BRAZIL 2014 WORLD CUP GUIDE: Team-by-team guide to the 32 nations going for the glory at the 2014 World Cup

 

 

 

 

Get to know your Lionel Messis from your Islam Slimanis. Everything from red-hot favourite Brazil to what formation the Hondurans are likely to use... here's your ultimate team-by-team guide to the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

 VIDEO  Scroll down to see former French national team player Zidane give his take on Draw

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Algeria

Population: 37.9million

National dish: Couscous, usually with lamb

National anthem: Kassaman or Qassaman (means We Pledge)

Best World Cup finish: First round in 1982, 1986 and 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Adlene Guedioura (Crystal Palace)

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Jubilation: Madjid Bougherra (left) leads Algeria in celebration after qualification against Burkina Faso

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Lost for words: Algeria's coach Vahid Halilhodzic reacts to securing his side's place in Brazil

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Beating reigning European Champions West Germany 2-1 on the first day of the 1982 Finals.

Meet the coach: Vahid Halilhodzic. Former Yugoslavia forward, 61, in charge of the Ivory Coast side that qualified for the 2010 World Cup but was sacked before the tournament.
Meet the captain: Madjid Bougherra. French-born centre back, 31, played in England for Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton then spent three years in Scotland with Rangers.
Star man: Islam Slimani. Tall, powerfully built 25-year-old striker who plays for Sporting Lisbon got five goals in qualifying.
Watch out for: Saphir Sliti Taider. Inter Milan spent £4.8m to buy him the midfielder, 21. Born in Castres, played for French international youth teams, but has an Algerian mother.

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One to watch: Islam Slimani (left) netted five goals for Algeria during qualification

Vital statistic Algeria won six of their eight World Cup Qualification games; those two losses came against Mali and Burkina Faso.
Coral odds to win 300/1
Draw danger rating 2/5

Talking tactics: Halilhodzic builds his sides around a solid defence and organisation, then hopes his forwards will come up with something special to pinch a goal
Most likely to:  Go through all three qualifying games as 0-0 draws.

 

Argentina

Population: 41.9million
National dish: Asado – beef cooked on a barbecue
National anthem: Himno Nacional Argentina
Best World Cup finish: Winners 1978 and 1986

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World star: Much of Argentina's success will depend on the form of Lionel Messi

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Premier passion: Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is also one of Argentina's main attacking threats

MAGIC MOMENT

Diego Maradona’s virtual one-man winning show in Mexico was magnificent, but still doesn’t top the free flowing football played on pitches ankle deep in ticker tape by the 1978 side in front of their own fans.

Premier League pedigree: Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero (Man City), Erik Lamela (Tottenham), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle).
Meet the coach: Alejandro Sabella. Bit of a Yorkshireman – he spent two seasons in his playing days as an attacking midfielder with Sheffield United and then moved to Leeds for a year.  Spent years as coach to Daniel Passarella at different jobs, won the Argentina title in his own right with Estudiantes, and took the national job in 2011.
Meet the captain: Javier Mascherano.  Former Liverpool and West Ham star often plays as a central defender for Barcelona, but is more often used in his old midfield position for his country.  Tenacious tackler who gets the ball to let the others play.

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Leading by example: Manager Alejandro Sabella (left) and tough-tackling midfielder Javier Mascherano

Vital statistic No player assisted more goals in the CONMEBOL qualifiers than Lionel Messi or Angel Di Maria (5).
Coral odds to win 11/2
Draw danger rating: 5/5

 

Star man: Lionel Messi. What more to say about the brilliant Barcelona star, Ballon d’Or winner four seasons in a row, scorer of countless goals? Only that the one thing he still wants is a World Cup winners’ medal.
Watch out for: Marcos Rojo. Tall, powerful left-sided central defender who plays for Sporting Lisbon and at 23 is starting to get more chances in Sabella’s team selections.
Talking tactics: Strong defence, options in attack – but the side is built around getting the ball to Messi as often as possible and letting him do the damage.
Most likely to: Say: ‘Oh, great goal Messi’.

 

Australia

Population: 22.68 million
National dish: Anything – just throw it on the barbecue
National anthem: Advance Australia Fair
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 2006
Premier League pedigree: Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace)

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Helping hand: Former Blackburn and West Ham star Lucas Neill (right) will skipper the Socceroos in Brazil

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Making his point: Veteran Tim Cahill is still Australia's star man and the biggest goal threat

MAGIC MOMENT

Tim Cahill’s two goals against Japan got the campaign off to a rousing start in Germany.

Meet the coach: Angelos Postecoglou. Born in Greece, he was five when his family moved to Melbourne. Now 48, he is Australia’s most successful domestic coach and replaced German Holger Osieck last month.
Meet the captain: Lucas Neill. Former Blackburn, West Ham and Everton defender is now 35 and playing in Japan as he aims for a World Cup swansong to his career
Star man: Tim Cahill. A sign that domestic players from Oz are not developing that at 33 the former Everton man remains the most likely to get a goal.

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On the road: Angelos Postecoglou is new to the role of Australia manager as they prepare for Brazil

Vital statistic The Socceroos won just three of their eight fourth round matches; fewer than the other three CAF qualifiers for the 2014 WC finals – Japan (5), Iran (5), South Korea (4).
Coral odds to win: 250/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5
 

Watch out for: Mathew Leckie: Robust, busy striker who is 22 and has been making a name for himself in Germany with Frankfurt.
Talking tactics: Postecoglou is new in the job so his plans are unknown, but his club success has mostly been based on quick counter attacking and the use of wingers.
Most likely to: Hit the Copacabana beach and go surfing.

 

Belgium

Population: 11.14 million
National dish: Mussels and chips
National anthem: The Brabanconne
Best World Cup finish: Fourth place in 1986.
Premier League pedigree: Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele Nacer Chadli (Tottenham), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Marouane Fellaini (Man Utd), Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea), Kevin Mirallas, Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Christian Benteke (Aston Villa), Vincent Kompany (Man City).

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Hair apparent: Marouane Fellani (left) glides the ball past Japan's Hajime Hosogai for Belgium

MAGIC MOMENT

Leo van der Elst tucking away the fifth and winning penalty to knock out Spain in the quarter-finals in Mexico '86.  

Meet the coach: Marc Wilmots. Midfield driving force of his country’s team in the 90s, the 44-year-old has been in charge since 2012 after three years as assistant. Has also been a politician spending two years in the country’s Senate.
Meet the captain: Vincent Kompany.  Manchester City’s skipper has proved his credentials as a top defender and is the rock on which Belgium’s defence is founded.
Star man: Marouane Fellaini.  That haircut and his 6ft 4ins frame means you can’t miss the Manchester United man in central midfield.
Watch out for: Romelu Lukaku: Barely got a game behind Christian Benteke in the qualifying games but if he goes on getting goals for Everton could win the contest to wear the No 9 shirt.

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Wing wizard: Chelsea star Eden Hazard will be a vital part of anything Belgium achieve in Brazil

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Target man: Everton's loan star Romelu Lukaku vies for playing time with Aston Villa's Christian Benteke

Vital statistic Despite having 10 different goalscorers during qualifying, no Belgian managed to score more than four goals (De Bruyne – 4).
Coral odds to win: 14/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5
 

Talking tactics:  It’s a 4-2-3-1, which means either Lukaku or Benteke gets to play – Wilmots thinks the two strikers are too similar to be in the same team. Eden Hazard gets a lot of the ball to run from the wings.
Most likely to: Shave Fellaini’s hair off for some fun on a night out.

