AS GOOD AS IT GETS

A historic 5-1 win in 2001 over Germany in Munich began a phase where England seemed to improve year on year. Serie A-winning Sven-Goran Eriksson, the first foreign Three Lions manager, fielded centre-backs Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand, full-backs Gary Neville and Ashley Cole, midfielders Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham, and that year’s Ballon d’Or winning striker Michael Owen as his side emphatically swept away memories of semi-final defeats on penalties to the eventual winners of World Cup 1990 and of Euro 1996 on home soil.

Despite injury problems the Three Lions reached the 2002 World Cup quarter-final before they beaten by eventual winners Brazil. Euro 2004 saw Ferdinand miss out through suspension but John Terry proved an able replacement, while midfielder Frank Lampard was added as Scholes moved out to the left. Teenage forward Wayne Rooney looked to complete the side but he limped off injured as host nations Portugal went on to win defeat England on penalties in their quarter-final.

Jose Mourinho then assembled a Chelsea title-winning side around a young English core of Terry and Lampard, while Steven Gerrard inspired Liverpool to a historic 2005 Champions League triumph, adding to a sense of pride in the Three Lions.

FEARFUL ‘GOLDEN’ GENERATION REPLACED BY YOUNGER LIONS

Forty years after lifting the World Cup on home soil, it seemed like the 2006 World Cup in Germany represented the moment for the ‘Golden Generation’ of players to capitalize on their talent. But amid a media circus of reporting on what their WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) were up to, the Three Lions struggled under the pressure.

Things then went wrong when first Michael Owen was lost to serious injury and then Rooney, who had been rushed back from injury and left short of full fitness before being asked to step in as a lone striker, let his frustration get the better of him and he was sent off in a quarter-final where Portugal were again victorious on penalties. Owen Hargreaves was the only positive from the tournament, but the energetic midfielder failed to star for the national team again after injury problems.

Assistant manager Steve McLaren took charge but flopped and his team missed out on qualification for Euro 2008 as a fear of failing to live up to expectation took hold. The FA hoped legendary manager Fabio Capello could make the most of the players at his disposal, but like at the previous World Cup the Three Lions looked tame and were humbled 4-1 by Germany in the round-of-16. He qualified the side for Euro 2012 but his resignation following the FA’s decision to strip the captaincy from John Terry, coupled with the FA’s lengthy search for a replacement, meant a new manager had so little time in charge before Euro 2012 it seemed time to admit that the dream was over.

Following his appointment Roy Hodgson installed a pragmatic 4-4-2 that saw new faces such as Joe Hart, James Milner, and Danny Welbeck complement an experienced core of Cole, Terry, Gerrard and Rooney to go out at the quarter-final stage on penalties to Italy, who then knocked out the fearsome Germany to reach the final. But that set the stage for the likes of Andros Townsend, now ruled out by injury, and Daniel Sturridge to begin to lift the culture of fear that had dominated of late during qualification for World Cup 2014 in Brazil, where the Three Lions will compete as underdogs.

HODGSON’S CHOICE

Joe Hart is a vocal and confident presence in goal, and at club level his Manchester City side conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League in each of the last three seasons. Despite briefly being dropped after a run of poor form earlier this season, Euro 2012 gave him the tournament experience that alternatives Fraser Forster and Ben Foster lack, and at just 27-years-old he has time to improve even further.

DEFENCE: LACK OF DEPTH

The Three Lions no longer have the fearsome strength in depth at centre-back that they once did. However Gary Cahill has both pace and aerial ability, and has already amassed considerable experience having won the 2012 Champions League before this season forming a settled centre-back partnership this season with retired former England captain John Terry. Phil Jagielka has been consistent at club level and has had time to form a settled centre-back partnership with him during qualification. However the Three Lions lack suitable cover in this area because, although Phil Jones and Chris Smalling each have potential, neither has received the extended run of games they need to develop in the position.

At full-back, Leighton Baines has been consistently excellent in attack for Everton over the last few seasons and provides valuable width going forward on the left flank. But Ashley Cole offers more solidity at the back where his vast defensive experience could prove more valuable if England come under sustained pressure, despite loss of his place at club level. A similar decision will be taken at right-back between the athleticism of Kyle Walker and the more experienced Glen Johnson, who may be less likely to get caught out of position high up the pitch.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has helped provide a potential midfield partnership by moving Steven Gerrard towards a deeper role in midfield. There, what he has lost in pace can be compensated for with experience where he sits in front of his defence and makes use of his excellent passing range. At the Reds he is joined by the athletic Jordan Henderson in a successful club combination that Hodgson tried in this year’s friendly against Denmark alongside the hugely talented but injury-prone Jack Wilshere. From the bench, Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley offer passing ability, James Milner stamina and versatility, while young talents Ross Barkley or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain contribute creativity.

ATTACK: CREATIVITY OR COUNTER-ATTACK

In his side’s last two qualifiers Roy Hodgson fielded talisman Wayne Rooney in a deeper role behind the striker Daniel Sturridge following his sensational goalscoring form, with versatile Danny Welbeck on the left of attack. Theo Walcott’s injury-induced absence means Hodgson cannot use his extreme pace on right flank, but Welbeck offers a fearsome combination of power and pace in his place to threaten on the counter. Left-sided Andros Townsend impressed on the right flank, and although he has failed to continue that strong form throughout the season, like fellow winger Raheem Sterling his dribbling ability could provide a useful option.

Hodgson could opt to bring in a third midfielder to help control games, but if he wants more creativity, Southampton’s two-footed playmaker Adam Lallana has been the most convincing option. Club teammate Rickie Lambert’s clever link-up play could see him chosen, despite his lack of pace, in a target-man role ahead of Andy Carroll who has struggled for fitness.

GOALKEEPER

Joe Hart
An unused member of the last World Cup squad in South Africa, he has commanded the jersey ever since, though he was dropped by City manager Manuel Pellegrini for seven matches season after his decision making was criticized following a high profile mix-up with a defender cause the side’s in defeat away at Chelsea.

Fraser Forster
The Celtic giant stands over two meters tall and has impressed on occasion in the Champions League, particularly in a memorable home win over Barcelona last season, but the Scottish champions’ dominance of the Scottish Premier League in the absence of Rangers means he faces little domestic challenge.

Ben Foster
Left out of the squad for the last World Cup, he played for the Three Lions last year for the first time since making himself unavailable for selection in 2011. At Birmingham City that year he won a third consecutive League Cup final, having won the trophy in the two preceding years with Manchester United.

DEFENCE

Gary Cahill
The centre-back played in both the 2012 Champions League and 2013 Europa League finals with Chelsea, where he partners former England captain John Terry. He also poses a substantial goal threat from corners and set pieces, and has scored ten goals for the Blues since joining them in January 2012.

Phil Jones
Since moving to Old Trafford from Blackburn at 19, his power, stamina and versatility have seen him feature in the centre and on the right of defence, in central midfield, as well as in specialist man-marking roles. Despite stating he wishes to play centre-back, he has yet to settle on a position for club or country.

