Top 14 Underrated Teams Going Into The World Cup
As the 2014 FIFA World Cup nears and the qualification process intensifies for the Brazil game, Argentina is favored due to its world’s best player Lionel Messi, and Colombia is attracting a lot of attention because of its best player Radamel Falcao.
Even though these two nations are seen as possible winners of the World Cup in Brazil, there are some underrated national teams that may be able to pull off a surprise win just like Ghana did in the 2010 edition in South Africa. Without a doubt, there are some dangerous teams left in the final round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
14. Bosnia and Herzegovina are True Contenders
Although Bosnia and Herzegovina lost to Portugal in the UEFA qualifying playoffs in 2010 and the Euro 2012 qualifying playoffs, this time, things are looking good for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs, according to the Bleacher Report. The Bosnian team has a lineup of star players, including Manchester City star Edin Dzeko, Sevilla defender Emir Spahic, Stoke City keeper Asmir Begovic and attackers Vedad Ibisevic and Miralem Pjanic.
Accoriding to the Bleacher Report, Edin Dzeko has already scored a whopping 15 goals in the qualifying matches. Dzeko is the biggest name on the team and forms a deadly partnership with team player Vedad Ibisevic when it comes to making goals.
Many consider Asmir Begovic to be a top five keeper due to his many saves and scores. Another key player is Zvjezdan Misimovic. In addition to his all-time caps record, he’s an effective player for pulling the strings in plays. The team can’t do without him.
The Bleacher Report indicates that the Bosnia-Herzegovina team wiped out the weaker teams of Lithuania, Latvia and Liechtenstein in addition to walking away with four out of six points with Greece. Although this team isn’t a household name in the world of soccer, with its star players, this team can do some major damage in its first-time World Cup.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina team is also led by legendary coach Safet Susic, who has transformed them from a mid-level European team to true contenders for the 2014 FIFI World Cup. Without a doubt, the Bosnia-Herzegovina team is an underrated national team that the power teams fear in the up and coming World Cup.
Working at a good pace, Bosnia and Herzegovina are likely to knockout Greece for the Group G title. Even through the Bosnia-Herzegovina team are a World Cup rookie, they could certainly challenge the knockout stages and some of the perennial powers. At the 2014 World Cup, this dynamic team will have no fear.
13. Ecuador has a Talented Squad
The last time Ecuador was in the World Cup was back in 2006. The team lost, and also had a disappointing qualifying playoff in the 2010 World Cup. However, they’ve now booked their third World Cup berth and are a recognizable force with some outstanding star players. The Bleacher Report states that the team has a lot going for them. Nicknamed Rocky, Felipe Caicedo is a powerful striker with seven goals in nine games.
Known as the Ironman, Walter Ayovi is La Tri’s captain with prior World Cup experience that will prove to be invaluable to the team in this year’s Brazil World Cup. Player Antonio Valencia brings a lot to the table with his experience in the English Premier League and his demonstrated game-changing performances.
This player is almost invincible. Goal scorer Felipe Caicedo is a strong player that opponents will have to deal with. In addition to strong players, another benefit for Ecuador going into this year’s World Cup is that the tournament will be played on their home continent. This equates to more cheering and fan support than in previous years. This Ecuadorian team also defeated Colombia in CONMEBOL.
The Ecuadorian team is coached by veteran tactician Reinaldo Rueda. He’s earned impressive results with national teams of Columbia and led Honduras to its first World Cup in 2010. Rueda is well known for his ability to enhance unity, solidarity and delivery in his team’s players.
With him in charge of Ecuador’s World Cup campaign, Ecuador is ready for a win even with a heavy heart for the unexpected passing away of striker Christian Benitez in July last year. The days of Ecuador being one of South America’s bit players may just be long gone. It’s Ecuador’s third appearance in the World Cup history, and the 21st century is possibly smiling at this nation’s struggle on the world’s biggest stage for soccer. Only time will tell.
12. Russia is on the Rise
The Russians are trying to rid themselves of heartbreaking memories of a disappointing Euro 2012 performance and not qualifying for South Africa several year ago. Fabio Capello is the coach, and under his leadership and guidance, the team hasn’t lost a match.
According to MLS Soccer, he’s worked magic with the Russian team. The team is on top of Group F with a full 12 points. Capello has plenty of young talent in the squad along with a good mix of vets. His teams are always built on organized defence, diligence and discipline. Many feel he’s up to the challenge of making a real noise at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with attacking dynamism.
