Mini-Preview: Germany v Portugal

Germany

• The Germans have reached at least the quarter finals of the World Cup in their last eight attempts, and Joachim Löw's side are expected to mount a serious challenge for the trophy once again. Injury to Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus has bruised preparations, but die Mannschaft have plenty of attacking ammunition in the midfield to make up for their lack of strikers. (13/2 with William Hill). 
• Equipped with the best goalkeeper in European football and an intimidating back four, Joachim Löw will be confident of emerging from the group stages with a healthy goal difference. However, the trickery of Cristiano Ronaldo could terrify a rather slow back line.
• The talent in Germany's midfield is enough to rival even Spain's, and the attacking appetites of Mario Götze, Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller and Mesut Özil should provide goals in the absence of Reus. Schalke's Julian Draxler and Freiburg's Matthias Ginter are also candidates to light up the tournament.
• Miroslav Klose, 36, has been controversially named as Germany's only out-and-out forward, but die Mannschaft's all time top scorer offers experience in front of goal. The Lazio striker is just one goal away from achieving the all-time World Cup scoring record and you wouldn't bet against him. Thomas Müller and Lukas Podolski may also be employed as forwards.

Key Player

Thomas Müller

(The Bayern Munich man has scored 17 goals in 49 appearances for Germany)

Possible line-up

Portugal

• All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's best player aims to add to his overwhelming list of accolades. The hopes of 10m Portuguese fanatics rest on the £80m man's shoulders - but does the Real Madrid forward have enough to carry an otherwise average squad? At 25-1, bookies give Portugal as much of a chance as England for the trophy.
• Bento's side definitely have bite in the defence and Real Madrid's Pepe always proves to be an unattractive opponent for strikers. Fabio Coentrao will offer pace down the flanks.
• Joao Moutinho and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho make up an eye-catching central midfield that isn't short of creativity and grit. Carvalho, 22, has been linked with big money moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid this summer and could twinkle in the heart of the Portuguese midfield.
• With Ronaldo in the side, goals shouldn't be a problem, but he's the only proven goalscorer in Portugal's attack.

Key Player

Cristiano Ronaldo

(Ronaldo's hat-trick against Sweden secured Portugal's place in Brazil last November)

Possible line-up

Prediction

The Germans will be favourites, but if the Portuguese can stay disciplined at the back, they certainly have enough to punish the 2010 semi-finalists up front. 

Germany 2-2 Portugal

Mini-Preview: England v Italy

England

• The Three Lions haven't roared in a major tournament since 1966, and it's unlikely that Roy Hodgson's men will establish themselves as kings of the Brazilian jungle this year. But there is hope. A balanced squad seasoned with the youth and pace of Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley; England have the arsenal to cause an upset. 25/1, and that's if we don't get ourselves involved in a penalty shoot-out.
• Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka form a relatively solid pairing in the centre of Hodgson's defence, but the 66-year-old may regret his decision not to involve the experience of John Terry. The right side is a weakness for England and Glen Johnson is always prone to error, but on the other side, Leighton Baines provides a threat on the flanks.
• We have options in the midfield and I'd like to see Ross Barkley alongside Steven Gerrard. Hodgson is likely to pair the captain with Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson, but Frank Lampard, Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere and Barkley will all be competing to offer the side something different. On the flanks, Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (if fit) will deliver excitement - something England lack.
• Daniel Sturridge netted an impressive 21 league goals last season and alongside the experience of Wayne Rooney, he'll be hopeful of adding to his impressive tally this year. Rooney will sit just behind the Liverpool striker where his passing abilities can be fully utilised.

Key Player

Wayne Rooney

(Rooney has performed poorly in England's last two major tournaments and will be looking to answer his critics)

Possible line-up

Italy

• At 28-1, Italy are no longer the international force they once were, but one thing Cesare Prandelli's men do have is World Cup know-how, and they always seem to find a way into the semi-finals. Their strengths lie in the centre of midfield and in the explosiveness of their strikers, but if the Golden Oldies don't show up and Mario Balotelli throws one of his temper-tantrums, the Italians will struggle. 
• Giorgio Chiellini will martial a fairly timid looking back-line made up of Ignazio Abate, Andrea Barzagli and Matteo Darmian. Juventus's Mattia De Sciglio has been ruled out of Italy's opener.
• The Italians are blessed with strength and experience in the centre of midfield. The vision and elegance of Andrea Pirlo could marry gloriously with with the ruthless approach of Daniele De Rossi, but Paris Saint Germain's Marco Verratti may be the man England have to keep their eye on.
• The English will be excited to reunite with 'Mad' Mario Balotelli after a year apart, but the 23-year-old could drive a stake through the hearts of his former buddies if he turns on his talent this year. He can be volatile, but he can also be brilliant. 