Chris Smalling
The tall centre-back has pace as well as technical ability and aerial power, but he has struggled to displace the experienced Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at club level. Like his United teammate Phil Jones, he has been played at both the centre and right of defence for both club and country.

Ashley Cole
The left-back has made over 100 Three Lions appearances, winning two league titles with Arsenal in an attack-minded role before becoming more defensively accomplished after a move to Chelsea, where he added the 2012 Champions League. However, the loss of his starting place this season has weakened his claim to the England spot.

Leighton Baines
The 29-year-old’s contribution from left-back was a key feature of the Toffees’ attack under both managers David Moyes and Roberto Martinez, and he has now struck 27 goals for his club. Possessing excellent passing and set piece ability with his left-foot, he played more qualifying matches than Ashley Cole and could retain the slot at the World Cup.

Kyle Walker
The attacking right-back possesses intimidating pace, power and stamina, but his desire to influence the game higher up the pitch can see him caught out of position defensively. His season has been disrupted by injury of late, and he faces pressure for the slot from the more experienced Glen Johnson.

MIDFIELD

Michael Carrick
The playmaker won the 2008 Champions League but under Fabio Capello he travelled unused to the 2010 World Cup and was then absent for a two-years until new manager Roy Hodgson took charge, later revealed that the midfielder did not want to be ‘on the subs bench’. Carrick has since returned to play in six of the Three Lions’ qualifiers.

Steven Gerrard
The legendary 2005 Champions League-winning Liverpool captain’s swashbuckling club form saw him deployed all over midfield, but success eluded him at international level. Now Three Lions captain, he looks to his passing range rather than his former athleticism to influence games from a deep-lying role.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The pacey, two-footed attacker featured at Euro 2012 aged just 18-years-old, and his dribbling ability in central areas or on either flank make him a useful option in attack. Like injured Theo Walcott, Arsene Wenger signed him from Southampton but ‘the Ox’ has more power and a superior passing range.

Ross Barkley
The tall, young midfielder has grown in confidence under manager Roberto Martinez over the course of a successful Premier League campaign with Everton, and his dribbling ability in central areas could prove useful from the bench, while he also possesses a powerful shot with either foot.

Adam Lallana
The agile Saints playmaker can pass and shoot with either foot and despite having only one full season’s experience in the Premier League could make the starting XI. He carried his excellent club form into a substitute friendly appearance against Denmark, where his precise cross set up Daniel Sturridge for the only goal.

James Milner
The versatile midfielder has excellent stamina and his ability to threaten on the counter combined with his defensive awareness makes him a valuable option on either flank. He has also played in central midfield, where impressive displays in his final season at Aston Villa earned him his move to City.

Jack Wilshere
The left-footed playmaker made his Three Lions debut aged 19 in an impressive first full season with the Gunners, but he missed all of 2011-12 through injury and has faced further fitness issues since. If fit for his first major tournament however, he offers competitive tackling as well as great technical ability.

Andros Townsend
The winger debuted in the crucial penultimate qualifying game at home to Montenegro, when he helped set up Wayne Rooney’s opening goal before his long range strike got the third in a 4-1 win. Left sided but confident using either foot, he excels at carrying the ball forward from deep positions on the right flank.

Raheem Sterling
The 19-year-old winger has pace and dribbling ability on the flanks, and he has improved rapidly under manager Brendan Rodgers with his heightened awareness seeing him drift across the Reds’ front line to increase his goal tally. He impressed after starting the Three Lions’ recent friendly against Denmark and could prove a useful option from the bench.

ATTACK

Wayne Rooney
The talismanic forward netted seven in his six qualifiers, though he has failed to score at his last two World Cups after struggling for fitness and form on each occasion. Hodgson could opt to use his passing ability in a withdrawn or wide role alongside another striker, but he has previously played up front on his own.

Daniel Sturridge
After leaving Chelsea for the Reds in January 2013, the left-footed striker finally occupied a starting place and excelled alone, or partnered by Group D opponent Luis Suarez, to net over 20 goals in the next season. He started the final two England qualifying matches up front, adding pace and directness to their attack.

Danny Welbeck
The versatile forward scored four goals in his eight qualifying matches and has an improving goalscoring record for United, while his intelligence, pace, height and link-up play are very useful on the counter if his side come under sustained pressure. He played on the left side of the Three Lions’ attack in their final two qualifying matches.

OTHER CANDIDATES

Phil Jagielka
The 31-year-old was centre-back Gary Cahill’s regular partner during World Cup qualification after he was rewarded for his consistent displays at club level which had long been overlooked for the national team. While he formed part of the Euro 2012 squad with teammate Leighton Baines, neither played.

Glen Johnson
The Reds’ right-back suffered from injury at the start of the season with the younger Kyle Walker taking his place in the national team, but he has now returned. The 29-year-old offers more experience in the role, with his ability to pass and shoot with either foot offering more variety in attack.

Luke Shaw
The attack-minded teenager offers power as well as pace from left-back, producing a resemblance to fellow Southampton academy product Gareth Bale. Having made his debut for the Three Lions as a substitute earlier this year for Ashley Cole, he retains hopes of taking the senior man’s place in Brazil.

Jordan Henderson
The Reds’ acquisition of the then 20-year-old from Sunderland received only a luke-warm welcome at first in view of the expense paid, but the central or right-sided midfielder has improved since then. He possesses great stamina, and this season has impressed in a number of midfield combinations alongside captain Steven Gerrard.

Tom Cleverley
The 24-year-old started each of the Three Lions’ first six Group H matches, but has endured a difficult season after his club performances came under criticism following Manchester United’s poor league form under new manager David Moyes. At international level the returning Jack Wilshere and Michael Carrick look to have taken his place.

Frank Lampard
The experienced midfielder has an excellent goalscoring record, which he kept up during qualification by netting four during his seven appearances. He has often been rested at the Blues this season, and manager Hodgson may only be able to deploy him selectively at the tournament, during which he turns 36.

Rickie Lambert
The tall, powerful 32-year-old reached the Premier League late in his career and lacks pace, but his consistent form and intelligent link-up play could give him the edge over Andy Carroll should Roy Hodgson take just one target-man. He also has an excellent penalty-taking record for Southampton.

Jermain Defoe
The diminutive striker played at both Euro 2012 and World Cup 2010, where he scored the only goal in the Three Lions’ narrow win over Slovenia to reach the knock-out stages. He has pace and shooting ability, but has left the Premier League aged 31-years-old for a lower quality of opposition in the MLS.

STEPPING INTO THE BREACH

Roy Hodgson took the Three Lions into Euro 2012 with expectations low despite Fabio Capello having progressed through qualification unbeaten. The Italian’s shock departure had led to months of instability after his resignation over the Football Association’s decision to remove the England captaincy from John Terry. The Chelsea captain had become a controversial figure and was about to stand trial over allegations that he had racially abused Anton Ferdinand, brother of former England centre-back Rio. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was initially expected to be his replacement.

