Every four years the world go's ga-ga for the most famous sporting tournament in the world - the World Cup.
The tournament is held only once every four years which makes it even more exciting - with the title of the world's best up for grabs. Teams must go through almost 2 years of qualification just to have the right to appear.
The host nation (this time it is Brazil) is decided/awarded 8 years before the tournament begins and is based heavily on politics and of course money. Brazil has been beset by monetary and human rights problems surrounding the construction of new stadiums and although I am sure the tournament will go off without a hitch, there will be a lot of undertones which could become a distraction. In short, when a nation can barely afford to feed its people why should they spend billions on sporting arenas that may be used only sporadically after the tournament is finished.
Interestingly, although Brazil as the home nation is the favorite to win, only 4 host nations have triumphed in the last 48 years (12 tournaments).
Here, thus, are my predictions as to the outcome of the 2014 World Cup Finals - based on the teams that will come out of the groups and on to the finals.
Group A -Brazil and Croatia to move forward. The sheer beauty of Dalmatian women will mesmerize the Brazilians but not enough to thwart their advance to the Semi-finals.
Group B - Holders Spain and beaten finalists from 2010, Netherlands, should advance, but Chile will pose a threat. Although somewhat ageing, look for Spain to advance to the Semi-Finals.
Group C - Look for Colombia and Ivory Coast to move forward - although Japanese work ethic will put them in a position to surprise.
Group D - One of the groups of death - England, Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica. If Luis Suarez doesnt bite someone, Uruguay can be a threat. Never count out Italy. England are building for the future.
Group E - France and Ecuador - The French owe their nation from last World Cup; The omission of Samir Nasri was strange.
Group F - Argentina and Nigeria.
Group G - THE group of death.......Germany is a no brainer, US - fugget about it. Ghana and Portugal to vie for second place.
Group H - Belgium is the sexy pick......Russia will join them in the second round.
Semi-finals:
Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Belgium.
Final:
Argentina beats Brazil.
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