Brasil
I have always supported Brasil, & I feel this is their year. Their squad isn't anything special (quite horrendous going forward, with the exception of Neymar), but the fans will push them over the line. If not Brasil, I back Argentina to win it. Messi is Messi, & is absolutely prolific under the new manager (Sabella), while this time round Aguero will be there to partner him instead of dross like Tevez (quality, but not when paired with Messi) & Higuain (static and terrible in the build up, will surely limit Messi's goal threat). Di Maria in a midfield three has been a revelation for the last year or so, and he is surely the first name on the sheet after you-know-who. The defence isn't anything special, but the midfield is solid & defensive while the forwards could just score more to compensate.
Italy is probably my favourite team after Brasil, but I don't see them winning it this year - not by a long shot. They have plenty of quality but they are lacking in many areas & may have serious issues if their best player (Pirlo) is hassled out of the game. They don't have anyone else to fill his boots if he were to go missing (not that I think he will, as he is pure class, but Spain showed in Euro 2012 that Italy are toothless if he is silenced).
I have always liked the Dutch & the Germans, but I think Germany will struggle without Marco Reus. I am not convinced by Gotze (his talent is not in question, but he has not performed well since his BVB days - he is out of form and has, at times, a questionable attitude) & I think they have stagnated since the previous WC. Always a force, though.
The Netherlands are very strong up front & have a great set of very young defenders (who humbled Spain tonight), but an astoundingly mediocre midfield may give them issues when Robben & RVP aren't firing on all cylinders. I think they will exceed expectations, but i'll be very surprised if they went all the way. Strangely enough, I feel they are the side that is best-equipped to beating Brasil.
Portugal will need nothing short of a miracle from Cristiano if they are to even have a sniff at the trophy, but nothing is impossible. They are much stronger than last time, under a more adept manager with a few better players in the side. They play more positively, too.
I think Spain have the best squad in the entire tournament by a mile, but I don't think they will be as hungry as the other nations. Although tiki taka is still so effective (one can't argue with the results it has brought), after several years, there are finally some chinks in the chain that have become visible. Brasil beat them last year and I would back them to do it again this year. Don't see them winning it, although you can't write off a squad like that.
England I really cannot take seriously. I question the players' professionalism, & they are just quite simply inferior (technically) to the other big nations. The players cannot string five passes together. If Gerrard played on the right (like in Euro 2012) as opposed to being a CM (where he'd be shown up against true quality, not like the midfielders of the PL), Rooney were to have a stormer, with Henderson, Sterling, Lallana & co to continue their form into this summer, you guys may have a chance. Don't hold your breath, though. I still see Baines as a distinctly mediocre defender, while Hart is as suspect as ever & the midfield would have to be watertight to compensate for the lack of true quality at CB (not going to happen). Never impossible, but I see England crashing out in the round of 16, or the quarters at the latest. Shame, as I really want to see a World Cup where England plays without lethargy & such an obvious lack of balls. I have always liked England & there is no questioning the talent & passion that exists in the country, it is just a matter of development and the attitude of the players.
Just my opinion, guys. I know many will disagree.