However, Hodgson, who was coming to the end of a successful season as head coach at English Premier League side West Brom, was appointed England boss little more than a month before their first game of Euro 2012. He worked to stabilise the situation by introducing an organised 4-4-2 structure, despite losing Terry’s Champions League-winning centre-back partner Gary Cahill to injury in his final pre-tournament friendly against Denmark.

MEETING EXPECTIONS IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES

Hodgson went into the opening two matches without suspended striker Wayne Rooney. And while Joleon Lescott proved a solid replacement for Cahill on the pitch, the manager’s diplomatic skills were tested after his decision to select the inexperienced Martin Kelly as Cahill’s replacement in the tournament squad prompted complaints by a representative of former national team captain Rio Ferdinand. This prompted speculation that his choice was motivated by a desire to avoid selecting him due to events following the allegations of racial abuse by Terry towards his brother Anton, but Hodgson explained that he did not want to use a player of such vast experience as cover. He also explained that talented Manchester United playmaker Michael Carrick’s absence was because he did not want to be ‘on the subs bench’, but after the tournament he brought the midfielder back into the national team following his two-year absence under Capello.

In the opening two matches, Hodgson guided the Three Lions to a tense 1-1 draw against France before coming from behind to beat Sweden 3-2. A 1-0 win over hosts Ukraine put them through Group D as winners, as Rooney returned to score his first goal in a major international tournament since his teenage appearance at Euro 2004. At the quarter-final stage they were defeated on penalties following a 0-0 draw against Italy, who went on to reach the final.

Although the Three Lions qualified unbeaten for World Cup 2014, expectations will not be high in Brazil as they face a difficult group stage against Italy and Uruguay, but their opponents will be just as unhappy to be drawn against their fellow former tournament winners.

FORMER PLAYER NEVILLE ADDS TO WORLDLY HODGSON’S KNOWHOW

The 66-year-old England manager has considerable experience to draw on. Despite his six-month stay at English giants Liverpool ending in disappointment and departure, at club level he has led both Inter Milan and Fulham to UEFA Cup finals. And at international level Switzerland reached third place in the FIFA World rankings as Hodgson took the national team to the 1994 World Cup in the USA, following his appointment after successful spells in Sweden and at Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax. England were absent in the USA after failing to qualify. Twenty years later, Hodgson will return to the Americas as manager of his own nation.

Assistant manager Ray Lewington worked under Hodgson at Fulham, and he will be joined by goalkeeping coach David Watson as well as former national team stalwart Gary Neville. The former Manchester United right-back won 85 caps and represented England at two World Cups and three European Championships, and now combines his role with regular media appearances as a pundit. He brings valuable playing experience to the role, having noted in his autobiography that “too many players spend too much time fearing the consequence of failure when they pull on an England shirt”.

CAPELLO’S RUSSIA TAKE ON BELGIUM’S GOLDEN GENERATION
Dark horses Belgium face comparative minnows Algeria to open Group H on 17 June, while Russia will have to be careful to avoid an upset against South Korea in a tie that could prove crucial if the Asian side are to progress from the group stage.

Match-day two sees Belgium, new to the world stage, take on the experienced Fabio Capello’s Russia at the Maracana in a tie that could decide who tops the group – although arguably potential round-of-16 opponents Germany and Portugal are equally intimidating. Meanwhile South Korea and Algeria face off in a tie that could see one of the two eliminated early.

On match-day 3 the two European sides will likely be competing to secure their passage to the round-of-16, but if previous rounds have gone their way either South Korea or Algeria could be poised to secure progression following a memorable upset.

ALAN DZAGOEV
Russia open their World Cup campaign against South Korea on the playmaker’s 24th birthday, but he started only four of their ten qualifying matches having suffered with injury earlier this season. He was Euro 2012’s joint top scorer with three goals, after he added to the four he netted during qualification, and his technical ability and clever play around the box could help his side break down tight defences.

EDEN HAZARD
The 23-year-old is still improving and impresses all over attack at Chelsea, where he moved from Lille after winning the 2011 Ligue 1 title along successive player of the season awards after striking 20 league goals the next year. He is able to combine with teammates around the box while dribbling at high-speed, and if he transfers his good finishing to Belgium he could add to his five international goals rapidly.

SON HEUNG-MIN
The versatile forward moved to Germany aged 16 and rose up through the Hamburg youth academy to score 12 Bundesliga goals last season before earning a move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he has featured across the front line. He has pace, dribbling ability and finishes well with either foot, and though he started just three games in qualifying he could make a big impact in Brazil.

SAPHIR TAIDER
The central midfielder displayed great stamina, composure and defensive awareness for such a young player at Bologna last season, earning him a move to Inter Milan. Born in France, he made himself available for selection by Algeria last year, and will be crucial for his side if they are to have much success in building on their solid defence to retain possession and construct moves going forward.

BELGIUM – LUKAKU BEARS BURDEN AFTER BENTEKE INJURY
Belgium failed to qualify for the World Cup since reaching six consecutive tournaments from 1982 to 2002. Nicknamed ‘war-pig’, current manager Marc Wilmots played in three where the attacking midfielder became their all-time top World Cup goalscorer. After retirement he served in the Belgian Senate, before he returned to the national team in 2009 as an assistant manager under Dick Advocaat.

They had lost five straight games in their World Cup 2010 qualifying group, and despite beating Turkey in their next they finished fourth. Advocaat soon became the third manager in two years to depart, and Georges Leekens restored stability but began their Euro 2012 group with defeats to Germany and then Turkey, who they again finished below. Wilmots then took over and finally capitalized on the talent of Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ to top Group A unbeaten.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois conceded just four goals behind captain Vincent Kompany in defence, where outstanding depth at centre-back masks a lack of natural full-backs that has moved Jan Vertonghen to the left. Ever-present Axel Witsel, skilful Moussa Dembele, giant Marouane Fellaini or versatile Nacer Chadli add further power in midfield.

Lone striker Christian Benteke’s Achilles tendon injury rocked preparations, but alongside the creativity of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne or the direct Dries Mertens and Kevin Mirallas, Romelu Lukaku is capable of leading the attack to glory on his own.

ALGERIA – FENNECS COACH REACHES WORLD CUP AT SECOND ATTEMPT
Vahid Halihodzic previously guided Ivory Coast to qualification for World Cup 2010, but after a disappointing defeat to Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations he was dismissed and missed out on the chance to coach at a World Cup. He joined the side that beat him shortly after a humiliating 4-0 defeat away at neighbours Morocco in qualification AfCoN 2012, but they could not recover to reach the tournament.

