Soccer pundits also consider steady and European power house Germany and Messi’s Argentina other favorites along with host Brazil and reigning Champions Spain. Unless any of these four teams meet each other before semifinal for several possible permutations and combinations, it will be ideal that they feature in the semifinals. Any of four has quality, class and bench strength to go all the way.

German team is young, athletic and energetic. Germans never say die in everything including soccer. German clubs Bayern Muniuch and Borussia Dortmund stunned the soccer world through outclassing Spanish clubs monopoly in UEFFA Champions league considered arguably the world’s premier club championship. Bayern Munich eventually went on to win it in all German derby.

We know Bayern has a galaxy of leading international soccer stars yet it has resource of young German ready to win many laurels for Germany from world stage. Captain courageous Philipp Lahm, goalkeeper Manuel Neur, dynamo in the midfield Bastian Schweinsteiger, defender Jerome Boateng, attacking midfielder Thomas Muller, budding youngsters Mario Gotze and Toni Kroos are backbones of all conquering Bayern Munich. One must also not forget the sparkling performance of Borussia Dortmund beating favorites Barcelona for an all-German final.

Jaochim Low’s German national team can have Ilkay Gundogen, Marco Reus and Mats Hummels. Germany has Christiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal, USA and Ghana in the group. Experts consider that Germans may not be stressed at group stage other than against Portugal. But Germans usually peak slowly.

But they are steady and consistent. Only a few team qualified more convincingly than Germany winning 9 out of their 10 matches in the lead up to Brazil event drawing only 4-4 with Sweden squandering 100% success record. Germans also scored the most goals along the way than any other qualifier. They have such a galaxy of top class creative midfielders that soccer pundits call it “Embarrassment of Riches”.

Real Madrid’s tried and tested Sami Khedira and Bayern’s stalwart Bastian Scheinstiger can generate enough steam in their turbines to power the team with electrifying attacking football. Tony Kross of Bayern and Mesul Ozil the prized purchase of Arsenal can provide a bridge between defence and attack. Then there are resources like attacking midfielders like Marco Reus, Thomas Muller and Marco Gotze. Manager Low can take pride on his high win ratio of any German boss in the past yet he has to overcome a major challenge of masterminding his best in major trophy win. He often does not have plan B and as such can be predictable.

Germans as West Germany won World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990. However, Germans as united Germany has not won any. Low is definitely dreaming to join the pantheon of German Greats Franz Beckenbaur (1990) Helmut Scheon (1974) and Sepp Herberger ( 1964) in bringing back World Cup from the country which worship football.

On the other hand, Argentina blessed with an inexhaustible resource of high quality individual elite footballers has not won the laurels for a while. The Jewel in their crown player of another planet Lionell Messi may dazzle to grab the gold this time. But unfortunately for one of the great ever to play the game world cup soccer trophy has eluded him so far. Argentina has not won it since another maestro Diego Maradona inspired them in his golden career. Despite his superlative display elsewhere Messi is yet to deliver for Argentina in World Cup. 2014 may be his time to single handedly dominates like Maradona did in 1986.

Argentina’s Group F mates are Bosnia Harzegovina, Iran and Super Eagles Nigeria. Brazil as host was not required to play in qualifying round.  No one will rate Iran and Harzegovina to cause much of a headache for Argentina. But on their day Nigeria can really be sharp like the Eagles they are fondly called. Argentina coolly topped the South American Group. Finishing two points clear of Colombia, Argentina lost only two matches in the campaign an away match against Venezuela and the last match against Uruguay.

Messi combining with Higuain and Aguero is possibly the most dangerous striking combinations now in world soccer. High quality winger Angel Di Maria reaching his peak will also be one of the star. Fernando Gago may be feeding Messi from mid field Ever Benga will be waiting on the wings to take over. The four backs may be the chink in the armory for Argentina.

Sabela may use 4-3-3 formation with Messi – Higuain – Aguero swapping positions lightning fast in a fluid forward trident. Javier Mascherano will be tasked to break any opposition’s rhyme in the midfield with De Maria providing the forward thrust. Goal keeper Sergio Romero is much safer now to rely upon.

However, Manager Sabela will announce team soon and we will write elaborately on Argentina. Much will depend on which Messi appears in the world cup. Having placed in a relatively easier group a flying start will create a catalyst for a wonderful side for an ultimate sweet victory in Brazilian soil.

(To be continued)

BDST: 1057 HRS, MAY 6, 2014