 

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Population: 3.83 million
National dish: Cevapi – a grilled dish of minced meat
National anthem: Drzavna himna Bosne i Hercegovine
Best World Cup finish: Never previously qualified.
Premier League pedigree: Asmir Begovic (Stoke), Edin Dzeko (Man City)

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Up top: Edin Dzeko, may not be first on the teamsheet at the Etihad, but he's Bosnia-Herzegovina's main man

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V for Victory: A shirtless Bosnia-Herzegovina skipper Emir Spahic celebrates a win over Slovakia

MAGIC MOMENT

Topping their qualifying group on goal difference after a nervy 1-0 away win in Lithuania.

Meet the coach: Safet Susic. Once a creative midfielder who played more than 350 games for Paris St Germain, the 58-year-old had coached in France and Turkey before taking his current job in 2009.
Meet the captain: Emir Spahic. Experienced and craggy Bayer Leverkusen centre half, 33, has also played club football in Russia and Spain.
Star man: Edin Dzeko. He may struggle to get a game at The Etihad at times, but some 33 goals in 58 internationals make the 27-year-old an automatic pick for his country.

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Making waves: Miralem Pjanic is one of Roma's most gifted players and could help Bosnia's chances

Vital statistic Only Netherlands striker Robin van Persie (11) scored more goals in the UEFA qualifiers than Edin Dzeko (10).
Coral odds to win: 150/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

 

Watch out for: Miralem Pjanic:  Attacking midfielder cost Roma £10million in 2011.  Aged just 23, he’s hugely gifted technically and can work on both wings as well as in central positions.
Talking tactics: Just the one holding midfield man allows two tall strikers with Vedad Ibišević of Stuttgart alongside Dzeko and a fairly direct style.
Most likely to: All dye their hair blond to underline team spirit.

 

Brazil

Population: 198.7million
National dish: Feijoada – a stew of beans with beef and pork
National anthem: Himno Nacional Brasileiro
Best World Cup finish:  Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
Premier League pedigree: David Luiz, Ramires, Oscar (Chelsea), Paulinho, Sandro (Tottenham), Lucas (Liverpool), Fernandinho (Man City).

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Fame and fortune: Neymar (centre) is Brazil's talisman, prompting Barcelona to splash out £50million on him

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Top of the world: Chelsea's flamboyant defender David Luiz is a regular at the back for the Selecao

MAGIC MOMENT

How long have you got?  For those of us of a certain age it would still be Carlos Alberto arriving from nowhere to meet Pele’s pass and smash the final goal of the 4-1 win over Italy in the 1970 final. YouTube it!

Meet the coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari:  Brain behind the 2002 triumph was brought back two years ago with one brief – to win the trophy again on home soil. Vastly experienced and successful 65-year-old.
Meet the captain: Thiago Silva.  Imposing centre back has won League titles with both Milan and Paris St Germain.  Age 29, likely to win his 50th cap at the start of the tournament.
Star man: Dani Alves:  Barcelona star sets the template for what an attacking full back should do.  Powerful in the tackle, devastating when he gets forward. At 30 he has some 72 caps.
Watch out for: Neymar: Barcelona paid nearly £50million to sign the quicksilver striker who was still 19 when he was named South American Footballer of the Year. Not 22 until March, he’s already got 46 caps and scored 27 goals.

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Leading from the back: Brazil's PSG skipper Thiago Silva (left) in action against Chilean Alexis Sanchez

Vital statistic Brazil have lost just two of their last 17 World Cup matches (W14 D1).
Coral odds to win: 10/3
Draw danger rating: 5/5

Talking tactics:  Scolari took over a team playing 4-3-3 and has kept the same basic shape but brought in flexibility to rotate players.
Most likely to: Win.

 

Cameroon

Population: 20.5million
National dish: Ndole  - a stew of nuts, ndoleh leaves, and fish or ground beef
National anthem: Chant de Ralliement or The Rallying Song
Best World Cup finish: Quarter finals, 1990
Premier League pedigree: Samuel Eto’o (Chelsea), Sebastien Bassong (Norwich)

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Icon: Cameroon will be pinning their hopes on Chelsea's veteran hitman Samuel Eto'o

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Surprise package? Cameroon manager Volker Finke (left) will be guiding Sebastian Bassong and team-mates

MAGIC MOMENT

Beating holders Argentina 1-0 in the opening game of the 1990 tournament, and the Roger Milla corner flag celebrations.

Meet the coach: Volker Finke. The 65-year-old German former teacher spent 16 years as coach of Freiburg. Won three out of three since appointed to his first internaitonal job in May.
Meet the captain: Samuel Eto’o. Veteran Chelsea striker has a goal every other game in 112 caps and is the big hope for his country to make an impact.
Star man: Stephane Mbia. Did his best amid the wreckage of QPR’s relegation season but has found his best form since a loan move to Sevilla.
Watch out for: Fabrice Olinga: Just 17 and only 5ft 7ins tall but emerging as a star in Spanish football for Malaga, his nickname is 'Happy Feet'

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Cool head: Stephane Mbia (centre) is a rock in defensive midfield for Cameroon

Vital statistic No Cameroon player managed to register more than two goals throughout the qualifying phases.
Coral odds to win: 400/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Talking tactics: Finke pioneered the use of two holding midfield men in German football. He likes neat, passing football and often plays without wide men.
Most likely to: Recreate the Roger Milla wiggle as a goal celebration.

 

Chile

Population: 17.46 million
National dish: Curanto – a stew of seafood, meat and vegetables
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Chile
Best World Cup finish: Third place 1962
Premier League pedigree: Gary Medel (Cardiff)

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Star turn: Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez (left), taking on Brazil's Luis Gustavo, is Chile's talisman

MAGIC MOMENT

Two years after an earthquake devastated the country, Chile hosted the tournament in 1962. Legend has it they ate Swiss cheese before beating Switzerland, spaghetti before beating Italy, and drank vodka before knocking USSR out of the quarter-final.

Meet the coach: Jorge Sampaoli. Argentine who quit playing through injury at 19.  Started his coaching career with an amateur club.
Worked his way up, winning the Copa Sudamericana with Universidad de Chile before taking his current job in 2012.
Meet the captain: Claudio Bravo. Agile Real Sociedad goalkeeper, 30, has been his country’s undisputed number one for nearly ten years, and worn the armband since 2007.
Star man: Alexis Sanchez: Barcelona paid £23million to sign the 5ft 7ins winger from Udinese in Italy – can play on either wing or as a central striker.  Some 22 goals in 64 games for his country so far.

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Feisty: Cardiff's Chilean hardman Gary Medel (left) battles for the ball with Brazil striker Jo

Watch out for: Gary Medel. Known as the ‘Pitbull’ in Seville where he got five red cards and 33 yellows in three seasons, he’s been tamed since moving to Cardiff and is now the man who makes the Chile midfield tick. 

Vital statistic Chile were awarded four red cards; the most by any team during the CONMEBOL qualifying phase.
Coral odds to win: 40/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Talking tactics: Sampaoli goes for a brave ‘basketball’ style of football – we attack you, you attack us.  Scored the second most goals in South American qualifying, but conceded most too.
Most likely to: Be involved in a 5-4 thriller.