Les Fennecs also suffered an early exit from the 2013 tournament after opening the group stage with two defeats, however this time Halilhodzic kept his job and he went on to win all their remaining matches in CAF second round qualifying to top Group H despite an previous defeat to Mali. Algeria qualified for their second consecutive World Cup by defeating AfCoN 2013 finalists Burkina Faso in a nervy playoff decided on away goals, after Madjid Bougherra netted the only goal of the game in the first leg at home before his side held on for a 3-2 defeat in the second leg.

The North African side conceded just two goals and held England to a 0-0 draw at the 2010 World Cup in performances that the experienced Bougherra, his centre-back partner Carl Medjani, and powerful midfielder Hassan Yebda will attempt to repeat. They failed to score however and powerful striker Islam Slimani, their five-goal top scorer with in qualifying, along with the pacey Sofiane Feghouli and playmaker Saphir Taider will hope to improve this year in attack.

RUSSIA – CAPELLO LEADS GIANTS BACK AFTER WORLD CUP ABSENCE
Russia had failed to reach the knock-out stages of a major tournament since a new football federation for was created in place of the USSR’s, but at Euro 2008 manager Guus Hiddink and playmaker Andrei Arshavin led a run to a semi-final exit to eventual winners Spain. Hiddink then resigned after a shock play-off defeat on away goals to Slovenia saw them miss out on their second consecutive World Cup, and while Dick Advocaat saw qualification as group winners for Euro 2012, they were eliminated at the group stage and he too resigned.

While Arshavin apologised after he was stripped of the captaincy following controversial comments on his side’s failure, legendary new manager Fabio Capello fielded him for less than 45 minutes in his first friendly in charge before omitting him entirely from qualification.

A CSKA Moscow based defence of goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and centre-backs Vasili Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich let in just five goals as a strong start helped Russia top Group F despite defeats away to rivals Portugal and then Northern Ireland.

Creative Roman Shirokov (now ruled out through injury), versatile Viktor Faizulin and fiery Igor Denisov provide experience in central midfield and combine well on the counter-attack with their former teammates at Zenit St Petersburg, pacey winger Vladimir Bystrov and striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov. Forward Alexandr Kokorin and versatile Alan Dzagoev also pose a goal threat, and the Italian’s immense pedigree could make the difference.

SOUTH KOREA – 2002 CAPTAIN TAKES CHARGE AFTER CLOSE-RUN QUALIFICATION
Until reaching the semi-finals as a host nation in 2002 South Korea had won a single match in four successive prior finals appearances. They also reached the round-of-16 in 2010, but qualification for this year’s tournament proved very difficult. Manager Cho Kwang-Rae was fired after a 2-1 loss to Lebanon in the AFC third round group stage left progression down to the final round, when newly appointed Choi Kang-Hee won 2-0 at home to Kuwait to send them through to the fourth round.

A 1-0 defeat in Iran was followed by controversy after Choi complained about the facilities provided ahead of the match. And despite a home win 1-0 over Uzbekistan in their penultimate match, a draw in their previous game away in Lebanon meant progression from the group stage was decided on the final day. His side were again beaten 1-0 by table-topping Iran while Uzbekistan thrashed Qatar 5-1, and the Taegeuk Warriors avoided by a single goal an Asian play-off against Jordan followed by an inter-continental play-off against Uruguay.

Choi stepped down and in came 2002 captain Hong Myung-Bo who inherited a young side beginning to emerge in Europe, including centre-back Hong Jeong-Ho, left-back Park Joo-Ho in defence, midfielders Ki Sung-Yueng, Lee Chung-Yong , and Kim Bo-Kyung in England and goalscoring Koo Ja-Cheol in Germany. Experienced striker Park Chu-Young has lacked playing time, but versatile attackers Ji Dong-Won and Son Heung-Min could more than compensate.

European giants clash as USA face familiar opponents
The group opens on 16 June at the newly constructed Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, as Germany take on fellow Europeans Portugal in one of the most exciting ties of the group stage. The USA face Ghana, who helped knocked them out of both the 2010 and 2006 World Cup, at the round-of-16 and group stages respectively, in a tie that would give the winning side a great chance of progression.

Match-day 2 sees Portugal face the USA in the humid atmosphere of the Arena Amazonia in Manaus, while Germany play in the heat of Fortaleza against Ghana, who they beat in the 2010 group stages, as each team hopes to build on their opening day result.

Depending on previous results any of the sides could face a decider on match-day 3, when Jurgen Klinsmann will face his former Germany players with the USA while Portugal face Ghana in capital city Brasilia.

The Players

Thomas Müller
The forward collected the Golden Boot aged just 20-years-old at the 2010 World Cup, recording five goals and three assists as Germany reached the semi-finals. He has since featured across Bayern Munich’s attack as his side reached three of the last four Champions League finals, and his exceptional stamina, awareness and finishing ability could deliver victory to Germany in tight games.

Cristiano Ronaldo
The Real Madrid forward missed out on last year’s La Liga title to Barcelona, however this season he finally won his personal contest with Lionel Messi for the Ballon D’Or and was named the best player in the world. His combination of pace and power is supreme on the counter, while he offers a goal threat both in the air and anywhere around the box with either foot, proving so with four goals in Portugal’s play-off with Sweden. But the attacker goes into the tournament having been unable to recover fully from ongoing tendinosis. How will his fitness be impaired?

Kwadwo Asamoah
The left-sided 25-year-old made his name at Udinese in central midfield, where he features for the national team, before moving to Juventus in 2012 and playing at left wing-back in a 3-5-2 system as his new side won the Serie A title. He offers pace, power, stamina, and ability in both attack and defence, and has collected the Football Association of Ghana’s player of the year award for the second year running.

Clint Dempsey
The midfielder struck 23 goals in his sixth and final season with Fulham, with whom he reached the 2010 Europa League final, earning a move to Tottenham in 2012 where he again reached double figures with 12 before he returned to MLS last summer. He was the USA’s top scorer in qualifying after with eight goals, and his aerial prowess and finishing ability should help convert the chances created in Brazil.

Germany – Nationalmannschaft aim to surpass recent semi-finals
Germany have reached at least the semi-finals in each of their last four major tournaments, while domestic league and cup champions Bayern Munich won the Champions League last year. However their squad depth in attack masks uncertainty over their starting XI, while the South American sides have home advantage.

They qualified unbeaten from UEFA qualifying Group C, but their concession of a 4-0 lead at home to Sweden to draw 4-4 hinted at fragility in a defence that lacks agility, for all the accomplishments of favoured duo Per Mertesacker and Jerome Boateng or Dortmund sweeper Mats Hummels. Marcel Schmelzer has settled into the left-back slot but captain and right-back Phillip Lahm has played in midfield this season for Bayern. Bastian Schweinsteiger’s regular central midfield partner Sami Khedira is out with a long-term injury, as is Dortmund playmaker Ilkay Gundogan, though each might recover in time.

Manager Joachim Low faces a difficult task choosing an attacking combination between regular playmaker and top qualifying goalscorer Mesut Ozil, Bayern’s Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller, Julian Draxler, Andre Schurrle or Lukas Podolski. Direct wide forward Marco Reus had been in superb form but he was ruled out through injury shortly before the tournament began.

