: Quarter-final.

2. England: Come on England! Goes the battle cry. England's journey in several world cups is a strange one. Their adventures usually end in a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out. This time, something feels different. Armed with quality young players such as Barkley, Lallana and Sterling, England looks most likely to pose their most forminable challenge for the crown in recent memory.

Verdict: Semi-finals.

3. Spain: In the last 8 years, Spain have occupied the enviable position that was Brazil's. Tikitata seems to have over-shadowed Samba. Spain before the 2008 European championship win, were regarded as the perennial under-achievers. How have times changed. The accent of the spanish team to the top of the soccer pyramid coincide with the dominance of Barcelona. With Barca's powers of the wane, would we see a commiserate effect on the national team? Most likely, if feelers from last years confederations cup is any thing to go by.

Verdict: Quarter-finals 

4. Uruguay: Forlan showed the rest of the world, how to use the much reviled Jalabiya in 2010. Becoming the most valuable of the tournament in the process. Four years later, not so sure if he still got it. Suarez, when he rejoins the team, might not be 100% fit. That leaves Cavani to lead the charge. Sadly, it will not be enough to escape the group of death.

Verdict: Early Exit

5.Brazil: The hosts will love to win their sixth title in front of their home fans. Opponents will have  to cope with, not just the attacking talents that the Brazilian team possess, but also the intimidating atmosphere, that will be generated in whichever stadium, the home team plays in.

Verdict: Semi-final

6.Argentina: Possess the most gifted player in the world. Messi is probably the greatest player, the world has ever seen since Maradona. If they can solidify their defense. then they have chance to lift the trophy.

Verdict: Finalist

7. Holland: Under the tutelage of Manchester United bound, Loius Van Gaal, the dutch will play in their usual fluid attacking style. Which will be a departure from the ultra-defensive style of Marwijk. 

Verdict: Quarter-Finals

8. Italy: The Azzuris had a disaster in the 2010 edition. But often times, when the italians leave their group, they find themselves, if not in the finale, a very close to winning it. This Italian team has been going through a period of transition and rebuilding but their performances in both the European Champions in 2012 and the Confederations Cup last year, shows that the Italian team is now ready to challenge, should they leave the group.

Verdict: Champions