 

Colombia

Population: 47.7 million
National dish: Bandeja paisa – a red beans cooked with beef and white rice
National anthem: Oh Gloria Inmarcesible
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 1990
Premier League pedigree: None

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World class: In Radamel Falcao, Colombia can call on one of the most prolific strikers in world football

MAGIC MOMENT

Marcos Coll scored direct from a corner – known in Latin America as an Olympic Goal – as part of a comeback from 3-0 down to draw 4-4 with Russia, complete with Lev Yashin in goal – in 1962.

Meet the coach: Jose Pekerman: Experienced 65-year-old who led his own country Argentina to the quarter-finals in 2006 before losing on penalties to the Germans (who else?).
Meet the captain: Mario Yepes. Rugged centre back will be 38 by next summer but proved he’s still the leader scoring two goals against Paraguay in the final qualifying game. Currently with Atalanta, previous clubs include Paris St Germain and AC Milan.
Star man: Falcao: Scored 52 goals in 67 games for Atletico Madrid, the 27-year-old striker is now raking in more than £12million a year in wages after Monaco bought him for £55million.

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Fancy footwork: James Rodriguez's skill has led to comparisons with legendary midfielder Carlos Valderrama

Vital statistic James Rodríguez created more chances than any other player in CONMEBOL qualification (43).
Coral odds to win: 28/1
Draw danger rating: 3
 

Watch out for: James Rodriguez. Another signed for big money by Monaco – £40million – when he left Porto in the summer, the 22-year-old creative midfielder is considered the new Carlos Valderrama (sadly without the spectacular hair!)
Talking tactics: Pekerman lost his job as Argentina coach accused of being too defensive, and his mentality hasn’t changed. No side in the South American qualifying group conceded fewer than Colombia’s 13.
Most likely to: Score goals - with Falcao and Jackson Martinez up front, they'll be a handful for any defence.

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Captain's example: Mario Yepes will be 38 at Brazil but has proven his worth in solidity and experience

World Cup 2014: Brazil sports ministry and FIFA on racism claims

 

Costa Rica

Population: 4.8 million
National dish: Casado – rice with black beans
National anthem: Noble patria, tu Hermosa bandera
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 in 1990.
Premier League pedigree: Bryan Oviedo (Everton), Bryan Ruiz (Fulham)

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Craven star: Fulham's gifted Bryan Ruiz will be Costa Rica's talisman at the World Cup

MAGIC MOMENT

Hernan Medford’s goal three minutes from the end clinched a 2-1 win over Sweden in the last group game of 1990 to qualify from the knockout stages in a group that also included Brazil and Scotland.

Meet the coach: Jorge Luis Pinto. A 60-year-old Colombian who is in his second spell in charge of Costa Rica.  Has also managed his own country and 15 different clubs in a 30-year career.
Meet the captain: Bryan Ruiz. Fulham fans have seen only glimpses of the creative potential of the 28-year-old attacking midfield man, but his performances were key for his country’s qualification.
Star man: Keylor Navas: Just 18 when he made his debut in senior football at home – his talent in goal was rewarded with lucrative moves to Spain where he now plays for Levante, and was a key part of their first ever qualification for the Europa League.

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Safe hands: Keeper Keylor Navas is one of Costa Rica's top talents, displaying his quality for Levante

Vital statistic Costa Rica entered the CONCACAF qualification process in the third of four rounds. They progressed from the third round and in the final round of qualification finished in second; the top three automatically qualify.
Coral odds to win: 750/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

 

Watch out for: Joel Campbell: Arsenal signed him in 2011 but couldn’t get a work permit at first, so the pacey, skilful forward has been on loan since in Spain and now Greece with Olympiacos.
Talking tactics: Solid defensively, they let in just seven goals in their qualifying campaign – the least of any side in their section.  Going forward they are built around creating space for Ruiz to act as playmaker.
Most likely to: Forbid their players to swap shirts – their FA will be one of the poorest at the tournament.

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Secret Weapon: Costa Rica's Joel Campbell celebrates, and is on Arsenal's books

Croatia

Population: 4.26 million
National dish: Sir – small milky white cheeses delivered fresh from the farm to market.
National anthem:  'Lijepa nasa domovino' (Our Beautiful Homeland) 
Best World Cup finish: Third in 1998
Premier League pedigree: Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Nikica Jelavic (Everton), Mladen Petric (West Ham)

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At the heart of it: Luka Modric (left) displays the same playmaking power for Croatia as for Real Madrid

MAGIC MOMENT

Davor Suker won the golden boot with six goals at France '98, but the sweetest was among the three that stunned ten-man Germany in the quarter-finals.

Meet the coach: Niko Kovac: Promoted from Under 21 coach after Croatia only just sneaked into the play-offs, the 42-year-old won 83 caps but has no previous management experience.
Meet the captain: Darijo Srna. Legend of Ukrainian football after a ten-year career and more than 400 games at Shakhtar Donetsk, he’s got 110 caps. Right back who takes set pieces.
Star man: Luka Modric. Real Madrid midfielder needs no introduction after four dazzling years at Spurs, will drift between the lines and thread incisive passes.
Watch out for: Mateo Kovacic: Creative teenage midfielder was just 16 when he made his debut in Russian football for Dinamo Zagreb.  Moved to Inter Milan last summer for £14million.

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Having a Party: Darijo Srna (left), Mario Mandzukic (centre) and Nikica Jelavic celebrate reaching Brazil

Vital statistic Croatia were the only team of the eight that featured in the play offs to have kept clean sheets in both matches.
Coral odds to win: 100/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Talking tactics: A tough holding midfield man in his playing days, Kovac likes his teams to take no prisoners and like Slaven Bilic before him, isn’t afraid to use a good old-fashioned 4-4-2.
Most likely to: Get the most red and yellow cards in the tournament.

 

Ecuador

Population: 15.5 million
National dish: Ceviche – raw fish marinated in citrus juices
National anthem: Salve oh Patria
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 2006
Premier League pedigree: Antonio Valencia (Man Utd)

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Key man: Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia is a hero in Ecuadorian football folklore

MAGIC MOMENT

Agustin Delgado caps a man of the match display at Hamburg in 2006 with a goal in the 3-0 win over Costa Rica which took them to the knockout stages in a finals for the first time.

Meet the coach: Reinaldo Rueda. Colombian trained as a PE teacher then became a University professor, only played amateur football – but this will be the second country he has led to a World Cup finals after previous success with Honduras.
Meet the captain: Antonio Valencia.  Winger started life playing barefoot on a field near his house in the Amazon rain forest, and ended up a Manchester United star. Eight goals in 69 caps for his country.
Star man: Edison Mendez. Vastly experienced free kick specialist, the 34-year-old won his first cap in 2000. Attacking midfielder known for pace, accurate passing, and long range shooting.
Watch out for: Felipe Caicedo: Burly Lokomotiv Moscow striker didn’t make much impact at Manchester City, but moving to Russia has improved him and he will spearhead the attack.

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Forgotten man: Former Manchester City forward Felipe Caicedo celebrates after scoring against Chile

Vital statistic Ecuador claimed just one win in their last six qualification matches (D2 L3).
Coral odds to win: 150/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

 

Talking tactics: Like to get the ball out side with Valencia and his opposite winger encouraged to hug the touchline and get crosses in for Caicedo.
Most likely to: Dedicate any success to the memory of striker Christian Benitez who tragically died from a heart attack aged just 27.

 

England

Population: 53.01 million
National dish: Roast beef... or is it curry nowadays?
National anthem: God Save The Queen
Best World Cup finish: Winners, 1966
Premier League pedigree: The whole squad.

