World Cup Special: The Top 10 Players to Watch Out For At Brazil 2014 by Namita Jain

There are footballers par excellence with great records at league and continental levels too but to be counted among the true greats of the game, a player must leave an indelible mark at World Cup. It is every footballer’s dream to get the Golden Boot or the Golden Ball. Call it what you will, every World Cup does produce at least one super star player who simply outshines the rest with his brilliance. Who will it be this time? We take a look at the top 10 players with most possibilities.

No. 10

Marco Reus
Team: Germany
Position: Midfielder/ winger
Jersey No. 21
He is versatile. He is swift. And he has great technique flowing alongside blood in his veins. 25-year old attacking midfielder/ winger Marco Reus is yet another immense talent from the Germany’s football powerhouse. Named German Footballer of the Year 2013 and ranked by Bloomberg as the 4th Best European Footballer in 2013, Marco plays for the German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund at league level. He debuted for the German National Team in 2011 and has since shot 7 goals in 19 matches. Can Marco make his mark at World Cup 2014?


No.9

Eden Hazard
Team: Belgium
Position: Midfielder/ winger
Jersey No. 10
The pundits of football have likened him to contemporary greats like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. A superb passer and an explosive attacking midfielder and winger, Eden Hazard is both fierce and fearless on the field. A key member of the Belgian squad and the EPL Chelsea team, he is seen as a game changer who makes full use of his creativity, speed, and technical ability. Two more great thing about Hazard, he is just 23 and he is good with both his feet. Could Hazard be the next football supreme star?


No. 8

Wayne Rooney
Team: England
Position: Striker
Jersey No. 10
 England’s second youngest debut player ever and its youngest ever goal scorer, Wayne Rooney is also the youngest goal scorer in the history of the European Championship. Now 28, Rooney is a World Cup veteran with the 2006 and 2010 tournaments already under his belt. Many regard him as his country's best current player. He was twice England Player of the Year (2008 and 2009). He is also England's fifth highest goal scorer ever. Another dubious honour, with 2 career red cards, Rooney has the highest send offs for England, a dishonour he shares with David Beckham. Can Rooney win some real glory this time?


 No. 7

Andrea Pirlo
Team: Italy
Position: Midfielder
Jersey No. 21
At the age of 35, Pirlo is certainly the oldie of the tournament. He is neither super fast in pace, nor solid in physique, yet he can be absolutely breathtaking as a deep-lying playmaker. He has amazing touch, technique, control, dribbling, incredible vision, inventive play and accurate passing ability. Skills that are much valued by both the Italian national team and his club Juventus. Pirlo is also a set-piece and penalty-kick specialist much acclaimed for his long distance shooting and passing. His Italian teammates refer to him as l'architetto or the architect because his long passes often lead to goal-scoring opportunities. His Juventus fans have nicknamed him il professore or the professor and Mozart for his sheer genius. Can Pirlo prove that oldies are the real goldies by taking home the Golden Ball?

No. 6

Diego Costa
Team: Spain
Position: Striker
Jersey No. 10
Costa is the hulk with the bulk. His game is as much physical as it is psychological.  Taunts, stares, temper tantrums, Costa will do anything to take his rivals down. Extraordinarily gifted at dribbling, making key passes and finishing, he is all aggression and testosterone on the field. Born and brought up in Brazil, he started his career as a Brazilian player but now at the age of 25, plays for his adopted country Spain. His club is also Spanish, the newly crown La Liga champs Atletico. Can Costa dribble the Golden Ball in Brazil?

No. 5

 Karim Benzema
Team: France
Position: Striker
Jersey No. 9
Immensely talented Karim Benzema is France’s key striker who is quite at home as a winger too. The key weapons in his arsenal include passing, finishing and long shots. He is great at counter attack and powered by his great technique and power packed play, gets blazing finishes from inside the box. Benzema’s club is the one and only Real Madrid where he is highly valued for his prowess. Can Benzema strike bull’s eye in Brazil? 

