With the FIFA World Cup 2014 round the corner, here’s a look at some of the best players from around the globe that will be taking centre stage in Brazil. With the world watching, take a look at our handpick football stars:
With the FIFA World Cup 2014 round the corner, here’s a look at some of the best players from around the globe that will be taking centre stage in Brazil. With the world watching, take a look at our handpick football stars:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Position – Forward
Age – 29
Country – Portugal
Football’s biggest tournament is empty without its leading stars. Enter, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid forward, who recently won the UEFA Champions League with his club, will be eyeing to round it off with a World Cup in his bag and at least can have an edge over his star rival, Lionel Messi.
Luis Suarez
Position – Striker
Age – 27
Country – Uruguay
Even though Uruguay boasts an attacking talent in the likes of Edison Cavani and Diego Forlan, their hopes will be pinned on Liverpool striker, Luis Suarez. The star striker was instrumental in his club’s title charge in the English Premier League and will be hoping to do the same during the World Cup in Brazil.
Eden Hazard
Position – Winger
Age – 23
Country – Belgium
Belgium will be an exciting treat to watch at this year’s World Cup with a pool of talent in their squad. The one to watch out will be Chelsea’s winger Eden Hazard who has qualities that includes pace and dribbling with an eye for a pass and a knack of scoring important goals. He is yet to replicate his club form at international level, but that can change in a matter of days.
Yaya Toure
Position – Midfielder
Age – 31
Country – Ivory Coast
With 24 goals from midfield, Yaya Toure was Manchester City’s stand-out player this season as they won the Premier League as well the League Cup. The former Barcelona-man will be eyeing to replicate the League form onto the World Cup stage as Ivory Coast eye a spot in the quarter-finals.
Wayne Rooney
Position – Striker
Age – 28
Country – England
With the emergence of the likes of Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley; the pressure around Wayne Rooney’s shoulders will be less. The rumours of ‘Roo’ making it to the bench are doing the rounds but the Manchester United striker has the confidence to prove the critics wrong and where else than the World Cup.
Lionel Messi
Position – Forward
Age – 26
Country – Argentina
Barcelona might have had a torrid season in the La Liga and the Champions League but that won’t deter the chances of Lionel Messi to go for glory at the World Cup. The star forward has never lived up to the expectations on international duty and perhaps, this is the chance to get the hands on that coveted golden trophy.
Mario Balotelli
Position – Striker
Age – 23
Country – Italy
Italy might not be termed as one of the ‘favourites’ to win this year’s World Cup but the 2006 champions will be pinning their hopes on AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli to give them some boost ahead of their clash with England.
David Silva
Position – Midfielder
Age – 28
Country – Spain
Former European and World Cup champions, Spain boast enough talent that have won many accolades the world over. With enough of attacking talent in the middle, coach Vincent Del Bosque might lead his team’s attack with David Silva. The midfielder can cut through opposition defence with an eye for goal and skill wizardry.
Phillip Lahm
Position – Defence
Age – 30
Country – Germany
The Germans arrive in this year’s World Cup billed as one of the favourites. One of their key players will be captain Phillip Lahm who will lead his side from the back (defence) and not allow the opposition attack to create any chances.
Franck Ribery
Position – Winger
Age – 31
Country – France
Even though he missed out on the Ballon d’Or to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, French winger Franck Ribery will be hoping to outdo his rival on the biggest stage of them all. Ribery’s skills and pace on the wing will be crucial for France in their bid to win the World Cup.
