World Cup Preview

"Twas the night before the World Cup, when all through the house

excitement was building, even in the mouse.

The fridge was loaded with beer and Doritos

and we were making our Brazilian mojitos."

I'll leave the poetry to Clement Clarke Moore and start discussing what lies in wait over the next month. It is hard to believe that in less than 24 hours, the 2014 World Cup will be kicking off. It seems like only yesterday when Andres Iniesta sent Spain to World Cup glory and they kick off their attempt to retain their title on Friday in a remake of the last final.

Everyone has seen the disruption and chaos that the country of Brazil is in, with stadiums not being ready and the protests from the natives over the World Cup, at why the money could not be spent with more wisdom on more pressing matters, such as tackling poverty and improving infrastructure. Blatter has already been in the media for the wrong reasons this week, and many people condemn him for heaping unwanted pressure onto the South American nation. Besides this not-so-small-issue, I hope the World Cup lives up to expectation once again.

Dark Horses

I would like to start with the teams who have the potential to cause an upset in the tournament. Under this bracket, I include the likes of Switzerland, Ivory Coast and Chile.

Firstly I'd like to begin with a personal favourite of mine, Switzerland. I tip the landlocked side to make an impression at the World Cup. They have a side that boasts a plethora of young talent such as Shaqiri, Xhaka, Schar and Stocker. In addition to this, their group consists of Honduras, France and Ecuador and Hitzfeld will be expecting to achieve a second place finish at the very least. Deep down, they must be thinking that they can topple France in order to avoid Argentina in the second round, and they certainly can do it.

Next is Ivory Coast. Similar to Switzerland, they have excellent options in attack. Even at the tender age of 36, Didier Drogba still has the capacity to excite, and with this almost certainly being his last tournament, he will be hoping to find his form for his country in order to go out with a bang. Drogba has former Chelsea team mate Saloman Kalou in support as well as Roma's Gervinho. A special mention also has to go to Yaya Toure in the engine room who guided Man City to their second title in 2 years.

Chile have been placed in a horrible group consisting of holders, Spain and runners up, Holland. Chile have an underrated team that consists of Nou Camp star, Alexis Sanchez in attack as well as Arturo Vidal in midfield. The Chileans finished 3rd in the South American qualifying table behind Argentina and Colombia. It is unlikely that they will get through, particularly if Holland are at their unstoppable best, however if a half-hearted Dutch side from the 2012 Euros is on show, they are their for the taking.

Big Slumps

Under this heading I will share my thoughts on who will be likely to flop at the tournament this year.

With all hype around the youthful Belgian side, along with a relatively simple group. They play Algeria, South Korea and Russia on the group, and with them likely to qualify, could meet Gemany or Portugal in the second round. The media and sports fans are expecting big things from this side, particularly with players such as Hazard, Lukaku and Kompany. On paper, this side would definitely not be out of place in the semis or even the final, but their lack of experience worries me. The last tournament that they qualified for was the 2002 World Cup when they reached the last 16. I can see them not getting past the last 16. However, this side has bags of talent, and will certainly will be around the big stars in years to come.

Another side that could suffer is Uruguay. They are in a group of 'death' along with England, Italy and Costa Rica. Many would tip Uruguay to qualify for the next round at the expense of England. I dont see this happening, as although they have a star-studded attack, their defense may let them down. With it being relatively slow, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling or Cerci can cause mayhem with their direct running. If Italy and England run directly at the Uruguayan defence, then Godin and Lugano will be tied up in knots and also will have their work cut out if they are to secure a position in the next round.

Likely Contenders.

The bookies make Brazil the favourites to clinch the title on home soil, and I am hoping that they do is well. In addition to this, holders Spain, Argentina, Italy, Holland and France must also be included in the likely contenders.

Brazil will be hoping to give the nation a lift in spite of the problems that the country has been going through over the last few years. The weight of a nation falls on the young shoulders of 22 year old, Neymar. He silenced the critics during last years Confederations Cup, and after a solid league campaign for new club Barcelona, he will be hoping to set the world alight once again. The ably named Fred will lead the line for Brazil and he comes off the back of a superb season at Fluminense.

Spain have often played the attractive football and captured everyone in South Africa when they blew away the competition. Spain will certainly be up challenging, and looking for their 4th consecutive title, something that may not be achieved for along time. If anyone can achieve this feat, it is definitely this Spanish side. It is unlikely that midfield maestros, Xavi and Iniesta will be around for the next World Cup, so another title would be a fitting end on the illustrious careers of these players.

Brazilian rivals, Argentina had a disappointing 2010 campaign so they will be hoping to rectify this, and there is no better place to do it than on rival turf. It is becoming a cliche that you aren't one of the best ever players if you haven't won the World Cup. For Lionel Messi, a win in Brazil who certainly cement his place in footballing history  along fellow countryman, Diego Maradona as well as Pele. The Argentinians have the firepower to claim the Jules Rimet trophy on the 13th July and boast a formidable attack. Consisting of Aguero, Messi, Lavezzi, Higuain and Palacio. The defence could prove their downfall, which lacks pace. A fast team such as Brazil and Spain could exploit.

One Final Note.

The tournament promises to bring the World to a stand-still and it is something that I have been excited for since the group draw back in December. I am rooting for a home win in Brazil. Not only do I have Brazil in my family sweepstake, I feel that this could unite a nation in turmoil. I also feel the football team deserves to give something back to the nation who has suffered due to the costs of the World Cup. Looking into my not-so-mysterious crystal ball, I can see an intense showdown between two bitter rivals in Brazil and Argentina, something which I'm sure the neutral would love. Also, Spain will get to the Semi Final and beat Italy in the third place play off. You heard it here first. Feel free to give me your predictions on the winners, shocks or big slumps.

It is almost upon us. Get the beers chilled and the doritos in the microwave. Get the the diaries cleared and the best spot in the living room. It's going to be a cracking ride, and one that will be over in a flash. The World expects. And I expect plenty of late and exhilirating nights.