No. 4

Neymar
Team: Brazil
Position: Striker
Jersey No. 10
Another player with the amazing ability to play with both feet, Neymar has been praised by Pele, ‘The King’ himself as ‘an excellent player.’ A humble Neymar believes himself to be just a kid playing football. Of course, football aficionados find him to be quite the wonderkid. Another great player Ronaldinho find him the best in the world. Neymar is known for his fabulous acceleration, speed, dribbling, finishing and ambidexterity. He won the 2011 South American Footballer of the Year award at age 19. Now at 22, can he crown his nation the World Champs for a record sixth time?

No. 3

Luis Suarez
Team: Uruguay
Position: Striker
Jersey No. 9
Six months ago, The Guardian ranked him the ninth best footballer in the world. In the 2010 World Cup, he scored 3 goals and was instrumental in taking his nation right up to the semis Uruguay's fourth place finish. With 4 goals, he was also the Player of the Tournament in Copa America 2011 where his team was the crowned champion for a record 15th time. Uruguay's top goal scorer ever with 35 goals and Liverpool FC’s blue eyed boy with 31 goals in this season, Uruguayan Suarez is considerable hot property right now. Can the dribbler extraordinaire carry his devastating form into World Cup 2014?


No. 2

Lionel Messi
Team: Argentina
Position: Striker
Jersey No. 10
Brilliant technique, flawless execution and awe-inspiring achievements, Messi combines them all. Just 5’7” tall and 25 years of age, Messi has already secured his place among the pantheon of football greats. By 21, he was already a nominee for both Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. In 2009, he won his first Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and calmly continued to gather them successively three times more in 2010, 2011 and 2012. That’s world record, by the way. He also won the 2010–11 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. At 24, Messi became Barcelona's all-time top scorer. At 25, Messi became the youngest La Liga player to score 200 goals. The roll of honours goes on. Can Messi add the Golden Boot/ Golden Ball crowning glory to his achievements?


No. 1

Cristano Ronaldo 
Team: Portugal
Position: Striker
Jersey No. 7
29- year old Cristiano Ronaldo (or CR7 as he has been nick named) is not just Portugal’s top scorer and captain; he is also currently world’s top footballer. Since his debut for Portugal in 2003, has been capped 110 times and has scored 49 goals. Blistering pace, breathtaking calisthenics and blasting goals, he has it all in his armoury. Legendary Coach Jose Maurinho memorably once said, ‘if Messi’s world’s best, Cristiano is universe’s best’. The great Maradona too has given him a hefty thumbs up. It is CR7’s third World Cup; can he be third time lucky?


There you have it ,the top 10 players to watch out for in the brazil world cup 2014. feel free to share  this article. did we miss anyone?leave a comment below

Pepsi's new dispensers ,make you work for your drink

Pepsi ,has just released a video that has gone viral.The video features a teen , practicing his soccer skill ,with an imaginary ball, this might not be surprising to some ,who know what kids are doing theses days! but the purpose of the kids imaginary ball game is made clear towards the end of the video ,
Keepy uppy's For free pepsi! now there is great way to Motivate kids.

It’s the 3rd classic of the season, and the La liga Giants Fight for the Copa Del Rey Trophy

 The two title hopefuls and la liga giants of the Spanish footballing league meet for the 3^rd time this season in the first leg of Copa Del ray final show down  today 16 April  20:30 BST  at the Mastalla stadium today  in the beautiful city of Valencia.

The Los blancos currently 2^nd with 79 points and trailing Atheltico Madrid by 3 points in the la liga standing. Barcelona hot on their tail with 78 points and with a better goal difference. Barcelona have managed to beat real Madrid in their last two meetings this season  with a score of 4- 3 and 2 -1 respectively ,and are looking likely to do it again ,as long as their defense can stand against Gareth bale ,and Angels di Maria’s attacks form the flanks. This game promises to be one of full action speedy counterattacks and creative football forms both sides. Real Madrids super expensive signing is expected to step up and prove his worth, while Barcelona’s messiah, Lionel messi who was criticized  for his poor performance in the quarter finals of the champions league will look to once again prove why many consider him the best footballer who ever lived . Barcelona will look to score as many goals in order to deacrese the chances of their rivals getting back into the game in the second leg, which will be held at the Santiago Bernabeu  Stadium (Real’s  home turf)  in Madrid on the 19^th . 