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Talisman: Keeping star striker Wayne Rooney fit will be paramount to any England World Cup success

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Making his point: Liverpool star Steven Gerrard will be at the heart of the England midfield as captain

MAGIC MOMENT

'Some people on the pitch, they think it’s all over . . . it is now!' 

Meet the coach: Roy Hodgson: Rich coaching experience at both club and international level, at 66 it is now or never to be an England hero or just a nearly man.
Meet the captain: Steven Gerrard: Having one of his best seasons for Liverpool so far, but will be 34 in Brazil and must stay fit. 
Star man: Wayne Rooney: Has always had injury or other issues at major tournaments, but he’s settled again at Old Trafford under David Moyes and England hope for big things this time. 
Watch out for: Ross Barkley: Everton youngster has been compared to the young Paul Gascoigne – could he take a tournament by storm like Gazza did in 1990?

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England expects: But can Roy Hodgson shake off his critics and deliver a memorable campaign?

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Safe hands? Joe Hart has been dropped by Manchester City, but is still England's No 1

Vital statistic England had 12 different goal-scorers during qualification.
Coral odds to win: 25/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Talking tactics: Hodgson was always a solid 4-4-2 man, but has found an adventurous spirit in his last couple of qualifying games. Will he be brave enough to take that to Brazil?
Most likely to:  Get knocked out on penalties...

 

France

Population: 65.7 million
National dish: Cassoulet – simmered white beans and meat
National anthem: The Marseillaise
Best World Cup finish: Winners 1998
Premier League pedigree: Hugo Lloris, Etienne Capoue (Spurs), Mathieu Debuchy, Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko, Loic Remy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa(Newcastle), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri (Man City), Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud (Arsenal).

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Wing wizard: In Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, France have one of the planet's most exciting players

World Cup 2014: Zidane says a difficult draw is good for France

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You Bleu-tie: Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and Blaise Matuidi (L-R) celebrate qualification against Ukraine

MAGIC MOMENT

Emmanuel Petit’s late goal crowning a 3-0 win over Brazil in front of 75,000 in the Stade de France in the 1998 final – two days before Bastille Day.

Meet the coach: Didier Deschamps. France’s 1998 World Cup winning captain, as a club boss he won a League title in charge of Marseille and took Monaco to the Champions League final. 
Meet the captain: Hugo Lloris. Tottenham keeper has worn the armband since previous manager Laurent Blanc gave it to him before Euro 2012. 
Star man: Franck Ribery. Contender for the Ballon d’Or alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, his glittering wing play has helped Bayern Munich win the Champions League and three Bundesliga titles. UEFA’s Player of the year in 2012-13.
Watch out for: Paul Pogba: The boy who walked out on Manchester United because he wanted more game time is now blossoming at Juventus. Aged 20 he brings composure on the ball beyond his years.

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Brothers in arms: Manchester United's Patrice Evra (left) embraces France manager Didier Deschamps

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Leader: Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris is France skipper and set to be one of the tournament's top keepers

Vital statistic Franck Ribéry attempted more dribbles (107) than any other player in European qualification.
Coral odds to win: 20/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

 

Talking tactics: Deschamps has been a cautious manager with a heavy emphasis on defence – until he suddenly inspired a brilliant play-off victory when he found his side 2-0 down. Will he follow the new path in Brazil, or go back to what he knows best?
Most likely to: Fall out with each other and all go on strike after a bad first game.

 

Germany

Population: 81.9 million
National dish: Sauerbraten – a pot roast of mainly beef but other meats can be used
National anthem: Das Deutschlandlied
Best World Cup finish: Winners 1954, 1974, 1990

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Technique: Arsenal's record signing Mesut Ozil is also an integral part of Germany's playmaking power

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Stalwart: Germany's Philipp Lahm could be named in the World Cup Dream Team for the third time

MAGIC MOMENT

Franz Beckenbauer, captain of the 1974 winning team, lifting the trophy as manager after triumph in Italy in 1990

Premier League pedigree: Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea),
Meet the coach: Joachim Low. Appointed assistant by Jurgen Klinsmann after Euro 2004, he stepped into the top job two years later and has produced a vibrant side that’s true to the traditions of a proud country.
Meet the captain: Philipp Lahm. Long-serving Bayern Munich full back with 104 caps was named in the Team of the Tournament by FIFA after both the last two World Cups. 
Star man: Mesut Ozil. Brilliant eye for a killer pass, the man who became Arsenal’s record buy this summer made more assists than any player in Europe in his time at Real Madrid.
Watch out for: Toni Kroos. Bayern Munich midfielder already has more than 40 caps at the age of 23 and looks like he’s maturing just in time to take a World Cup by storm.

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Guardian: Manuel Neuer is a fantastic No 1 for both Bayern Munich and the German national side

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Tipped: This could be Toni Kroos' (left) big chance, eluding England's Jordan Henderson

Vital statistic No side attempted more passes than Germany during the European qualifiers (7588).
Coral odds to win: 5/1
Draw danger rating: 5/5

Talking tactics: It’s a 4-2-3-1 system with the emphasis on keeping the ball on the floor, attacking with pace, and picking off the right pass to create chances in the 18 yard box.
Most likely to: Win a penalty shoot out

 

Ghana

Population: 25.37 million
National dish: Fufu - yam mashed into a pulp served with peanut soup and meat
National anthem: God Bless Our Homeland Ghana
Best World Cup finish: Quarter finals, 2010

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Star striker: Asamoah Gyan of Ghana (left) makes his way past Sunzu Stoppila of Zambia

MAGIC MOMENT

Asamoah Gyan smashing the winning goal in extra time against USA to set up a meeting with Uruguay, memorable for Luis Suarez’s handball that stopped what would have been the winner.

Premier League pedigree: Michael Essien (Chelsea), Derek Boateng (Fulham), Emmanuel Frimpong (Arsenal).
Meet the coach: James Kwesi Appiah.  Stepped up last November after five years as assistant to first Claude Le Roy then Milovan Rajevac and Goran Stevanovic, the 53-year-old is the first black African to manage a side to qualification.
Meet the captain: Asamoah Gyan. Big striker left Sunderland to earn a fortune in the UAE with Al Ain, the 28-year-old wants to bury the memory of his penalty miss against Uruguay in 2010.
Star man: Kevin-Prince Boateng. Former Spurs and Portsmouth midfielder retired from international football but was convinced to come back last year and was key to qualification.

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In action: Ghana's Derek Boateng (left) storms past Burkina Faso's Charles Kabored in qualifying

Vital statistic Ghana failed to score in just one of their eight qualification games for Brazil 2014.
Coral odds to win: 100/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Watch out for: Frank Acheampong: Anderlecht bought the 20-yeaar-old for a record fee from Thai Premier League side Buriram United. Just 5ft 7ins, great skill and devastating change of pace.
Talking tactics: Appiah has a family home in London and is a huge admirer of Arsenal’s style, so expect the ball to stay on the ground.
Most likely to: Spend the most time practising penalties after losing their 2010 shoot-out.