According to the Bleacher Report, there are a lot of powerful players on the Russian team, including Igor Denisov, Alexander Kerzhakov and Sergei Ignashevich. Denisov is a strong willed and focused player. He’s the team’s captain and can anchor a midfield that other European players only dream of.
Kerzhakov is one of the top finishers in Russian soccer history and leaded in scores in the 2014 qualification playoffs. He’s a well-known fellow who was one of the torchbearers in the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Ignashevich is a veteran center best known to keep his cool in the heat of defense.
The Russian team qualified for the World Cup playoffs by overcoming losses to Portugal and Northern Ireland, and became one of the new Group F favorites. It’s the nation’s ninth appearance at the World Cup. Prior to this year’s tournament, Russia’s best finish was fourth place in the 1966 run when it was known as the USSR. To date, the Russian team has had a positive display in the playoffs, and has seen as a critical step to their own hosting of the 2018 World Cup event.
11. Belgium is Set to Cause Some Trouble
Although Belgium is not a favorite to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, this tiny European nation has some of the world’s best talent. The Bleacher Report indicates that this young team has the perfect mélange of height in attack and speed in addition to a strong goalkeeper.
Belgium has not played in a World Cup tournament since 2002, but is expected to cause some serious trouble in Brazil. Presently, it leads Group A with 10 points over Serbia and Croatia.
Reporter Alicia Rodriguez from MLS Soccer explains that the Belgium team is a dark horse candidate destined to make a deep run. The team is stocked with star players like Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku. As a potent Belgian attacker, Hazard is a midfielder with experience leading the team to the Ligue 1 title in France.
The expectations for Hazard are high at the 2014 World Cup. Kompany is expected to make some waves on the field, however, some are fearful of his previous injury problems. Lukaku is a young 20-year-old player who has the potential to be the breakout player as a powerful striker. Attitude and defense will be the defining factors for the young Belgium team.
Along with some star players, the team is coached by Marc Wilmots who has a lot of World Cup experience. Wilmots is a former attacking midfielder and has been credited for increasing expectations during the qualifying playoffs. He’s committed to having the team demonstrate an impressive showing at the Brazil World Cup.
The Red Devils are expected to soar. It will be Belgium’s 12th appearance in World Cup history, and all are hoping for an end to their World Cup drought. With great players and a stellar coach, everyone is ready to claim the prize of the World Cup.
10. Japan’s Samurai Blue
It took Japan 10 attempts to qualify for their first World Cup before succeeding in 1998. Since then, Japan has had five appearances at the World Cup. In 2006, the team advanced to round 16, but was then defeated by Turkey. Paraguay knocked them out of the game in 2010 on penalty kicks.
To coin a phrase, it’s a whole new ballgame this year. Japan became the first soccer team to quality for the 2014 Brazil World Cup. With a talented squad, the team is determined to extend their game dominance beyond Asia and past round 16.
The Bleacher report indicates that the key players who got the Samurai Blue to qualify include Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Okazaki. Kagawa is a soccer celebrity in Japan and known to be a creative midfielder and A+ team leader. He was the 2012 Asian Football Confederation’s International Player of the Year.
Honda led his team, CSKA Moscow, to their first Russian Premier League title last season, and is described as a powerful second striker and playmaker. Although Okazaki doesn’t get as much attention as Honda and Kagawa, he has impressive wins with scoring eight goals out of 14 soccer games.
Coach Alberto Zaccheroni took over the team in 2010 and led them to their fourth Asian Cup championship in 2011. Zaccheroni is a legend in Italy and has successfully led a variety of Serie A clubs over the years. The road to qualifying for the 2014 FIFI World Cup was an easy one for the Samurai Blue.
The team won 6-0 over Jordan in 2012 and 3-0 over Oman the same year. This team qualified back in June after beating Australia. Many are warning other teams playing in the World Cup to beware of the threat that the Samurai Blue pose, including the Bleacher Report.
9. Chile is Peaking after a Topsy-Turvy Start
The Chilean team has had a questionable start but finished in stellar form for qualifying for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. This team scored more goals in South America than anyone else. It’s their ninth appearance at the worldwide event, and the Chilean team had a strong performance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The team reached round 16, and could be set to surpass that achievement in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
MLS Soccer outlines all the key players on the Chilean Team like Alexis Sanchez, who is the technically gifted winger that typically leads the attack. During the qualifying playoffs, this strong player delivered four goals and was a continual threat for the opposition. Arturo Vidal is a vet player well known for his leadership skills on the field. He’s the team’s midfielder who can contribute to both sides off the ball.
