The 2014 World Cup will take place this summer in Brazil, running from June 12 to July 13. On Friday December 6, the World Cup Draw to determine the Group Stage of the tournament took place.
The 32 teams—all whom previously qualified for the tournament during numerous playoff games—were drawn into eight groups (Group A – H) for the first round of the tournament.
If you’re a soccer fan—a true soccer fan—you have mixed emotions about the upcoming World Cup. On one hand, you’ve already saved up all your vacation time to book the month off in order to watch as many games as possible. But on the other hand, you dread watching the game in public, surrounded by casual fans who will try to convince you that they know what they are talking about.
Or even worse: you dread watching games, surrounded by friends, who insists they are soccer fans because they play in a beer league and can name you three Champions League teams.
However, don’t fear! Because over the next few weeks, you will be provided with a “World Cup Cheat Sheet,” that you can print off and give to your friends, so you can have them prepped and prepared for the upcoming 2014 World Cup.
That’s right, provided are basic facts on each country participating, a player that you should keep an eye on, and a player who’s jersey you can get away wearing in public without starting a riot. And, as a bonus, there will also be a prediction as to who will surive onto the next round, The Round of 16. Helpful for office pools and friendly wagers!
To begin, we will look at Group A and Group B:
GROUP A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
GROUP B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
So give the “World Cup Cheat Sheet” to your friends—or print them out for yourself before your soccer-crazed buddy does it for you.
GROUP A
Brazil (Host)
- Pro tip: This is the first time since 1978 that a South American country will host the World Cup; Brazil has won the tournament five times.
- Player to watch: Júlio César; the keeper has had a rough couple of seasons at club level, going from Champions League hero to facing relegation. The national team, playing at home, will be his chance for redemption.
- Jersey to wear: Anyone, it’s Brazil!
Croatia
- Pro tip: Despite the suggestion of whose jersey to wear, any jersey will do; Croatia has one of the most distinctive kits around.
- Player to watch: Slaven Bilić; while technically not a player, nor has he been the coach of the since 2012, Bilić is still one of the most animated and entertaining soccer professionals to ever grace the side lines. If he watches his former team from the stands, the camera is guaranteed to catch his antics.
- Jersey to wear: Luka Modrić; the midfielder has a ton of experience playing for the Croatian National Team, whom he has played for at various youth levels since the Under 15 Team.
Mexico
- Pro tip: Mexico had a tough time getting into this World Cup and did not show their best performance through the qualifying rounds. They will need to have a new and improved game plan to make it out of this group.
- Player to watch: Rafael Márquez; this will be the veteran captain’s last World Cup, having over 115 caps for the national team. He will be sure to make it special.
- Jersey to wear: Javier Hernández, but only if you wear what he wears pressed onto the back of his kit: Chicharito (or, “Little Pea”)
Cameroon
- Pro tip: The Cameroon National Team is called The Indomitable Lions, which is the best nickname, ever.
- Player to watch: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting; though he was born in West Germany and played his entire youth career for Germany, Choupo-Moting is starting to make his own mark on the Cameroon national team, already scoring nine goals in just 19 games.
- Jersey to wear: Samuel Eto’o; the striker has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, Inter, and Chelsea. While at Barcelona, he scored over 100 goals in just five years.
Predicted Group Winners: Brazil and Croatia
GROUP B
Spain
- Pro tip: They really are as good as everyone says they are. Really.
- Player to watch: Everybody; this is a team where world class players act as late game substitutions.
- Jersey to wear: Andrés Iniesta; because even when you play for the best, there is still the best of the best.
Netherlands
- Pro tip: If you decide to support Holland, go with the away black, white, or blue kit. The orange is too overdone.
- Player to watch: Arjen Robben; Robben was a key component to the Dutch side that loss in the 2010 World Cup Final. The game was one of—if not the—worst played by the National Team (for such a large scale game) and he will be looking to change people’s opinions of Dutch soccer.
- Jersey to wear: Robin van Persie; unless you’re friends with Arsenal fans—RVP left Arsenal for rival Manchester United—he’s a pretty safe bet to wear.
Chile
- Pro tip: If you don’t have a team to support, and want to cheer someone a dark horse, Chile is a safe bet. They’re also a lot of fun to watch.
- Player to watch: Mauricio Isla; Isla took to the world stage the same time Alexis Sanchez did—both even played for Udinese—and he was often overlooked because of his superstar countryman. However, he will be looking to break out into his own for this World Cup.
- Jersey to wear: Alexis Sánchez; while Isla will try to become a household name during this tournament, Sánchez already is.
Australia
- Pro tip: For some reason, the entire world loves the “Socceroos,” they have become the darlings of international; tournaments without really doing all that much.
- Player to watch: Tim Cahill, who currently plays with the New York Red Bulls. And then, after you watch him play in the World Cup, come watch him play live in MLS next season.
- Jersey to wear: Defender Lucas Neill, who nearly has 100 caps for the Aussie team
Predicted Group Winners: Spain and Netherlands (though Chile should not be written off)
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Next Cheat Sheet will examine Groups C (Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan) and Group D (Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, and Italy).
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