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Big name: Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien (left) is still one of Ghana's top players

Greece

Population: 11.28 million
National dish: Moussaka
National anthem: Hymn to Liberty
Best World Cup finish: First round - 1994 and 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham)

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Leading by example: Fulham veteran Giorgos Karagounis will be a steady head for Greece

MAGIC MOMENT

Dimitrios Salpingidis and Vasilis Torosidis help them recover from a goal down to beat Nigeria in 2010

Meet the coach: Fernando Santos. Portuguese 59-year-old has twice bossed AEK Athens, and reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
Meet the captain: Giorgos Karagounis. With 131 caps, Fulham man who was the midfield star of Greece’s greatest moment when they won Euro 2004 is still going strong even though he will be 37 by the time of this tournament.
Star man: Dimitrios Salpingidis. Like Karagounis a veteran at 32 with 72 caps, his speed up front is essential for creating chances for a defensive minded team.
Watch out for: Konstantinos Mitroglou: Five goals in qualifying underline the finishing ability of the 25-year-old Olympiacos star who has been watched by both Liverpool and Arsenal.

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One to watch: Kostas Mitroglou has been catching the eye with his displays for club and country

Vital statistic No side claimed more home wins during qualification than Greece (5, including play offs).
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

Talking tactics: The old Arsenal side would approve – five of their eight qualifying victories were secured with a 1-0 scoreline.
Most likely to: Insist they are in Brazil to win and not to entertain.

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Focal point: Greece's Dimitris Salpingidis (left) and Germany's Jerome Boateng battle for the ball

Honduras

Population: 7.9 million
National dish: Carneada – it’s a pork sausage
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Honduras
Best World Cup finish: First round, 1982 and 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Wilson Palacios (Stoke)

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Listen up: Honduras hitman Carlo Costly will be one of the minnows' main stars in Brazil

MAGIC MOMENT

Hector Zelaya stunned hosts Spain with a goal after just eight minutes in their opening match and a side brilliantly managed by Jose De La Paz held on for a 1-1 draw in 1982.

Meet the coach: Luis Fernando Suarez:  Not to be confused with the Liverpool striker, this one is 53 and from Colombia.  He led Ecuador to the second round in 2006 where they lost to a David Beckham free kick.
Meet the captain: Noel Valladares. Veteran goalkeeper, 36, made his debut in 2000 and has won 118 caps since. Not the tallest at 5ft 10ins but brilliant reactions.
Star man: Carlo Costly: Giant striker – he’s 6ft 4ins – brings vast experience at 31. Now playing in the Chinese League, he had a brief spell at Birmingham in 2009.

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Between the sticks: Agile keeper Noel Valladares has won 118 caps in goal for Honduras

Vital statistic In the final round of qualification from the CONCACAF nations, Honduras claimed the final automatic spot – finishing third.
Coral odds to win: 1500/1
Draw danger rating: 1/5

 

Watch out for: Jerry Bengtson: Lanky striker plays for New England Revolution in the MLS – he made an impact during the London Olympics, and top scored in qualifying with nine goals.
Talking tactics: Well organised and compact, their home form was key to qualification.  Temperament can be suspect on their travels.
Most likely to: Insist that Costly was never given a fair chance in his short time in England.

 

Holland

Population: 16.7 million
National dish: Stampot – vegetables and meat, usually sausage, cooked in one pan
National anthem: Het Wilhelmus
Best World Cup finish: Runners up 1974, 1978 and 2010.

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Hitman: Manchester United's star striker Robin van Persie leads his Holland side from the front

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View from the touchline: Holland coach Louis van Gaal gives instructions to his players

MAGIC MOMENT

Forget any goals, matches, wins or defeats, it has to be the Cruyff turn, unveiled for the first time in a 1974 match with Sweden. Pure genius by one of the game’s greats.

Premier League pedigree: Tim Krul (Newcastle), Maarten Stekelenburg (Fulham) Michel Vorm, (Swansea), Ron Vlaar (Asston Villa), Leroy Fer, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel (Norwich), Marco Van Ginkel (Chelsea), Robin Van Persie (Man Utd).
Meet the coach: Louis Van Gaal. Great disciple of the Dutch traditions of Total Football, at 62 he’s in his second spell as Dutch managerwith a 28-year coaching career at clubs like Ajax and Barcelona behind him.
Meet the captain: Robin van Persie. Time for Manchester United’s Premier League golden boot winner to hit the heights on the world stage with a side who have been brilliant in qualifying.
Star man: Arjen Robben. Bayern Munich winger has won League titles in England, Spain and Germany with a Champions League and World Cup runner-up medal thrown in. Great turn of pace and accurate crossing.

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Curler: Holland always pose a threat with attacking quality like Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben (centre)

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Still got it: Holland will be aided by the talents of Wesley Sneijder (left), flying past Konstantin Vassiljev

Vital statistic Netherlands qualified for the 2014 World Cup with ease, having won nine points (28) more than the next best side (Romania – 19) in Group D.
Coral odds to win: 20/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Watch out for: Stefan de Vrij. Captain of Feyenoord at the tender age of 21, the 6ft 2ins centre half is cool on the ball as well as a powerful defender
Talking tactics: Free flowing midfield, with players who rotate positions and Robben likely to pop up to torment defenders on either right or left wing.  Easy on the eye.
Most likely to: Have wives, girlfriends and children in their camp for a month long party.

 

Iran

Population: 76.42 million
National dish: Cheloe kabab - steamed saffroned basmati rice normally with lamb fillet kebab
National anthem: Sorud-e Melli-ye Jonhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran
Best World Cup finish: First round - 1978, 1972, 1976.

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Encouragement: Former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is in charge of Iran

MAGIC MOMENT

Beating USA in France in 1998. It was designated the peace game to defuse the political issues, but huge celebrations greeted goals by Estili and Mahdavikia that brought a 2-1 win.

Premier League pedigree: Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham)
Meet the coach: Carlos Queiroz: Twice Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two at Manchester United, and ex boss of both Real Madrid and Fulham, the 60-year-old has been in charge since 2011.
Meet the captain: Javad Nekounam: Central midfielder with a powerful shot, at 33 he’s moved back to play in the Iranian League after a long career with Osasuna in Spain.
Star man: Masoud Shojae: Tall, creative midfielder has a ready made partnership with Nekounam as both were at Osasuna. Is still in Spain at Las Palmas.

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Central role: Fulham star Ashkan Dejagah is one of Iran's hopes of springing a shock

Vital statistic Iran lost just two of their 16 qualifiers (W10 D4).
Coral odds to win: 1500/1
Draw danger rating: 1/5

 

Watch out for: Reza Ghoochannejhad: Lean forward with Dutch and Iranian parents who has emerged in Belgian football and is impressing with Standard Liege this season.
Talking tactics: A solid base in midfield and a sound defence are the building blocks, but the adventurous spirit of sides he coached at Old Trafford and in Madrid is never far away.
Most likely to: Let their manager attract all the media attention while they get on and play.

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Composure: Experienced midfielder Javad Nekounam will be vital for Iran as they look to spring a surprise

Italy

Population: 60.92 million
National dish: Spaghetti Bolognese – or Pizza
National anthem: Il Canto degli Italiani
Best World Cup finish: Winners - 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Premier League pedigree: Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland), Pablo Osvaldo (Southampton), Davide Santon (Newcastle)

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Livewire: But Mario Balotelli, challenging Tomas Sivok (right), is one of the most dangerous strikers around

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Safe hands: Veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon (right) will lead Italy from between the posts in Brazil

MAGIC MOMENT

Marco Tardelli’s ecstatic scream of celebration scoring as he ran to the bench after scoring the second goal in the 1982 final win over West Germany.