He has even begun playing without a conventional striker given joint record goalscorer Miroslav Klose’s age (35), and Mario Gomez’s lack of playing time that saw him dropped from the squad, but if he gets his players performing collectively Germany are strong contenders for a fourth World Cup. Will the Nationalmannschaft be able to apply their intense and energetic playing style in such a hot climate?

Portugal – Hopes hinge on Ballon D’Or winner Ronaldo
A Selecao were defeated by Spain in both World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012, with their Iberian neighbours going on to win the trophy on each occasion. Former international player Paulo Bento took over during qualification for the latter after manager Carlos Queiroz departed following a poor opening two matches. However qualifying for this year’s tournament also proved difficult as Portugal lost 1-0 away in Russia and required late goals to avoid further defeats in the next two matches, at home to Northern Ireland and away in Israel. His side dropped two more points after Israel’s late equalizer in Lisbon and Russia finished top of UEFA qualifying Group F.

This meant qualification depended on victory in a challenging two-legged play-off tie against an experienced Sweden side dominated by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, this proved comfortable after captain Cristiano Ronaldo netted the only goal in the home leg followed by a hat-trick away in Sweden to record a 4-2 aggregate victory.

Bento has assembled a settled side ahead of goalkeeper Rui Patricio, with right-back Joao Pereira and left-back Fabio Coentrao either side of powerful centre-backs Bruno Alves and Pepe. Miguel Veloso sits at the base of midfield behind tireless pair Joao Moutinho and Raul Meireles, as striker Helder Postiga is flanked by wide forwards Nani and Ronaldo. The team has struggled to break down tight defences, but if Ronaldo hits top form they will not be beaten.

Ghana – Black Stars look to recover from heartbreak
Ghana missed out on the chance of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2010 when Luis Suarez’s handball stopped a goal-bound header late in their quarter-final tie against Uruguay. Striker Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty, and despite his successful spot kick after extra time, his side were defeated.

Gyan went onto miss another penalty as his side lost 1-0 to eventual winners Zambia in their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, and Ghana also began their World Cup qualifying campaign with disappointment in a 1-0 away defeat to the same opponents. At the 2013 AfCoN they were also upset at the semi-final stage, this time by Burkina Faso on penalties.

However, manager Kwesi Appiah led Ghana to victory in the rest of their CAF Qualifying group D games while Zambia dropped points, and a 2-0 win in the return leg saw the Black Stars top the table and reach the play-offs. Drawn against Egypt they dominated the home leg winning 6-1 to reach the World Cup despite a 2-1 defeat in the return leg in Cairo, in which midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng scored to mark his return to international football.

Michael Essien also returned after trouble with injury to join Kwadwo Asamoah and Sulley Muntari in a midfield full of Serie A experience. In attack Marseille’s powerful Andre Ayew joins Gyan who netted six goals from six qualifying games, and the Black Stars now have a big chance to upset their European rivals.

USA – Coach Klinsmann drawn against his former players
In 1994 the USA hosted the World Cup and reached the round-of-16 before losing 1-0 to eventual winners Brazil, who now host the tournament on its return to the Americas 20 years later.

Team USA reached the round-of-16 stages of the 2010 tournament before an extra time defeat to Ghana, and a year later former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann took over from Bob Bradley who departed after losing the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup final to Mexico.

He began with four defeats from six games, but results improved and his side advanced from their CONCACAF Third round qualifying Group A as winners despite a 2-1 defeat away in Jamaica. The USA also topped the six-team table in the Fourth round despite away defeats in Honduras and Costa Rica, after winning their five home games with no goals conceded and finishing with a late 3-2 win away at Panama that helped Mexico qualify. Mid-way through qualification they also won a friendly 4-3 against Group G rivals Germany, as well as all six matches on their way to winning the 2013 Gold Cup.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and Stoke’s Geoff Cameron add experience to an unsettled defence while accomplished goalscorer Clint Dempsey supports the powerful Jozy Altidore in attack. Centre-midfielders Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones, formerly of Roma and Schalke respectively, add both athleticsm and technical ability across the park, and could help Team USA upset more fancied opponents.

Inexperienced sides face giants of Argentina & Nigeria

Argentina face World Cup debutants Bosnia to open Group F on 15 June in the Maracana, where the final will be held, while Iran take on Nigeria a day later in a tie in which avoiding defeat could prove crucial if the Asian side are to avoid early elimination.

They next face Argentina on match-day two, where the South Americans will be heavy favourites to win. The other tie pits Nigeria against Bosnia in the newly-constructed Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, which could go a long way to deciding which team makes it out of the group.

Nigeria will hope to have secured progression by the final match-day on which they face Argentina. If either has not, it could be a tense atmosphere in the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre near the Argentine border. Meanwhile Bosnia will face Iran in what could prove each side’s final match.

The Players

Lionel Messi
The forward has now scored over 50 goals for Barcelona in each of his last three full seasons from his ‘false 9’ central attacking position, and he has begun to transfer his club form to the national side. Amid an injury-hit season Cristiano Ronaldo thwarted his bid for a fourth consecutive Ballon D’Or, but this summer he could match Argentine legend Diego Maradona by lifting the World Cup in Latin America.

Edin Dzeko
The tall, powerful striker scored 26 league goals ahead of his Bosnia-Herzegovina teammate Zvjezdan Misimovic as Wolfsburg won the Bundesliga in 2009. He has often been forced to contribute from the bench since moving to Manchester City in 2011 but he has still netted over 10 Premier League goals in each of the last three seasons and he offers creativity, aerial prowess, and powerful shot with either foot.

Vincent Enyeama
The Nigeria captain made his debut aged just 19 at the 2002 World Cup, and his good form for Lille this season helped the French side to a run of 11 consecutive clean sheets. At just 1.82m tall he is short for a goalkeeper but his powerful leap allows him to command his area and showcase his fearsome shot-stopping ability, as he did in a man-of-the-match display against group rivals Argentina at the last World Cup.

Javad Nekounam
The central midfielder made his debut for the national team in 2000 and following his impressive performances at the 2006 World Cup he spent six seasons in La Liga with Osasuna in Spain. The 33-year-old’s experience will be crucial in protecting Iran’s defence in Brazil, while his passing range and shooting ability, as demonstrated by his six goals during qualification, will be key going forward.

Argentina – Messi’s chance to be the new Maradona
La Albiceleste have failed to reach the semi-finals in their last five World Cups. However, with the tournament returning to South America for the first time since their 1978 victory on home soil, they come under considerable pressure to improve.

After a 4-0 defeat in in South Africa meant Argentina exited to Germany at the quarter-finals of their second consecutive World Cup, they exited the 2011 Copa America at the same stage on penalties to Uruguay prompting the departure of 1986 World Cup winner Sergio Batista. New manager Alejandro Sabella’s CONMEBOL qualifying campaign started poorly with a 1-0 defeat away to Venezuela in just their second group match, however his side then went 13 matches unbeaten to finish first in the league table despite defeat away at Uruguay in their final match.