Claudio Bravo is another experienced player and also the team’s captain. It’s likely the team may not have qualified, if not for this seasoned goalkeeper. With great team players, the Chilean team has a shot at hoisting the World Cup trophy.
Jorge Sampaoli was hired as the Chilean team coach in 2012. This coach has wide experience and led La Roja to a 5-1-1 record to claim third place in CONMEBOL. The Guardian reports that this coach has given the team back its swagger. Sampaoli is a former defensive midfielder and has experience coaching numerous clubs in South America.
This innovative coach does intensive research of the opposition and uses software packages to analyze patterns of play. Sampoali knows 80 percent of his squad and feels that his team has a good chance of taking the World Cup. This coach is known for his high-octane style, and is planning to surprise and paralyze opponents with unexpected plays on the field. It’s sure to be a suspenseful watch.
8. Cameroon’s Adventure to the World Cup
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have made it to six out of the last seven World Cup tournaments. This dynamic and powerful African team will be set on breaking their record of failing to move past the group stage. They only accomplished this once back in 1990 in Italy. According to MLS Soccer, inconsistency has plagued the Indomitable Lions, but everyone is hoping for a change with the new head coach Volker Finke.
Finke replaced interim coach Jean-Paul Akono in May 2013, and has miraculously led the team to its second consecutive World Cup. He’s known for his long tenure as a head coach of SC Freiburg, and is a former player himself. It wasn’t a smooth road for the Cameroonians to reach the World Cup. The African powerhouse was not consistent during the group stage, but finally scored a 3-0 victory against the Sparrow Hawks.
MLS Soccer states that the top players on the Indomitable Lions who got the team to the World Cup are Samuel Eto’o, Alexandre Song and Jean Makoun. Eto’o is still well known for coming up with skilled and masterful moves.
Although this 32-year-old was retired, he’s emerged once again as a player and is expected to deliver once the ball gets rolling at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Song is a seasoned midfielder, versatile and has played at some of the largest clubs in the world. Makoun is a World Cup veteran and was responsible for the 4-1 victory over Tunisia.
The Cameroon team has only played the U.S. national team only once in 2003, and that resulted in a scoreless draw. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It’s Cameroon’s seventh appearance at the World Cup, and the team is geared up for victory.
7. . World Cup Qualifying Ivory Coast
It’s never easy getting to qualify for the World Cup, but the Ivory Coast’s Elephants punched their own ticket with an overall past record of 5-0-3 according to MLS Soccer. The Elephants qualified by five points in the second round of CAF and defeating Senegal 3-1.This heavyweight African team will be seeking to avoid disappointing past performances, and make it past the group stage. It’s the nation’s third appearance in the World Cup history, and there’s a lot on the line.
MLS Soccer reports that Didier Drogba is the Ivory Coast’s captain. Even though Drogba is over 30, he’s lived up to his long-standing reputation of being a strong striker. He always finds the back of the net. He’s the second-most important player on the team, and netted four goals in the qualifying stages.
Yaya Toure is a Manchester City midfielder who’s helped the team win seven games out of eight. Kolo Toure is Yaya Toure’s older brother who has helped lead a strong defense in the past. He’s never surrendered more than two goals, and contributed to powerful offensive end for a goal with the Moroccan team.
Sabri Lamouchi is the coach for the Ivory Coast, and this former France national team midfielder easily led the team through CAF qualifying. Lamouchi stepped into this coaching gig in 2012. Although he doesn’t have much managerial experience, his previous experience as a player has prepared him for the task.
His goal as a coach is to make the team competitive and the Ivorian people proud. Lamouchi has played for several major European clubs, including AS Monaco, Olympique Marseille and Inter Milan.
The Ivory Coast has only met and beat the U.S. national team once in Saudi Arabia in 1992. In 2013, the team suffered a 4-1 loss to Mexico. The NY Times feels that now is the time for the Ivory Coast to win the World Cup, especially for Droga who is now 36-years-old. The Ivory Coast is in Group C with Colombia, Greece and Japan.
6. Netherlands is Ranked as Seventh to Lift the Trophy
Back in 2011, the Netherlands reached the top spot in the FIFA ranking. Currently, it is fifth behind Croatia, Spain, Germany and Argentina. The Netherlands is making a push to claim the World Cup trophy with its cutting-edge tactical concepts and smart technical players. World superstar Robin van Persie is at the top of his game with a net of 11 goals in the qualifying process. He’s also earned the captain’s armband.