Meet the coach: Cesare Prandelli:  The man who restored Italy’s reputation after the shambles of the 2010 World Cup exit, the 56-year-old spent six years in charge of Fiorentina – a lifetime in Italian football – before taking charge of his country.
Meet the captain: Gianluigi Buffon.  Giant Juventus goalkeeper with 138 caps has four Serie A titles and a 2006 World Cup winners medal in his collection of honours.  Still at the peak of his game aged 35.
Star man: Mario Balotelli. Brilliant, unpredictable, maverick striker that you can’t take your eyes off.  Prandelli’s great achievement of Euro 2012 was to keep the former Manchester City man on the straight and narrow, and if he can do it again he could be a Golden Boot contender.

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Stylish: And Andrea Pirlo's impeccable dead balls will be one of the Italians' main threats in Brazil

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Next generation: Italian fans are pinning hopes for the future on PSG midfielder Marco Verratti

Vital statistic The Italians remained unbeaten throughout qualifying, winning six and drawing four.
Coral odds to win: 18/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5
 

Watch out for: Marco Verratti: Pocket sized 21-year-old Paris St Germain midfield star has been billed as the natural successor to Andrea Pirlo.
Talking tactics: Prandelli consigned ‘Catenaccio’ to the history books when he took over saying ‘it is now obvious you cannot get results without attractive football’.  Happy to indulge Balotelli’s individual talent.
Most likely to: Be seen out trying Rio’s night spots with Balotelli leading the dancing.

 

Ivory Coast

Population: 19.8 million
National dish: Alloco - fried plantain often served with chilli pepper and onions
National anthem: 'L'Abidjanaise' (Song of Abidjan)
Best World Cup finish: First round, 2006, 2010
Premier League pedigree: Yaya Toure (Man City), Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Arouna Kone (Everton), Wilfried Bony (Swansea).

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Icon: Chelsea legend Didier Drogba will be leading the Ivory Coast in the World Cup for the final time at 35

MAGIC MOMENT

Coming from two down to beat Serbia and Montenegro in their final game of the 2006 tournament.

Meet the coach: Sabri Lamouchi. Stellar playing career in France and Italy, but the 42-year-old had never managed before taking his current job in May 2012.
Meet the captain: Didier Drogba. Now 35 but the former Chelsea star proved in clinching qualification for the finals that he’s still the inspiration for his country.
Star man: Yaya Toure. Manuel Pellegrini has made him the rock of Manchester City’s midfield and he’ll be just as important for his country
Watch out for: Serge Aurier. The 20-year-old Toulouse right back posted a picture of himself in an Arsenal shirt – a good World Cup could make the move happen.

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City slicker: Ivory Coast's midfield giant Yaya Toure (left) battles past Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate

Vital statistic Salomon Kalou (5) was their top scorer in qualifying, just ahead of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba (4).
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Talking tactics: The 'Golden Generation' of Ivory Coast’s individual stars have never quite lived up to their individual talents (sound familiar?) Lamouchi has encouraged them to work as hard off the ball as they do on it.
Most likely to: Have Drogba take over doing the team talks if things aren’t going their way.

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Hot pursuit: Ivory Coast's Serge Aurier (right) looks to continue his promising form at the World Cup

Japan

Population: 127.6 million
National dish: Sushi – sliced raw seafish
National anthem: Kimigayo
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 2002, 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Shinji Kagawa (Man Utd)

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United they stand: Old Trafford midfielder Shinji Kagawa will dictate much of Japan's play in Brazil

MAGIC MOMENT

The 2-0 win over Tunisia – after they’d beaten Russia – taking them through to the knock-out stages in front of their own fans in 2002.

Meet the coach: Alberto Zaccheroni. He’s bossed all the big Italian clubs in a 30-year management career since having to quit playing through injury.   Aged 60, has already won the Asian Cup in his first go as an international boss.
Meet the captain: Makoto Hasebe. With 70 caps behind him, the 29-year-old defensive midfielder has been a star in the Bundesliga since 2008 with first Wolfsburg then current club FC Nurnburg.
Star man: Shinji Kagawa. Man Utd fans have yet to see the best of him, but 16 goals in 52 caps from midfield tell their own story of his creative vision and attacking potential.

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Tough tackler: Japan skipper Makoto Hasebe (right) fights for the ball with Kevin Mirallas of Belgium

Vital statistic Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki (8) was the top scorer in the whole of the AFC qualification process for World Cup 2014.
Coral odds to win: 80/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

 

Watch out for: Keisuke Honda: Forgive the pun, but the driving force of CSKA Moscow’s attack is a target for AC Milan. Creative passing, and brilliant free kick taker.
Talking tactics: Japan were always more of a freewheeling side but under Zaccheroni they’ve developed an Italian defensive mentality.  After a difficult start the change has worked and they are tough to beat.
Most likely to: Have hordes of their fans outside the team hotel all night waiting for pictures.

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Saintly performance: Southampton star Maya Yoshida is a crucial presence for Japan

Korea Republic

Population: 50 million
National dish: Kimchee – pickled or fermented vegetables
National anthem: Aegukga, or 'Patriotic Song'
Best World Cup finish: Fourth place in 2002.
Premier League pedigree:  Ki Sung-Yueng, Ji Dong-Won (both Sunderland); Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff); Park Chu-Young (Arsenal).

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Star man: Korea and Bolton's tricky winger Lee Chung-Yong glides past Croatia's Darijo Srna (right)

MAGIC MOMENT

Lee Woon-Jae’s save against Joaquin that knocked out Spain on penalties in 2002 to take Guus Hiddink’s side into the semi-finals in front of their own fans.

Meet the coach: Hong Myung-Bo. Won 136 caps and played in four World Cups – nominated by Pele in his list of the 125 greatest players of world football.  Age just 44, he’s worked through the Korean FA structure before taking over the top job in June this year.
Meet the captain: Lee Chung-Yong. English fans will know the silky skilled winger from his time at Bolton.  Now fully recovered from serious injuries that have hampered his progress there.
Star man: Kim Shin-Wook. South Korea’s answer to Peter Crouch, the 6ft 6ins striker is an effective target man for the smaller, nippier forwards to work round.
Watch out for: Son Heung-Min: Just 21, he’s made a big impact in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen since a £9million club record move from Hamburg. Six feet tall, quick, and a shot in both feet.

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Key player: Son Heung-Min has made a big impact for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga

Vital statistic South Korea won their third stage group, before qualifying in second place behind Iran in stage four.
Coral odds to win: 250/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5
 

Talking tactics: Mix the game up, playing short stuff in midfield and using wingers but then not afraid to go long to Kim Shin-Wook at times too.
Most likely to: Get upset if the stadium PA plays the North Korean anthem by mistake.

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High five: Shinwook Kim of South Korea celebrates with his coach Myung Bo Hong

Mexico

Population: 120.8 million
National dish: Mole Poblano de Guajalote – turkey with sauce
National anthem: Himno Nacional Mexicano
Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals - 1970 and 1986
Premier League pedigree: Javier Hernandez (Man Utd)

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Group hug: Oribe Peralta celebrates after scoring with Javier Hernandez (left) and Javier Aquino (right)

MAGIC MOMENT

So near but so far – holding Germany to a 0-0 draw in a thrilling 1986 quarter-final in front of 41,000 passionate home fans in Monterrey, only for the Germans to win on penalties (no surprise there!)