One will miss the game entirly,while the other will look to inspire his team to victory  (Image credit :ronaldo7.com)

Injury news /probable line ups

Real Madrid will be without their talented talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese International and last year’s ballon Dore winner will not take part in the mouth watering and exciting fixture due to a hamstring injury. While Barcelona’s 1^st pick defender Gerrard pique will be out carrying a pelvis injury (Shakira might be to blame for this !) the shaggy haired Spanish international puyol is likely to start partnering argentine international and midfielder by trade ,Javier Macherano.

Score Prediction

Barcelona 3         Real Madrid 1 

The Blaugrana Face Underdog Levante For The Opening Game of Their Season.

Barcelona are all geared up and ready to start another exciting season, having gone through a management change.  All eyes are on newly appointed manager Gerardo Martino, will he step up to the challenge and deliver? Or will Barcelona be looking for a new manger before Christmas?  And not to forget Barcelona newly acquired super star Neymar, who will be looking to dazzle Europe, it will not be easy as the multi-talented Brazilian will be playing alongside, the world’s best. The new boss could hand a competitive debut to Brazil international, who signed from Santos in May in a move worth €57 million.  Barcelona looked promising during the person tour winning 4 games out of 6 played, with the one and only Lionel Messi as top scorer. The two teams kick off Sunday 18^th of August 17:00 GMT time at the famous Camp Nou stadium. 

Barcelona faced off against   some of Europeans best in their pre season tour.

Injury News 

The Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will be rested, as the team faces a hectic schedule in the coming week. Former arsenal Captain Francis Fabregas will also miss the game due a sprained ankle.  Levante  manager   may not be able to call on the services of Ruben Garcia and Papakouli Diop, with both struggling for fitness. Levante finishes 11 last seasons, and have never won a game in Camp Nou.

Line Ups

Barca are likely to line up with  the usual 4-3-3 formation with a  Victor Valdes in goals , Daniele Alves, Pique,Puyol ,and Jordi Alba in defence , Sergio Basques, Andres Inesta and Xavi in midfield , and  Neymar playing up front along Side Sanchez and Pedro . Barcelona typically will look to hold possession of the ball, feeding the ball to the sides and back in just behind levantes 18 yard box, look out for Neymars trickery as he will be looking to open his scoring account early.

 Levante most likely look to deploy the 4-2-3-1, sitting deep and looking to pounce on Barcelona with quick counter attacks. Likely starters for levante are Navas in goals, Karbelas, Navarro, Rodas ,and Vyntra in defence. Ibora, , Jordi Xumetra , Ivanschitz ,Valdos ,Rios,and  Aqua Fresca  paying the lone striker role upfront .

Predicted  Final Score

Barcelona : 3     Levante : 1 

One Goal Down ,and Fresh Out of Defeat,Its Go Hard or Go Home For FC Barcelona

Pep Guardiolas men are not having a good week, tasting defeat in front of 90,000 fans at  their home stadium to Real Madrid on Saturday night. Messi’s and co will relish the chance to bounce back, and Tuesdays fixture provides the ideal stage. Chelsea enters camp nou with a goal advantage, Barcelona nee only  to score 2 goals and keep a clean  to reach the final. Barcelona has not lost three games in row since 2003, and are looking to extend that recorded even further. Defeat to real Madrid came as a shock to many of us, Barcelona were unlucky at times but the waste-fullness of some Barcelona  players in front of opponents goal  proved to be the catalyst in  defeat to their nemesis . I’m sure the Catalan clubs manager Pep Guardiola will instruct his team to be more accurate and clinical in front of goal come Tuesday . as in recent years everyone has got  use to the sight of Barcelona easliy slotting one one one chanced into the opponents  goal. Chelsea managed a goalless draw in the emirates stadium, holding arsenal off and securing a crucial away point. Chelsea lost once in 14 games . Chelsea care taker manager certainly make some changes to the line up from the weekend with the old guard (Terry, Lampard, Cole, Cech, Drogaba) almost certain to get a chance to complete the revenge mission. 