Key Player

Andrea Pirlo

(Pirlo could be the beating heart of Cesare Prandelli's side - his elegance on the ball is often a joy to watch)

Possible line-up

Prediction

If England utilise the creativity in their midfield to effect, they should win the game. Wayne Rooney's vision and ability to bully defenders could be key and Hodgson's men will be looking to get the Manchester United forward on the ball as much as possible. My heart says England, but my head thinks a draw.

England 1 - 1 Italy

Mini-Preview: Spain v Netherlands

Spain

• The World champions aren't expected to guard their throne in the back-yard of the side that crushed them so convincingly in the Confederations Cup final last year, but at 11/2, they may just be worth a punt. 
• Spain's defence has matured and improved since their historic triumph four years ago in South Africa, and the form of Sergio Ramos will indubitably increase confident levels in the La Roja camp. Alongside Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba and Chelsea's new Spanish star César Azpilicueta, Ramos could be lifting yet another major trophy this year.
• Vicente del Bosque will field arguably the world's most enchanting midfield this evening, but concerns have been raised over Spain's notorious tiki-taka style of football after Pep Guardiola's tactics were savaged by Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League. However, with David Silva, Juan Mata, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Javi Martinez and Koke all competing for positions, any style employed should work for the Spanish.
• Fernando Torres surrendered his title as the world's most venomous forward many years ago, but the rise of Atlético Madrid's, and soon to be Chelsea's, Diego Costa has come at a welcome time for del Bosque. The 27-goal striker infamously snubbed hosts Brazil for a place in the World champion's squad last year and will be hopeful of carrying his carnivorous form into the tournament.

Key Player

Sergio Ramos

(Ramos played a key role in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph this season)

Possible line-up

Netherlands

• The Dutch have declined as their prized assets have aged, and with only Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie available to bring back memories of the World Cup final four years ago, De Oranje are outsiders at 33/1.
• Van Gaal will field an inexperienced back line led by Feyenoord youngster Bruno Martins Indi. The 22-year-old talent has been linked with a summer move to Manchester United and his strength and maturity will be vital in a fragile looking Netherlands defence. Expect them to concede goals.
• Nigel de Jong will be reacquainted with his personal kick-boxing bag Xabi Alonso this evening after being confirmed in van Gaal's starting eleven. The 29-year-old infamously planted his boot into the midriff of the Real Madrid midfielder four years ago and a heated battle could be fought between the pair. The experience of Sneijder will undoubtedly provide the Dutch with a calmness in the midfield, but ultimately, Spain should have too much for the 2010 runners up in that department.
• Unarguably the Netherland's strongest area. Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie are likely to star in their final World Cup, and their goals will be vital if the Dutch are to progress from Group B.

Key Player

Arjen Robben

(Robben netted 27 goals in 45 appearances for German champions Bayern Munich last season)

Confirmed line-up

Prediction

The Netherlands are no longer a threatening force in international football and could even struggle to progress from the group stages with Chile also battling for a place in the next round. A repeat of the 2010 World Cup final looks glamorous at first sight, but the holders should have no problem dismantling van Gaal's side this evening.

Spain 3-1 Netherlands

Mini-Preview: Brazil v Croatia

                                                               

Brazil

• Backed by an anticipative home crowd, Scolari's samba stars have unsurprisingly been made 3/1 favourites to win the tournament by William Hill. 
• Defensively, the Brazilians are fortified with the experience of four Champions League veterans in Dani Alves, Dante, Thiago Silva and Marcelo - they're back line looks almost impenetrable
• If Scolari opts for two holding midfielders, the energy of Fernandinho and flair of David Luiz provides the home nation with an intriguing concoction of styles in the midfield
• Up top, the Seleção are armed with this years' second favourite to bag the Golden Boot - Neymar. On home turf, the 22-year-old prodigy has the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his class.  