Meet the coach: Miguel Herrera. A 45-year-old with a good record in Mexican club football, he bossed the 2012 Olympics side and then was parachuted in for the senior team’s qualifying play-off after Jose Manuel de la Torre was sacked. Shocked the country by selecting only home based players, but the policy was proved right.
Meet the captain: Rafael Marquez Alvarez. Former Barcelona defender is 34 and has slipped out of top flight club football after a brief spell at New York Red Bulls. Experience from 116 caps will guide him through Brazil, though.
Star man: Javier Hernandez. The Manchester United striker gets less quality of service from his national side but his instinctive finishing skills remain crucial.

+100

Old head: Mexico's skipper Rafael Marquez brings a wealth of knowledge from 116 caps

Vital statistic They collected just 11 points and two wins from their 10 games in the fourth round stage and only qualified for the playoff against New Zealand on the final day of CONCACAF qualification.
Coral odds to win: 100/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Watch out for: Raul Jimenez: Giant striker was one of the stars of London 2012 and Herrera is keen to use his height as a focal point for the senior team.
Talking tactics: Quick passing style, but not afraid to vary it and go long to Jimenez from time to time.  Good at set pieces.
Most likely to: Bring huge support to Brazil from passionate fans.

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Tumbs up: Mexico's head coach Miguel Herrera will be hoping his side spring a shock in Brazil

Nigeria

Population: 168.8 million
National dish: Pounded Yam and Egusi soup  - Egusi are the seeds from melon and squash plants
National anthem:  Arise, O Compatriots
Best World Cup finish:  Round of 16 - 1994 and 1998
Premier League pedigree: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Victor Moses (Liverpool), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle)

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Premier star: Chelsea's John Obi Mikel takes on a more attacking role for Nigeria than at Stamford Bridge

MAGIC MOMENT

Emmanuel Amuneke’s goal to take the lead against Italy in 1994 – Nigeria were two minutes from the quarter-finals then Roberto Baggio equalised.

Meet the coach: Stephen Keshi. In charge since 2011, the 51-year-old former defender is one of only two people to have won the African Cup of Nations as both player and coach.
Meet the captain: Vincent Enyeama. First choice goalkeeper since he made his debut in 2002, the 31-year-old survived a serious car crash in 2004.
Star man: Victor Obinna. Deep lying front man has an eye for a pass – at 26 he is much improved since 2010 on loan at West Ham, and will win his 50th cap in Brazil.

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Wing wonder: Liverpool's loan star Victor Moses is a regular for the 'Super Eagles'

Vital statistic They did not lose a single one of their eight qualifiers (W5 D3) overall.
Coral odds to win: 200/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Watch out for: Ahmed Musa. Pocket sized midfielder, 21, has been a creative sensation for CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Talking tactics: The side is based around a philosophy of keeping the ball and then hitting from deep positions at speed.  Pace of Victor Moses is critical to the plan.
Most likely to: Turn on coach Keshi if they don’t do well. Big expectations as current African champions.

+100

Singing a Toon: Newcastle stalwart Shola Ameobi has been a surprise addition to Nigeria's side

Portugal

Population: 10.53 million
National dish: Bacalhau – salted fish normally served with potatoes
National anthem: A Portuguesa
Best World Cup finish: Third place, 1966.
Premier League pedigree: Nani (Man Utd).

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World star: With Cristiano Ronaldo at the helm, don't write off Portugal achieving big at the World Cup

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Don't count me out: Manchester United winger Nani also brings flair to Portugal's attack

MAGIC MOMENT

The brilliant Eusebio scoring four goals to overturn North Korea’s 3-0 lead in the quarter-final at Goodison Park in 1966.

Meet the coach: Paulo Bento. Midfield hard man in his playing days, the 44-year-old stepped up from player to manager at Sporting Lisbon before taking the national job in 2010. Led the team to the Euro 2012 semi-final.
Meet the captain: Cristiano Ronaldo. Not so much meet the captain as meet the whole side – the brilliant Real Madrid forward dragged his country to Brazil almost single-handed.
Star man: Bruno Alves. Okay, Ronaldo’s the only true star – but 70- cap veteran former Porto defender Alves, now playing in Turkey with Fenerbahce, is the rock around which the defence is built.

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Last of the Mohicans: Ex-Chelsea nad Liverpool star Raul Meireles (left) skips past Sweden's Sebastian Larsson

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Rock-solid: Portugal's defence is built around the formidable presence of Bruno Alves

Vital statistic Cristiano Ronaldo scored (8) or assisted (2) 10 of Portugal’s 24 goals in qualification.
Coral odds to win: 25/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Watch out for: William Carvalho: High hopes that the tough tackling Angola born midfielder, at 21, is the leader of a new generation.  Porto ace won his first senior cap in the play-offs after appearing at every youth level.
Talking tactics: It’s a pure 4-3-3, with the proviso that Ronaldo can roam off his theoretical left wing position to go where he wants.  He’ll attract double or triple marking, so the plan is to keep the others in their shape so they automatically find space.
Most likely to: Make sure Ronaldo has everything he wants.

 

Russia

Population: 143.5 million
National dish: Shchi or Borsch– cabbage or beetroot soup
National anthem: Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii
Best World Cup finish: First round 1994, 2002.
Premier League pedigree: None.

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You look familiar: Former England boss Fabio Capello will hope for better luck with Russia

MAGIC MOMENT

Finished fourth in 1966 as the Soviet Union – since then it’s been a struggle. A 2-0 win over Tunisia in 2002 is as good as it gets – losing their next game to Japan caused riots in Moscow.

Meet the coach: Fabio Capello. Haven’t we met somewhere before? Former England boss has bitter memories of how it all went wrong for him and us at the 2010 World Cup and at 67 is still hungry to prove he can translate his astonishing club success to the international stage.
Meet the captain: Igor Denisov: Hard man midfielder spent 11 years leading home city club Zenit St Petersburg before chasing a payday when Anzhi were giving out the big bucks.  Has since moved on to Dynamo Moscow.
Star man:  Aleksander Kerzhakov. Russia’s answer to Alan Shearer, the 31-year-old has just smashed the domestic scoring record with his 208th career goal.  Top scorer with five in qualifying, if Capello can keep him fit to play every game he’ll be a danger man.

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Skipper: Russia's captain Igor Denisov (right) chases Northern Ireland's Jamie Ward

Vital statistic Only three sides (Spain 3, England 4 & Belgium 4) conceded fewer goals than Russia (5) in the UEFA qualifiers.
Coral odds to win: 80/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5
 

Watch out for: Denis Cheryshev: The only member of the squad not playing his club football in Russia, the 22-year-old silky skilled winger grew up in Spain where his dad Dmitri played for Sporting Gijon. Now on Real Madrid’s books and turning in star performances on loan at Seville.
Talking tactics: Capello kept the 4-3-3 system used by predecessor Guus Hiddink, but has made it more defensive – they let in just five goals in the qualifying campaign. Rigid tactics, you go with his plan or you go out.
Most likely to: Read a lot of books because they aren’t allowed to leave the hotel.

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Hitman: Aleksandr Kerzhakov has scored 208 goals in the Russian League - he's their main threat

Spain

Population: 47.27 million
National dish: Paella
National anthem: The Marcha Real
Best World Cup finish: Winners 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Cesar Azpilicueata (Chelsea), Jesus Navas Alvaro Negredo, David Silva, Javi Garcia(Man City), David De Gea (Man Utd), Roberto Soldado (Spurs), Michu (Swansea

+100

Pass master: The relentless tiki-taka style of Spanish players like Andres Iniesta makes them a joy to watch

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Breathtaking: Xavi will link up with club team-mate Iniesta to produce one of the most formidable midfields

MAGIC MOMENT

Andres Iniesta’s extra time winning goal in the South Africa 2010 final ended years of underachievement by Spain – and meant the beautiful game triumphed over Holland’s attempts to kick them off the park.