I usually go into statistics at this point, but we all know it useless since this two recently played each other and their condition more or less remains the same.

The deciding factors at this point remain tactics and the the players who will take part as well as the ones who don’t .  Lionel Messi will need to step up and be counted, and finally end his goal drought against the London club. Messi is now goals less in the last two games his played ,although he has already netted 63 goals this season in total. he is now a goal behind Cristiano  Ronaldo in the pi-chichi race. 

Chelsea defense was impressive in the first leg .Ashley Cole and Ramirez manged to keep Barcelona Left back  Dani Alves quiet ,and Mikel and  Frank Lampard made nuisance of themselves in the middle of the field to stop the fluied movement of Barcelona passing game . this proved vital in shutting out Barcelona . it remains to be seen whether they will deploy the same tactics this time round.

Barcelona Legend Johan Cryuff had the following to say about the fixture in his weekly column for a Dutch news paper:

"I still think Barcelona will beat Chelsea on Tuesday, Despite the fact that Barcelona have now lost two games in a row, I expect another good game from them at Camp Nou”

"You can't compare the loss against Real Madrid to the defeat versus Chelsea. Barca created plenty of chances in London, but failed to convert any of their opportunities. There were hardly any serious chances against Madrid, because the simple things went wrong”

Chelsea defended very well in the last time the two teams met 

Roberto Di Matteo is currently sweating the availability of drogba  who missed the game against arsenal due to swollen knee, if Drgogba does not recover in time ,Chelsea are likely to call upon Fernando Torres’s  services, who is the only player to have tasted victory over Barcelona at the camp Nou from his playing days in athletic  Madrid . 

Probable Line Ups

Gerard pique is likely to return to team after missing 5 games, a falling out with pep Guardiola semd him down the pecking order. he will be eager to prove his worth ,and will look ro prove a point . Cesc Fabregas who was rested against Madrid is likely to return with Alexi Sanchez   being called back to the starting 11 after making a substitute appearance against Real Madrid.

Valdes
Alves, Puyol, Pique, Adriano 
Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta
Sanchez, Messi, Fabregas

Barcelona will have to try and break the impressive Chelsea backline. with Sanchez lurking in the 18 yard box and Messi in possession of the ball it’s a very do able task.  If Barcelona manage to score Chelsea will have to come out of their own half and actually try to attack Barcelona, this however might give Barcelona the advantage to counter. 

If fit is certain that Drogba will start the game, Michael l Essien played a full 90 minutes arsenal and its likely for Miel to replace him in the Center of the feild.

Cech
 Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole
       Mikel, Meireles
Ramires, Lampard, Mata
           Drogba? /Torres

Chelsea will most likely sit back and  soak up all the pressure before  hitting Barcelona on the counter, just like the reverse fixture in the Stamford Bridge .if they concede a goal, ashlye Cole and Juan mata are likely to attack the flanks , and try to provide aerial crosses for  the forward to hit . Chelsea will try to use their physical advantage over the Catalan opponent. 

Final Verdict

Barcelona                                      Chelsea

3                                                            1

Barcelona Aim to Win, As Real Madrid Look to Further Cement Their place on top Table

Well folks, it’s finally here, El grande Classic, Barcelona host their arch rivals and current league leaders Real Madrid on Saturday. Both clubs were subjected to shock loses in the first leg of champions league semi finals. Real Madrid conceded a late goal, while Barcelona failed to score after falling behind in the first half against London Club Chelsea Fc. Saturday represents the second instalment of el Classico action in 2011/2012 season, and the pressure is on Pep Guardiola's men to pick up all three points at Home ground. Barcelona currently are on a streak of 54 games unbeaten at home. Real Madrid has managed 4 wins out of the last 5 games played in the primera division, scoring 17 goals in total and with only 4 goals conceded. Barcelona on the other hand has won 5 out of 5 scoring 14 goals and conceding 2 goals in the process. Barcelona managed an easy victory the last time the two sides met at the Bernabeu Stadium in the Spanish Capital.Karim Benzema Put the hosts ahead scoring the fastest goal in elclassico history when he capitalized on Victor Valdes mistake. The lead didn’t last long though, as Chilean Forward Alexi Snachez equalized for the Blaugrana in the 30^th minute. An unlucky own goal from real Madrid defender Marcelo and a strike from Francis Fabregas ensured the Catalans leave the capital with all 3 points.

