Thursday, June 12, 2014.
That’s the day the World Cup tournament begins, with host nation Brazil playing Croatia. This tournament means a lot to many countries involved, especially Brazil, a culture where soccer has significant roots. Here are a few things to look out for this summer:
- Neymar and Brazil: There are 32 teams but none with more pressure than the host nation led by their young superstar. Most would say the pressure of culture and society in which soccer means so much, especially since Brazil hasn’t won the tournament in over a decade, not even reaching the semifinals the last two times. However, with rising striker Neymar in fine form for Barcelona and captain Thiago Silva anchoring the defense, the Selecao look to uphold the expectations of many. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari comes in with confidence from winning last year’s Confederations Cup, and things seem to be going well for the rest of the team as well.
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: These are the two best players in the game right now. But one can argue that this be the case only for club competition, not international play. Ronaldo and Messi can bring home trophies and personal accolades day in and night out for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, but when it comes to playing for Portugal and Argentina, they can’t seem to win it all. To be fair, each has come close. Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the finals of UEFA Euro 2008 tournament, and Messi played a huge part in winning gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games. But that’s still not the World Cup. And only success in this tournament can seal these two players as two of the best to have ever played the game.
- Group G: The Group of Death. Germany, Portugal, Ghana, and the United States. As American sports fans, we all wish to see Team USA achieve glory. Winning it all would surprise many; heck, even making it to the semifinals would. Given the extreme competitiveness of this group some would say that even to advance to the round of 16 will be an accomplishment, . Germany has a stacked lineup, with recent success in tournaments. Portugal and Ronaldo will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. Ghana proves to be the best African nation time in and time out. And that leaves America, a squad with not too much World Cup experience and with a new man in charge in Jurgen Klinsmann. Only two will advance in this group, and two will be eliminated.
- Current Events and Politics: Unfortunately, worldwide events can affect the scope of sports as well. The World Cup is no exception. Russia seems to be at the center of every drama, most recently with the crisis in Ukraine. The Koreans will want revenge for skater Kim Yuna’s second place finish to Russian Adelina Sotnikova at the recent Olympics. They will also want to help their compatriots overcome the grief they feel for the death of nearly 300 students and faculty killed in the sinking of a cruise liner. And how will Iran fare? The Iranian soccer team has shown that it possesses enough talent to break through the round of 16. But can diplomatic relations (or the lack thereof) negatively affect their performance? Ultimately, teams must focus and come together in the pursuit of their love for the sport and put aside any politics.
- The Oldies: This will be the last major tournament for many players. Age and injuries continue to test many in this sport, where constant running and endurance are needed for success. Because clubs pay more for their services, many players retire internationally and hang up their boots with their clubs. This coming summer, Spanish stars Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba, Uruguay’s Diego Forlan, and Frenchman Patrice Evra, among others, will likely be playing in their final World Cup. Each one will work their hardest to insure his team is the one taking the final victory lap. Take time to watch and appreciate the beautiful play of these superstars as the play the “beautiful game” for their respective nations.
Featured Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images
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