In defence the manager has allowed Federico Fernandez and Ezequiel Garay to form a stable centre-back partnership alongside consistent right-back Pablo Zabaleta and goalkeeper Sergio Romero. In attack, Juventus’ Carlos Tevez is yet to make an appearance under his tenure while Messi was made captain and allowed a flexible role to the right of strikers Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain in attack.

With left-sided Angel Di Maria complementing anchorman Javier Mascherano and playmaker Fernando Gago in midfield, the Barcelona star began to show his club form and struck 10 goals in qualifying. If he can do so in Brazil his team will be unbeatable.

Bosnia-Herzegovina – Former player leads nation to debut tournament
The Dragons only began competing internationally in the race for 1998 World Cup qualification, but the national team provides an important source of unity for the young nation and improved quickly to reach the UEFA qualifying play-offs for both the World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. They suffered the misfortune however of being drawn against Portugal on both occasions, and first under Miroslav Blazevic, then under new manager Safet Susic, the Balkan nation were unable to advance despite competitive first legs on each occasion.

Susic had starred in attack for Paris Saint-Germain in the 1980s and reached the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals with Yugoslavia before defeat to finalists Argentina on penalties. He finally secured a return to the tournament by topping UEFA Group G on goal difference ahead of Greece, although a disappointing defeat at home to Slovakia however meant this required a late winner from striker Vedad Ibisevic in their final qualifying match away in Lithuania.

He played a confident style of football that allowed playmakers Miralem Pjanic and Zvjezdan Misimovic as well as each of left-sided duo Sejad Salihovic and Senad Lulic to attack. Strike partnership Edin Dzeko and Ibisevic struck 10 and 8 respectively as his side netted 30 goals during qualification, but the lack of a settled defence could place heavy responsibility on experienced centre-back Emir Spahic and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in Brazil.

Nigeria – Keshi’s return raises tournament hopes
Manager Stephen Keshi played in defence as Nigeria won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, and later that year topped their group in their first ever World Cup before losing in the round-of-16 to eventual finalists Italy. Their promising and youthful group of players went on to win the 1996 Olympic title but could do no better in either tournament until Keshi’s return to manage the side in 2011.

The manager’s bold decision to leave experienced strikers Peter Odemwingie and Obafemi Martinsout of the squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and select several younger, home-based players was vindicated as his side began the group stage with two draws but grew throughout the tournament to collect the trophy with memorable wins over Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso in the knock-out rounds. Ahead of captain Vincent Enyeama, a defence of Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona, and newly-signed Monaco left-back Elderson was ably protected by Jon Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi and Sunday Mba in midfield.

The solid defensive platform supports the pace of a combination of Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye or Emmanuel Emenike in attack. Although the West African side opened their World Cup qualification campaign with three draws from five starts in the group stage, they settled their nerves to defeat Ethiopia in a qualification playoff. The Super Eagles could prove be an awkward opponent for any side they face at the World Cup.

Iran – Worldly manager leads inexperienced side
Iran collected just two wins from ten games to finish fourth in their last AFC fourth qualifying round, failing to reach the 2010 World Cup after political instability and the departure of legendary former national team striker Ali Daei proved a distraction. After another disappointing display at the 2011 Asian Cup, former Manchester United and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz was appointed, bringing to the role his track record of leading Portugal and South Africa to the World Cup.

He was without experienced attackers Vahid Hashemian and Mehdi Mahdavikia, but his side navigated the third AFC qualifying round undefeated and also finished top of their fourth round group. Inconsistent displays saw his side drop points against Qatar, Lebanon and Uzbekistan, though they completed a 1-0 double against second-placed South Korea. The two games were mired in controversy after the South Korea coach complained about facilities provided for their match in Iran, but striker Reza Ghoochannejhad’s goal decided the return tie.

Ghoochannejhad scored nine in his first 11 games with Team Melli earning a move from Standard Liege to Charlton, but captain Javad Nekounam finished top scorer in qualifying from central midfield with six goals. Despite the experience of winger Ashkan Dejagah and former Bayern Munich attacker Ali Karimi, centre-back Jalal Hosseini leads a back line low on experience outside Iran and the defence may struggle.

Switzerland and France might be considered favourites to progress but on 15 June, each open their tournaments against sides much more acclimatized to South American heat and humidity in Ecuador and Honduras.

Match-day two sees France take on European neighbours Switzerland in the heat of Salvador in a tie which could help decide the group winner or put one of the two out of contention, while Ecuador face Honduras and their former manager Luis Fernando Suarez in a game which could rule out qualification for one of the two.

The last match day sees France take on Ecuador, while Switzerland meet Honduras with their failure to beat the central American side having led to their elimination at the group stage in 2010. The games will determine who advances to the knock-out stages, and who must face a likely last-16 tie against giants Argentina.

The Players

Xherdan Shaqiri
The versatile left-footed attacker made his debut at 17 years old for Basel, who he helped to three consecutive league titles and a memorable 2011-12 Champions League campaign in which he set up both goals to knock Manchester United out at the group stage. His explosive displays earned a move to Bayern Munich in 2012, and his quick feet and powerful shooting make him Switzerland’s biggest threat.

Franck Ribery
The creative winger was France’s top scorer in qualifying with five goals, and also finished in third place in the 2013 Ballon D’Or after a a treble winning 2012-13 campaign with Bayern Munich. The 31-year-old played in France’s 2006 World Cup final defeat and apologized in the aftermath of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This tournament could have represented his last chance at international success, but he was sadly ruled out by injury shortly before the tournament started.

Antonio Valencia
The powerful right-winger made his Ecuador debut at age 19 and following his impressive performances at the 2006 World Cup he became a Premier League regular with Wigan. He collected two Premier League titles after a move to Manchester United, where his consistent displays saw him deployed at right-back as well as in attack. His ability on the counter makes the captain key to his side’s chances.

Emilio Izaguirre
The attacking left-back signed for Celtic in 2010 and collected multiple player of the season awards in his first season in Scotland before he suffered a broken ankle early in the next season. He recovered however to collect three successive SPL titles with the Glasgow giants, and his pace, energy, crossing and dribbling ability down the left flank will be a key feature of Honduras’ play.

Switzerland – Hitzfeld’s last Hurrah
Experienced manager Ottmar Hitzfeld had won Champions League titles with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich before taking charge after Switzerland finished bottom of their group as one of the Euro 2008 host nations. He swiftly set about tightening their defence and his side reached World Cup 2010 and beat eventual champions Spain 1-0 in their opening match, but then collected one point from their next two matches. La Nati then failed to qualify for Euro 2012 as England topped their qualifying group and Montenegro beat them to the play-off spot, prompting strikers Alexander Frei and Marco Streller to retire from international football.

