Who will rule the world?

Here are some of the most exciting teams in the World Cup – who will emerge champions of the world?

The stage is set for the grandest football tournament in the world as the best nations from the ends of the earth gather to battle.
Here are some of our favourites at the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup.

See who we think could claim the ultimate glory.

Belgium

One of the dark horses in the competition, Belgium is surprisingly strong, with stars such as Eden Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Romelu Lukaku and English Premier League champions Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany.

Belgium might live up to history and remain in obscurity but the squad is certainly an exciting prospect. It will remain to be seen if they can prove themselves to the world.

Likely to Finish: Quarter-finals

Uruguay

Shocking the world with their 4th place finish in the 2010 World Cup, Uruguay comes back even hungrier and more experienced. They are certainly poised to out-do themselves again.

Keep your eyes peeled on the mouth-watering strike force featuring Edinson Cavani.

However, Luis Suarez remains an injury doubt.

Likely to Finish: QUARTER-finals

Brazil

On top of home ground advantage, Brazil’s squad boasts the likes of Neymar, widely regarded as one of the very best in the world. A Seleção (the Brazilian selection) look to be fierce competitors in their fight back to the top.

Still, questions remain about many big-name players having been left out. Will Brazil be able to reclaim the trophy that has most often been theirs?

Likely to Finish: Quarter-finals

Netherlands

How well will the “best footballing nation never to have won the World Cup” fare this time? Can Louis van Gaal (who will be departing for Manchester United after the World Cup) lead the lions of the Netherlands on a final charge to the ultimate glory and achieve what no Dutch team or manager has yet to achieve?

While the team is strong with the likes of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and many others, one can’t help but feel the odds may be against them. The world is looking forward to the opening game of the group – a rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final against Spain.

Likely to Finish: Semi-finals

Spain

Spain may be the reigning world and European champions but many have discounted the boys in red from the top four this time. What do you think?

Given that the squad has aged and a few key players have left, the Spanish still play beautiful yet effective football with the new influx of talent. The big question is, will this be enough?

Likely to Finish: Semi-finals

Germany

Perhaps the most consistent performers in World Cup history, the Germans look stronger than ever. With the likes of young talent Mario Goetze and more, Germany is unwilling to settle for anything less than 1st place.

With the recent strength of German football clubs such as Bayern Munich, that power could be translated to the international stage.

Likely to Finish: 1st or 2nd

Argentina

Lionel Messi. ‘nuff said. How could you rule out a team with the man who had been the best footballer in the world for a few years? More than that, Argentina appears to be a strong and cohesive side that will give its South American neighbours a run for their money.

Argentina currently has the deadliest of attacking sides with Angel di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Messi. Expect nothing less than a master-class of attacking football when you watch this side rise to the biggest stage.

Likely to Finish: 1st or 2nd

As usual, we can expect many shocks and upsets and one can never be sure what will happen.

Stay tuned to see how these teams fare!

Will it be an Argentina-Germany final? Who do you think will win the World Cup? Drop us a personal message at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp to tell us.