The superiority of one player over the other has been widely disputed among soccer fans

All eyes will be on the two superstars Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Former Chelsea manager and Luis Philippe Scolari was quoted saying in a recent interview:

''The only bad thing about Cristiano's life is Messi. If it wasn't for Messi, Cristiano would be the best player in the world for five consecutive years."

Indeed the two players have been neck and neck in the goal scorer’s chart each managing 41 goals in the domestic league. Athletico Madrid Striker Ramdel falcao stands third with 22 goals; this is a great indication of the two player’s quality. The two of them on the same field is no doubt a great spectacle. It’s a game not to be missed.


Injuries and line ups
Oddly we are spared the customary, Mourinho show before the game as the Portuguese manger is not looking to give anything away in regards to tactics.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi had the following to say regarding the match (crunch sports.com):
Madrid has played in various ways but we have not changed out style of play in any game. "We have always wanted the ball in order to have those long possessions that help us control the game and, from there, try to win the match. 

"We cannot change our game now. We have done it against all rivals, and against Madrid at their home, too."So, we will try to attack more so than ever, having the ball more than ever and go on the attack more than ever to win the match."

Madrid manager has a full squad to call upon for the big occasion, Xabi Alonso returns after serving a suspension. While Ricardho carvalho and, French international Lassana Diarra remain out due to injury.
Alexi Sanchez picked up a knock in the champions league clash on Wednesday and remains doubtful to make an appearance. Pep Guardiola will also be without first pick left back Eric abidal as the defender is currently recovering from surgery.

Probable Line Ups

Valdes
Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Puyol
Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta
Fabregas, Messi, Pedro

Barcelona will be looking to systematically expose Real Madrid s defense, with Messi lurking behind defenders at every chance, the real defenders will need to be on their toes, as messi and co are experts at beating the offside trap.

Real Madrid

Casillas Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo Khedira, Alonso Ronaldo , Ozil,Di Maria Benzema

Real Madrid central defenders will have their work cut out for them, as Master tactician Jose Mourinho would have surly watched Chelsea nullify the barca attack by crowding the center, it most likely that  he  instructs  his players  to sit deep and hit on the counter.  Ramos or Pepe are likely to be sent off as it’s become a customary event in recent years.

Final Verdict

Barcelona  are very consistent on the way they play ,and insist on sure passes , quick one tows and deadly pace on the counter ,they are what most experts call a compete team . Their advantage over real Madrid is the fact that Barcelona defend as a team, where real Madrid wingers are reluctant to track back, exposing the flanks. This leaves much space for players like Danni Alves and Adriano, who both posses a great attacking threat. So considering these facts I see another victory for Barcelona over their arch rivals at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona                                        Real Madrid

                                   4                                                      2

Barcelona visit the Stamford Bridge as Chelsea Eye Revenge

The London club has had an adventures journey to the semi finals. Losing 3-1 to Napoli in the first leg of the last 16, many ruled them out completely. With the revitalization of the 50 million pound man Fernando Torres ,and the reinstatement of frank Lampard in the starting 11, Chelsea have found their winning formula again. Even David Louiz has managed to break free from the kid who was controlling him with an Xbox joy stick, and managed to put in some world class performances.

All eyes will be on  Lionel Messi who’s currently scored 14 goals in the competitions’ equaling Gerd Muller’s long standing record.Barcelona have won all away games in the European competition  this season . The argentine has never been able to score against the blues in the 6 times his played them in the European competition. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 10 games in the domestic league, scoring 26 goals. They currently sit second in the primera divisions standing table, trailing Real Madrid by 4 points.