However, his side went on to take advantage of a welcoming UEFA Group E to qualify for the World Cup unbeaten in ten fixtures. Former Basel youth trio Valentin Stocker, Granit Xhaka, now of Borussia Moenchengladbach, and Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri emerged in attack behind lone striker Haris Seferovic. Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio and experienced centre-backs Steve Von Bergen and Johan Djourou are protected by Napoli midfielders Gokhan Inler and Valon Behrami, providing a powerful foundation for left-back Ricardo Rodriguez and Juventus’ twice Serie A-winning right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner to attack.

Hitzfeld will hope this combination helps him bow out with success before he retires from coaching with Lazio manager Vladimir Petkovic taking over.

Ecuador – United through Chucho tragedy
Ecuador failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup having made it to the previous two tournaments. However after the appointment of Colombian manager Reinaldo Ruena they won six of their first ten matches in the CONMEBOL qualifying tournament and went on to qualify in fourth place. Key to qualification was their imperious home form consisting of seven victories and a 1-1 draw against table-topping Argentina. Away from the high altitude of their home stadium in capital Quito however La Tri gained just three draws and failed to win a qualifying match.

Their achievements in qualification were however overshadowed by the tragic death of Cristian ‘Chucho’ Benitez in July 2013 at the age of 27 after a sudden illness. The forward contributed four goals during qualifying and had made 58 appearances for the national team, and the Ecuadorian Football Association subsequently decided to retire the number 11 football shirt.

The squad will rely heavily on well-travelled striker Felipe Caicedo, their seven-goal top scorer in qualification, who will be supported by holding midfielder Segundo Castillo, Dynamo Moscow playmaker Christian Noboa, and wingers Jefferson Montero and Antonio Valencia of Manchester United. The side has little experience outside Latin America to draw on at the World stage, but their familiarity with the continent could prove to their advantage.

France – Les Bleus take confidence from difficult qualification
A shocking display of disunity at the World Cup 2010 in South Africa saw the expulsion of Nicolas Anelka from the training camp following a reported dispute with manager Raymond Domenech result in a boycott of training by the players, and, ultimately, the suspension of the entire squad for at least one match by the France Football Federation. Laurent Blanc was appointed in the aftermath and took the team to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, before he stood down and was replaced by fellow 1998 World Cup winner Didier Deschamps.

Reaching the finals became difficult after Les Bleus were placed in UEFA Group I with Spain, and despite holding the World Cup holders to a draw in Madrid, a defeat in the return match at home forced them into a play-off against Ukraine in order to qualify. A 2-0 defeat in Kyiv meant hopes of World Cup qualification were subdued. However the introduction of centre-backs Raphael Varane and Mamadou Sakho, midfielders Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Valbuena and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema led to a convincing 3-0 home victory and qualification.

While the defence alongside goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and left-back Patrice Evra has been unsettled and Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery was ruled out by injury, the dynamic midfield pairing of Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi and the array of creative attackers led by Champions League-winning Benzema suggest their performance in Brazil could put to rest bad memories of their South Africa campaign.

Honduras – Catrachos reach consecutive finals for first time
The central American side were eliminated in the group stages of the 2010 tournament in South Africa but finished on a high with a draw against Switzerland. Colombian manager Luis Fernando Suarez was able to lead them back however, having previously taken group rivals Ecuador to the last 16 of the 2006. He also masterminded a win over Spain at the London 2012 Olympics.

Given automatic entry to the third CONCACAF qualifying round, their campaign started with a 2-0 home defeat to Panama. However after going five matches unbeaten they topped Group C after an 8-1 home victory over Canada with hat-tricks for both strikers Jerry Bengtson and Carlo Costly. The tall duo also went on to finish joint top goalscorers with four each in the fourth CONCACAF qualifying round, which Los Catrachos opened with a 2-1 home win over the USA. They went through the six-team group stage unbeaten at home to finish third in the table, pushing Mexico towards a qualifying play-off after coming back from a goal down to win 2-1 a crucial tie away in Mexico City.

Experienced defender Maynor Figueroa plays alongside former Anderlecht centre-back Victor Bernardez for the national team, with Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre on the left of defence. Central midfielders Wilson Palacios and Roger Espinoza also bring Premier League experience to the minnows, who will be pleased to qualify rather than pressured to succeed in the summer.

GROUP D
THREE FORMER WORLD CUP WINNERS COMPETE FOR TWO KNOCKOUT SPOTS
Uruguay start the group as favourites against fellow Latin Americans Costa Rica in the heat of Brazils north coast in Fortaleza on 14 June, while European giants England and Italy face off in the humidity of Manaus later that day in a tie that could dictate the tournament fortunes of either side.

On 19 June the Three Lions are next called into action against Uruguay in a match were a second defeat would end the World Cup dream, while a day later Italy face Costa Rica and will hope to collect a win to boost their chances of escaping the group.

Match-day three sees Italy take on Uruguay in what could be a decisive match in either the race to top the table or to stay in qualification, while England look to either collect the points they need to progress or end the tournament with pride after an early exit.

WAYNE ROONEY
The versatile striker was awarded a bumper new contract at Manchester United, although Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement preceded disappointing league form under his former Everton manager David Moyes. Still just 28 he has starred for the Three Lions for over a decade but has struggled at major tournaments since limping off injured at Euro 2004, and he failed to score in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

LUIS SUAREZ
Despite controversial behavior in each of the last two seasons and his transfer request last summer, the striker has improved with every season since joining Liverpool from Ajax mid-season in 2011. His unique combination of power, agility, eye for goal and unceasing energy mean he has succeeded Diego Forlan as the spearhead for his country, with whom he faces club strike partner Daniel Sturridge this summer.

BRYAN RUIZ
Fulham signed the forward in 2011 for £10.6 million after impressive Champions League displays for Twente Enschede, but his languid style did not seem to suit England and he was loaned out to PSV Eindhoven in January, where he plays in support of a central striker in an attacking trio. His cultured left-foot will be key if Costa Rica are to unlock their experienced opponents’ tight defences.

MARIO BALOTELLI
The talented striker left treble-winning Inter Milan for Manchester City where he won the Premier League title, despite his colourful behavior off the pitch, before he left for AC Milan, who he helped qualify for the Champions League in his first season. While he was unable to prevent their form collapsing this term, he is tall, quick, creative and has excellent finishing instincts despite his inconsistency.
URUGUAY
SUAREZ SHINES AMID FADING COPA AMERICA WINNERS
Uruguay reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup in 2010 after a controversial quarter-final win over Ghana on penalties, with their opponents missing the penalty late in normal time that followed when Luis Suarez’s handball stopped a goal-bound header. A year later they won the 2011 Copa America, knocking out Argentina on penalties in the quarter-finals before collecting the trophy with a 3-0 win over Paraguay in the final.