Key Player

Neymar

(Neymar led his side to the Confederations Cup two years ago)

Possible line-up

Croatia

• Niko Kovač has an undeniable wealth of talent available to him, but their conduct in the World Cup qualifiers almost cost them a flight to Brazil this summer. A 2-0 play-off victory over international amateurs Iceland kept their South American dreams alive, but at 200-1, not many bear hopes for the Vatreni.
• Defensively, the Croatians are strong and approach the World Cup with the experience of captain Darijo Srna and the form of Southampton star Dejan Lovren. However, rigidity will be key against the blurry tippy-toes of Neymar and co. 
• In the middle of Kovač's midfield, two European trophy winning gurus will stake their claim for the Player of the Tournament accolade. If Croatia are to emerge from Group A, Real Madrid's Luka Modrić and soon-to-be Barcelona's Ivan Rakitić will have to maintain the form that guided their respective teams to silverware last term.
• 29 goal Mario Mandžukić will miss his side's opener through suspension, but his strength and aerial prowess in the 18-yard-box provides the Vatreni with yet another exciting option.

Key Player

Ivan Rakitić

(Rakitić captained Sevilla to a historical Europa League win last season)

Possible line-up

Prediction

Although I expect Croatia to qualify and possibly even establish themselves as dark horses for the competition, the opening ceremony will pierce the Brazilian national squad with pride. This could be a rout.

Brazil 4-1 Croatia

5 Players Who Could Light Up The World Cup

As the world's biggest shop window prepares to shed four years worth of dust in just six days time, a total of 736 hopefuls will be shining their boots in a bid to attract potential suitors sniffing around the World Cup in Brazil this summer. 

The bewitching brilliance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is advertised in the build up to every major tournament, but it is often the unexplored who prove to be the real treasures of the world's most celebrated football competition. 

5. Paul Pogba


Didier Deschamps made a criminal error in not including the creativity of Samir Nasri in his 23-man-squad, because alongside the pace and power of Europe's most promising midfield talent, the French would have marched into Brazil equipped with an irresistibly balanced and talented platoon. The 21-year-old, who contributed 7 goals and 7 assists to his side's title win last season, has been linked with huge money moves to both Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain this summer and could provide France with their biggest hopes of a second World Cup win. 

4. Diego Costa


Injury may have bruised an all but perfect season for Diego Costa, but La Furia Roja's latest member could hold the key to the defence of their World Cup trophy. The 25-year-old netted 28 goals in a historical season for Atletico Madrid as they fended off swiping claws of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga crown. Costa may have tasted defeat in the world's most decorated club competition, but his goals may leadSpain to yet another piece of silverware in the world's most important international one. 

3. Eden Hazard


The Belgians may have missed the last two World Cups, but twelve years of absence has allowed Marc Wilmots' side to acquire a rousing roster of serious talent. With Vincent Kompany, Axel Witsel and Romelu Lukaku providing the side with a powerful base, the Belgian's have been branded this years' dark horses, but the man who could turn dreams into reality is Chelsea's Eden Hazard. 

The 23-year-old established himself as a one of the Premier League's most carnivorous forwards this season netting 14 goals for José Mourinho's men and his ability to tease defenders has drawn comparisons between him and Cristiano Ronaldo. Although Hazard may not be at that level just yet, he certainly has the potential to reach it.

2. Ivan Rakitić


The man who steered Sevilla to the Europa League trophy is reportedly close to finalising a move to Barcelona and the World Cup will provide the Swiss-born Croatian with the perfect platform to document his endless list of abilities. With an eye for a pass and the appetite for a tackle, Rakitić offers balance and elegance alongside Luka Modrić in the heart of Croatia's midfield. With two European trophy winning stars propelling their World Cup bid, punters can definitely consider Niko Kovač's side as one of many dark horses.

1. Sergio Agüero


Argentina may not have the sturdiest defence in the world, but no one can deny the venom in their attack. With Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di Maria all available to Alejandro Sabella, the South American's have the ability to destroy any opposition on the counter attack, but Manchester City's Sergio Agüero could prove to be the tournament's most prolific striker this year. After a season plagued by injury, the 26-year-old has been able to rest and focus his sights on Brazil where the Argentine's are expected to mount a serious challenge for the trophy. Could this be Lionel's and Sergio's year?