Iniesta's 93 rd minute strike took barca to the finals back in 2009

Chelsea have not lost a home game in the European competition this season, and will look to stretch their record on Wednesday when they meet the Catalan juggernaut. The two clubs have met in the same stage of the competition before in 2009 with Barcelona managing a controversial victory. Didier Drogba famously named it a freaking disgrace; consequently he was banned for three games. Then match official Mark Over Boo is still living under a rock after a abysmal performance, it was reported that he still receives hate mail from Chelsea fans all over the world.  

Cech
Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole
Mikel, Lampard
Ramires, Mata, Kalou
Torres

 Chelsea will likely sit deep trying to absorb Barcelona’s attacks, and try and hit them on the counter, one thing Chelsea will try to do is control possession of the ball which is very difficult against a team like Barcelona.

Barcelona

Barcelona have a healthy and fit sqaud to call up on. Dani Alves , Gerard Pique ,Sydou Keita and Ibrahim Afellay  are all back in the squad . It’s unclear whether the enigmatic manager Guardiola will go for a 4-3-3, or 3-4-3.

Valdes,
Puyol, Mascherano, Pique
Alves, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta
Sanchez, Messi, Pedro

Barca will try to pass their way into the box, with Chelsea s leaky defence; I expect to see at least one penalty awarded to the Catalan team. Look out for the classic inesta – messi one twos round the 18yard box.

Final Verdict

Chelsea                                     Barcelona

0                                                     1

Can Ronaldo and Co stop the Catalan Juggernaut?

And finally it’s here ,the meeting of the two giants in the world of football ,it’s been reported that over 200 million watch this fixture every year . The big two of the Spanish la liga. The el Classico is more than just a football match it about way of life the battle of the social classes .Barcelona a fan owned club who breed the majority of their  players  from the local talent pool versus Real Madrid , a club historically tied to Spanish royalty who spend millions and millions to bring in international stars from all over the world . some of the greatest players in the world  have taken part in this derby , di- Stefano, Eusebio, Zidan, Rivado, Cruyff, Ronaldinho,some say this is the golden era of football and the current Barcelona starting 11 may be the greates ever.

It's a chance for Real Madrid to get revenge for last December's 3-1 league defeat to the Catalans, when goals by Alexis Sanchez, Xavi and Fabregas made sure of Pep Guardiola's eighth victory in these ties in as manager.

Barcelona remember the well the last time the two sides met in the copa del ray  .it was the 20^th of april last year the 107^th final .

Barcelona were top of the league with Mourinhos slick passing fast moving 11 tailing . Real managed to  snatch victory in the dying minutes of extra time with CR7 as the protagonist. He had been criticized for not performing in big games, ronaldo scored total of 51 goals for real Madrid that season ,37 in the laliga with leo messi managing 31 goals .

Real currently top the league 46 points ,Barcelona trail 5 points behind ,Ronaldo has already scored 21 goals in the la liga , with leo messi traihling at 19 .

One major factor remains to be the tactics used by the two mangers , mourinhos has in the past shown that he is willing to use defensive tactic’s when necessary ,so do not be surprised to see Ronaldo as a lone forward with Ozil and di -maria in the center and left side of the field . however Karim benzema has been on great form and he will defenetly be looking to cement his place in the starting 11. this may result in Ronaldo playing the flank where he will have more space to run at the barca defence . guardiolas men will be looking to retain possession of the ball, and try to sneak the ball in to the real penalty box .messi poses major threat when in postion of the ball outside the 18 yard box .expect to see  real s pepe  throw  in some hard tackles messi's way ,barca are without the influential Spain international David villa who is out for the rest of the season with knee injury however guradiloas has a rich pool of talented players he can call up on when in need  , it’s between  alexi sanchez , thiago alcantara , and cesc fabregas to start.

We’re in for some real entertainment tonight with both side having incredible attacking power ,im predicting  2-1 win for Barcelona and off course the customary red card for pepe or one his fellow full backs .expect to see José mourinho throw a couple of cheap shots at  the match official after the game .

 don’t forget to leave a comment