Manager Oscar Tabarez’s side had aimed to keep a solid defence and attack mainly through the prowess on the counter of strikers Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan. They switched between a back three and a back four depending on the opposition, making use of versatile wing-backs Maxi Pereira and Alvaro Pereira on the fight and left respectively. However despite Diego Godin’s good form, his captain and fellow centre-back Diego Lugano is 33 and has lost pace, leaving regular central midfielders Egidio Arevalo Rios and Diego Perez, also over 30, with more ground to cover.

Suarez struck 11 goals to finish top scorer in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, but La Celeste lost five of their eight matches away from home to finish fifth in the table, meaning they required an inter-continental play-off against Jordan to qualify.

The Copa America holders rely increasingly on Cavani and Suarez up front, but the duo could prove capable of winning games on their own.

COSTA RICA
LATIN MINNOWS FACE FORMER WORLD CUP WINNERS
Los Ticos missed out on qualification for the 2010 World Cup after finishing fourth behind Honduras on goal difference the CONCACAF Fourth qualifying table meant they faced Uruguay in an inter-continental play-off, in which they were beaten by the eventual semi-finalists.

This time round new manager Jorge Luis Pinto, who had been dismissed during Costa Rica’s 2006 qualifying campaign despite its eventual success, made sure of their progression. His side secured passage through the Third round group stage behind Mexico following their 1-0 win away in El Salvador, but they were much convincing in the Fourth round where they qualified in second place in the table after wins in all five home games. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas built on his form with high-flying La Liga side Levante to concede just seven goals, the lowest tally in that group, despite having defence lacking experience on the World stage.

While left-sided Bryan Oviedo suffered a broken leg earlier this season, winger Christian Bolanos offers pace on the right flank. Powerful MLS striker Alvaro Saborio finished their top scorer with eight goals and he will be ably supported by the creative Bryan Ruiz as well as promising young forward Joel Campbell. A strike from the Arsenal-owned forward while on loan at Olympiakos left English giants Manchester United reeling before they recovered to progress in the home second leg of their Champions League tie, but their group rivals might not get a second chance this summer.

ITALY
AZZURRI LOOK TO BUILD ON RECENT SUCCESS
Italy won the 2006 World Cup under manager Marcello Lippi but after he was rehired after a Euro 2008 quarter-final exit to Spain, his side flopped at World Cup 2010 finishing bottom of their Group. Fiorentina’s Cesare Prandelli was appointed in his place and he has restored confidence to the side over the past four years.

They finished as runners-up in Euro 2012 after defeating first England on penalties and then Germany 2-0, before a losing the final 4-0 to world champions Spain. At the 2013 Confederations Cup they collected thrilling wins over Mexico and Japan before defeat to hosts Brazil set up a semi-final against Spain once again, and though they lost, the scoreline was much closer as a penalty shoot-out was needed to separate the two. Although the Azzurri drew four of their ten Group B games in qualification for World Cup 2014, their passage was comfortable and they qualified unbeaten at the top of the table.

Prandelli has experimented with both a back four and the back three used by Serie A champions Juventus alongside their goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and deep-lying playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who each played a key role in the 2006 triumph. Further forward the coach faces a difficult choice of players from his talented and deep squad, although five-goal top scorer in qualifying Mario Balotelli’s combination of athletic and technical abilities is unique within the squad and he is likely to feature heavily if Italy are to succeed.

Colombia qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after finishing in second place in the CONMEBOL qualifying table, with Radamel Falcao scoring 9 goals in 13. Shortly before the tournament he was finally ruled unable to recover from a knee injury suffered mid-way through the season, leaving the side without his outstanding heading and finishing ability and required to field a replacement from among the outstanding attacking talent at his disposal.

The Monaco striker had been regularly partnered by the intelligent movement of Teofilo Gutierrez, and the side have great further depth in the position with Sevilla’s Europa League-winning Carlos Bacca, the versatile Adrian Ramos, and Porto’s Jackson Martinez each netting over a dozen goals in the Spanish, German and Portuguese leagues respectively.

Talented playmaker James Rodriguez gets freedom to roam across the pitch and each flank contains extreme pace, with the tricky Juan Cuadrado on the right ahead of Juan Zuniga and his fellow pacey wing-back Pablo Armero on the left. To allow the full-backs forward former Argentina manager Jose Pekerman has often omitted the dynamic Fredy Guarin and used the more restrained Abel Aguilar alongside a defensive anchor-man in central midfield.

With the full-backs used as attacking players, the inconsistent Cristian Zapata and 37-year-old Mario Yepes at centre-back may however need that protection, and the side’s ability to provide it could be sorely tested in later rounds.

Ivory Coast were expected to win an African Cup of Nations for several years but consistently disappointed, while in consecutive World Cups they were given extremely challenging groups they proved unable to overcome.

Their Golden Generation has finally been placed in a winnable group, but sadly talismanic striker Didier Drogba and previously formidable centre-back Kolo Toure have declined physically since their peak.

Swansea striker Wilfried Bony and Roma winger Gervinho however each scored double figures last season, with midfielder Yaya Toure netting 20 as Manchester City won the Premier League. The Champions League winning midfielder is finally being played in the attacking role that makes most of his athleticism, shooting and passing ability.

But the defence enters the tournament with little quality or familiarity of selection, and places heavy responsibility on the attack to outscore the opposition.

Greece finished level on points with Bosnia in qualifying Group G but their inferior goal difference saw them require a win in the resulting play-off, having scored just 12 goals in their 10 group games. Three goals from Kostas Mitroglou helped them beat Romania 4-1 on aggregate to secure a place in the final, but the striker has struggled for fitness and form since joining relegated Premier League side Fulham from Greek title-holders Olympiakos.

Fernando Santos’s cautious side will therefore struggle to threaten in attack. All-action full-backs Jose Holebas on the left and Vasilis Torosidis on the right are encouraged forward but most of the other players focus on helping the defence, including striker Giorgos Samaras whose dribbling ability and height make him ideally suited to holding the ball up to relieve pressure.

But a similar side upset Russia to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, and Midfield anchor-man Kostas Katsouranis and playmaker Giorgos Karagounis were cornerstones of Otto Rehhagel’s legendary Euro 2004-winning underdog side. This side look like they will also need considerable luck to collect positive results.

Japan manager Alberto Zaccheroni boasts a collection of gifted players across the pitch. However, a comfortable Asian qualifying campaign did not test their goalkeeper and centre-back pairing, and weakness in the air could undo all the achievements of their excellent attacking play.

Full-backs Atsuto Uchida and Yuto Nagatomo are tireless in support of attacking midfielders Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Okazaki, and each of the five have impressed in Europe with their pace and technical ability. Yashuito Endo and Makoto Hasebe link them together well, but the side lack a commanding central striker and their possession play can generate little end product.

At the Confederations Cup their strong performances did not lead to results however, and despite scoring three against Italy their weakness at either end of the pitch saw them beaten 4-3. Sharp finishing will be required from their attackers if the Blue Samurai are to get beyond the group stage.