Meet the coach: Vicente del Bosque. The 62-year-old genius who found a way to end the traditional feuds between players from Barcelona and Real Madrid and get all the talents pulling in the same direction.  Only man to win three major tournaments in a row.
Meet the captain: Iker Casillas. Now has an incredible 152 caps but still aged only 32 so could go on to get 200. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper has been his country’s first choice for nearly 14 years.
Star man: Andres Iniesta. Pass, pass, and pass again. Barcelona’s midfield man will torment any side making them chase all day for possession – and then chase some more.
Watch out for: Cristian Tello. Latest forward off the Barcelona youth production line, the 22-year-old could get his chance if Fernando Torres keeps struggling for form.

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Starlet: Keep an eye on Christian Tello, who may be one of Spain's unsung heroes

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Familiar sight: Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas will be between the sticks for Spain yet again in Brazil

Vital statistic Spain averaged the highest possession figure of any European nation in qualifying (74.3%) and also had the highest passes per game average (849 per game).
Coral odds to win: 6/1
Draw danger rating: 5/5
 

Talking tactics: Just keep the ball. Del Bosque’s great achievement has been to get the rest of the team to buy into the Barcelona way of Tiki-taka.
Most likely to: Be top of all the Opta stats for number of completed passes.

 

Switzerland

Population: 7.9 million
National dish: Cervelas – a smoked sausage made of beef or pork
National anthem: The Swiss Psalm
Best World Cup finish: Quarter finals - 1934, 1938, 1954.
Premier League pedigree: Philippe Senderos, Patjim Kasami (Fulham)

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Young gun: Midfielder Granit Xhaka has lit up the Bundesliga and will want to do the same for Switzerland

MAGIC MOMENT

Opening the 2010 tournament with a 1-0 win over European champions and eventual World Cup winners Spain. Sadly that was as good as it got as they finished their group third.

Meet the coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld. Prolific striker in his playing days, and two times a European Cup winner as a club manager in Germany, the 64-year-old has been in charge of the Swiss side since 2008.
Meet the captain: Gokhan Inler. Napoli paid Udinese £11.5million in 2011 for the elegant midfield man, now aged 29, who was born in Switzerland from a Turkish family.
Star man: Diego Benaglio. Wolfsburg’s towering goalkeeper – he’s 6ft 4ins – has 52 caps.  Agile for his size and a good shot stopper, his main strength is using his giant frame to dominate his area
Watch out for: Granit Xhaka. Family escaped from Kosovo when he was young, Hitzfeld has dubbed the 21-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach striker the ‘young Schweinsteiger’.

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Stalwart: Ottmar Hitzfeld will lend his experienced hand to attempting to cause an upset in Brazil

Vital statistic Their goals per game average of 1.70 goals per game was the lowest of all sides to top a UEFA qualification group.
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Talking tactics: Hitzfeld has a maths degree and likes to work the numbers – he uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the wide midfield men encouraged to help out defending, to flood midfield and get possession of the ball.
Most likely to: Spring a surprise in the opening game but then get knocked out – like they did in 2010.

 

Uruguay

Population: 3.4 million
National dish: Chivito – a sandwich of steak, mozzarella, bacon, olives and a fried egg.
National anthem: Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba
Best World Cup finish: Winners - 1930 and 1950
Premier League pedigree: Luis Suarez, Sebastian Coates(Liverpool), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Diego Lugano (WBA)

+100

Kop idol: And controversial striker Luis Suarez is just as crucial to Uruguay's success as he is to Liverpool's

MAGIC MOMENT

Alcides Ghiggia hitting the winning goal 11 minutes from the end of the 1950 final to complete a comeback from a goal down against hosts Brazil in the Maracana. Still considered one of the greatest shock results in World Cup history.

Meet the coach: Oscar Tabarez:  Modest playing career in Argentina and Mexico, but the 66-year-old is known as El Maestro for his management career. Been in charge of Uruguay since 2006, finishing fourth in South Africa and winning the 2011 Copa America.
Meet the captain: Diego Lugano. Not much playing time for West Brom since he moved there from PSG in the summer, but the 33-yeaar-old centre back has 91 caps and is a legend in Turkey after a brilliant spell with Fenerbahce
Star man:  Luis Suarez: Who else? The talisman for his county in exactly the same way as for his club, was the leading scorer in the South American qualifiers with 11 goals. 
Watch out for:  Abel Hernandez: Overcame heart problems that needed surgery as a teenager, the Palermo striker, 23, has been scouted by all Europe’s top clubs. Scored four goals in one game during the 2013 Confederations Cup.

+100

Making a point: Diego Lugano is the rock-solid defender who will lead his Uruguay team-mates

Vital statistic Luis Suárez was top-scorer in CONMEBOL qualification having scored 11 goals from 14 appearances (excluding play-offs).
Coral odds to win: 28/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5
 

Talking tactics: Tabarez has tamed the brutal side of his country’s tough tackling without compromising their aggression. Flexible coach who likes a 4-4-2 but is just as likely to go with three defenders if it is right for the opposition.
Most likely to: Say: ‘Definitely there was some contact before Suarez went over.’

+100

On strike: Diego Forlan will hope to roll back the years and contribute to Uruguay's success

USA

Population: 313.9 million
National dish: Big Mac and Fries
National anthem: The Star Spangled Banner
Best World Cup finish: Third place in 1930.
Premier League pedigree: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea, Maurice Edu (Stoke), Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Cody Cropper (Southampton)

Wheeling away: Former Fulham and Spurs star Clint Dempsey is still at the heart of the USA side

MAGIC MOMENT

Bert Patenaude is credited by FIFA with scoring all three goals in the 1930 win over Paraguay, thus making him the first player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup finals.

Meet the coach: Jurgen Klinsmann. Brilliant German who got 38 goals in 80 internationals commuted from his home in California when he led his own country’ s 2006 World Cup team. Has been in charge of the States since 2011 he’s rebuilt an exciting, attacking team.
Meet the captain:  Clint Dempsey. Attacking midfielder never quite settled at Spurs, but at previous club Fulham he’s remembered fondly for scoring 50 goals in a five year career there. Now playing for Seattle Sounders.
Star man:  Michael Bradley. Son of former USA coach Bob, the 26-year-old midfielder has blossomed since a £3.5million move to Roma.  Creative passer with 82 caps.

+100

Midfield general: Michael Bradley, son of former boss Bob, will be integral to the United States side

Vital statistic Clint Dempsey was their top scoring in qualifying, netting eight goals.
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

 

Watch out for: John Brooks. Towering defender is the son of an American serviceman based in Germany and at 20 has made a huge impression for Hertha Berlin.
Talking tactics: Klinsmann brings the flair that marked his playing days to his coaching philosophy, changing tactics to suit the opposition but always looking to be positive.
Most likely to:  Be the group of players who sing their national anthem the loudest.

+100

The gaffer: Spurs and Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann is at the helm for the USA

 

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• World Cup tragedy! Two dead as crane COLLAPSES on stadium set to host opening game in seven months time
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