Top Storylines Heading into World Cup Brazil 2014

Injuries
We are only several days away from the opening game, yet one can only look at the long list of injuries to feel as if the tournament will lose some of its luster. Marco Reus of Germany is the latest name added to the notable absentees that include none other than the likes of Franck Ribery (France) and Radamel Falcao (Colombia) that will miss the flight to Brazil 2014. It is a massive shame, since it is highly likely that players like Franck Ribery (now over 30) will not be able to star for their country again for the World Cup. The player, the country, and the neutral all miss out on the inevitable impact these showmen would’ve had in Brazil. The tournament will still host household names like Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), and Neymar (Brazil), but there will still be a noticeable dearth of names to watch during the festivities. Many will have a bittersweet taste once they see the omissions on the team sheets and could certainly ask themselves “What could’ve been?”

The Stars
With all the injuries already taking the shine off the competition, there will be even more pressure on the remaining stars to deliver for their country and the neutral. Will Messi finally lead Argentina to greater heights? Does Neymar have the ability to deliver the long desired Cup for hosts Brazil? Can Ronaldo further reinforce his credentials as the best player in the world against the likes of Germany, Ghana, and the U.S.? These are the questions that will no doubt be in the minds of these players along with millions of spectators alike. Often, world cups are defined by the extraordinary performances of one or few players. In 2006, it was France’s Zinedine Zidane, in 2010, Thomas Mueller (Germany) and Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) were the standout performers. Even with the said injuries, there are many more stars, known and unknown, that can certainly make a mark on the proceedings in Brazil.

Internal Unrest
How bad is the discontent in Brazil? So bad, that even native Brazilians have chosen to pick Argentina as their team to back for the trophy. For those that don’t, Argentina are the arch rivals to Brazil, and would be the last team any Brazilian would back to win an international honor, under normal circumstances. The protests have been going on for months now in the host country, with the latest one to strike the largest Brazilian city, São Paulo, where subway stations and popular transportation centers had to be closed down or delayed due to the unrest. The unrest has been attributed to the public uneasiness at the Brazilian government to spend roughly $11 billion on the tournament, where there is a clear economic divide throughout much of the country. The Brazilian government, as well as much of the world, will have their breaths held on whether the protests will carry on during the duration of the tournament. Along with the protests, the frequent stadium accidents, has also put the host nation under scrutiny. The Brazilian government will be tested as much, if not even more, than the national team during the competition.

The Favorites
The 2014 tournament is perhaps the most wide-open affair in recent times. Brazil are perhaps the strongest bet, however, history has shown us not to discredit the current champions of Spain, who, on their day, are simply unstoppable due to the breadth of talent they possess from up and down the pitch. Argentina, with a fit and experienced Lionel Messi, have the deadliest attack in the world and can outscore any team on paper. Then there are the European powerhouses Germany and Italy, who both have the talent and experience to go all the way in Brazil. Then there are the dark horses in the mold of Belgium, Colombia, Chile, and France – teams that can challenge anyone on their day. It’s very likely that the status of “favorites” will change with every passing match day, as performances – or lack of any – will be enough to shift the balance of power between the national teams. Many of these teams have the individual quality and experience that can pull through virtually any opposition. The littlest difference will define the success or failure of these closely matched teams.

World Cup 2014, despite its negativity, looks to be a momentous occasion. The quality shared across the board with national teams ensures that there will be plenty of closely held matches that can keep the spectator unsure of the result until the last whistle. From now until July 13th, drama, heartbreak, and jubilation will be in store for players, coaches, and millions across the globe. World Cup 2014 has a lot of things in store for everyone involved.

Michael Skok
Football Editor for www.Poland.us
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