Another visionary player is Rafael van der Vaart who’s played in the English Premier League. His five scoring goals in 370 minutes prove this player can work his on-field magic at any moment. Arjen Robben is known as the Dutch-flying winger who is ruthless, lightning fast and totally cerebral. Opposing defenders will need to be on guard for some slicing and dicing.
According to MLS Soccer, no European team was more dominant on the path to the Brazil World Cup than the Dutch. The team’s total points were only matched by Germany, and their goal differential was the best on the European continent. This team finished 2013 with a 12-game unbeaten record.
Team coach Louis van Gaal is riding high and carries an impressive resume with gigs in charge of Bayern Munich, Ajax, AZ Alkmaar and FC Barcelona. He’s best known for delivering soccer that is both effective and exciting to watch.
Even though the Netherlands had a down period in the 1980s, they did get the title run at the 1988 European Championship. It’s the team’s only trophy to date, so they’re betting on taking their second at the 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup. In addition, the Netherlands reached the third championship at South Africa in 2012. They also had a great march through the UEFA qualifying that fueled them to number eight in the 2013 FIFA World Rankings.
5. The Little Swiss Miracle
Switzerland had been on the soccer radar since 2002. It won the European Championship that year and continued with another U-17 title in 2009. The confident and young Swiss are hoping to pull off another Swiss Miracle at the 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup. With an unbeaten record in their 10 qualifying games, the senior team just may be able to pull it off. Beating Brazil last August certainly ramped up their team spirit.
Although not Europe’s strongest team, the Swiss team was able to beat out Cyprus, Albania, Norway and Slovenia on their road to the 2014 World Cup. It’s the country’s 10th appearance at the World Cup. Previous appearances resulted in a failure to advance in the knockout round with Chile in 2010 and lost to Ukraine in the 2006 tournament.
MLS Soccer reports that Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Gokhan Inler are the three players that put the Swiss team on the map for the 2014 World Cup. Shaqiri is known as the Kosovo-born bulldog, and his on-field performance has shown his feisty and tough side.
Another top Swiss player Granit Xhaka is an Albanian-born midfielder known for his great moves. He’s also become a prime target for some club giants. Born and raised in Turkey, Inler is another talented immigrant landing on the Swiss soccer landscape. Those who have watched him play realize that he is a formidable player who plays to win.
Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld also led the Swiss to the 2010 World Cup. This German native is well known for developing the talents of his team’s players. He’s ready to take it home at the 2014 World Cup. The confident and youthful Swiss team became one of the seeded teams for the December World Cup draw, and jumped to an impressive FIFA world ranking of number eight.
4. Uruguay is Poised to Make Noise at the 2014 World Cup
Despite its struggles during the South American qualifying, the Charruas are poised to make some noise at the 2014 World Cup. Still, this team is both talented and experienced, and plans a deep run like they’ve done in the past in South Africa.
While the team cruised past Jordan to secure their berth in the 2014 World Cup, they’ve got to tighten up on consistency to bring it home. It’s their 12th appearance in the World Cup history, and if they bring the same strong performance as in South Africa, they just might be an ominous dark horse in this tournament. This team is one to be feared even by the most favored winners.
According to MLS Soccer, the Uruguay team can give its thanks to key players Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Lugano for qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. Suarez is a prolific striker and netted 11 goals for the team. Cavani is another polarizing striker and scored six goals in CONMEBOL.
Lugano is the central defender and team captain who is known for his aerial dominance. This stellar player is inching close to 100 caps. This team is well known for its dominance on the field, great defense, exacting plays and team spirit. It’s definitely a formidable team.
Coach Oscar Washington Tabarez brings a lot of experience to the table. He’s the longest-tenured international coach out of the 10 CONMEBOL nations. He’s also been with big clubs like Boca Juniors and AC Milan. Tabarez was named the Uruguay head coach in 2006. Due to his impressive work, he was asked to stay a second term.
The Uruguayan FA kept him on despite the old notion that many teams tend to struggle when led by the same coach for more than several years. After all, why fix it if it’s not broken.
3. England Wants the Glory Days Back
The World Cup is both ritual and debate in England. Since the glory days of 1966 when England hoisted the trophy, many are hoping the 2014 Brazil World Cup will be another opportunity. Even through the English team has been to eight of 11 World Cup events, hopes have been dashed with the inability to reach the final.
However, three main players are keen on being the first Europeans to win on South American soil according to MLS Soccer. Wayne Rooney is the nation’s striker star and is literally irreplaceable up top. Steven Gerrard has experience and is the team captain. He’s well known for patrolling the center of the pitch, and is an adept two-way player with a steady presence.
The Three Lions will still continue to rely on the rugged veteran Frank Lampard. The 2014 Brazil World Cup is sure to be a pressure cooker, and the team will count on Lampard’s big-game experience and killer long-distance shots. These key players helped the team qualify for the 2014 World Cup with home victories against Montenegro and Poland. The team’s spectacular 31-4 goal differential also played a role.
It’s England’s 14th appearance in World Cup history, and nearly four decades since the country has claimed the prize of the World Cup. Coach Roy Hodgson is set to make it happen this year. Hodgson has taken the helm of 16 clubs throughout his career, and is a former defending player.
He also has previous World Cup expertise. This was the man who led Switzerland to the knockout phase of the U.S. 1994 World Cup. Hodgson is a native Britain and betting on his home team.
On the global stage, England and the United States have done previous battle at the World Cup. The most recent battle was in South Africa 2010. England keeper Robert Green committed a major gaffe, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Hodgson states that there won’t be any gaffes this year.
2. The United States Wants No Early Exit in Brazil
The United States will be making their 10th appearance in the World Cup history at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Since 1990, the U.S. team has had some troubles making it into the knockout phase, and being eliminated in the group phase. The team’s best performance was in 2002 when they beat arch-rival Mexico in round 16. The team made it into the quarterfinals.
As the 2014 Brazil World Cup approaches, coach Jurgen Klinsmann is determined to transform the U.S. team on the international stage into a winner. Under this former German coach, the U.S. team has had its best-ever winning streak. His tutelage helped the U.S. team claim 15 victories in 16 matches. This winning streak has continued into 2013.
With a blend of European and MLS players, MLS Soccer feels that the United States is no longer a developing soccer nation. Jozy Altidore flipped mid-year for the U.S. team. This striker is another Hexagonal hopeful, and Klinsmann is more than confident about his form. Michael Bradley of Toronto is one of the unsung heroes for the U.S. team. This player has a talent for popping up in dangerous positions and maintains a calm in defensive mode.
Before transitioning to TFC in a move over the winter, Bradley had already carved out his place with the Serie A club. Opponents had better not take anything for granted with Bradley. Tim Howard has demonstrated great skills even against top backup keepers like Brad Guzan.
It’s always beneficial to have some seasoned vets on a team when playing at the World Cup, and Howard is definitely one of them. According to the FIFA, veterans are a must-have for a win.
The U.S. team qualified for the 2014 World Cup with a Hexagonal record of 7-2-1. They also took care of the business with a 5-0-0 against their home opponents. Additional wins at Panama and Jamaica gained them top score in CONCACAF and secured the World Cup berth.
In the World Cup qualifying process, the United States included MLS players like Clint Dempsey, Kyle Beckerman, Landon Donovan and Matt Besler. With outstanding past performances, the U.S. team may be underrated by the experts, but destined for a soon-to-be World Cup. It comes as no surprise that the U.S. team is now on the radar.
1. Ghana’s Black Stars are Ready to Shine
There are plenty of reasons why Ghana’s Black Stars shouldn’t be viewed as the underdog although placed into Group G known as “The Group of Death.” This team has won the African Cup of Nations four times out of 19. In addition, it has won the West African Nations Cup five times from 1982 through 1987.
In the South Africa World Cup 2010, the Black Stars were the only third African team to reach the quarterfinals. The team even crushed Bob Bradley’s Egypt in the final round of the qualification process. The Black Stars may be quiet about their skills, but the team is highly confident at the same time.
MLS Soccer indicates that Asamoah Gyan, Harrison Afful and Sulley Muntari are the key players to be reckoned with. Gyan is the team’s captain that led Ghana in scoring goals during qualifying. Afful is the reliable fullback who is both energy powered and versatile on the field.
Some even call him the right-footed Ghanaian picture of DaMarcus Beasley. Muntari is a veteran player who’s adept at roving the midfields of the English Premier League and Serie A. Determination, skill and innovative moves are the hallmarks of this team.
James Kwesi Appiah is the Black Stars’ coach. He’s also the first African American coach to lead an African team through the qualification process for the World Cup according to the MLS Soccer Report. This hired gun has broken the trend of previous European managers.
For years, Ghana has been the sleeping giant of African soccer, but that giant is expected to awake at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Ghana is looking to take home the World Cup, and coach Appiah is more than ready to make his team champions. According to coach Appiah, expect the unexpected from this top squad. It’s in the cards that Ghana will rise to the occasion.
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