5 possible World Cup surprises

It’s counter intuitive to suggest that any particular World Cup team is an underdog. After all, they’ve only arrived at their current positions by distinguishing themselves as the most capable teams in their particular qualifying divisions. And yet, come summertime every four years, several teams inevitably garner the title of dark horses.

2014 has proven no different as the following five squads are generally favored to be this year’s underdogs:

Belgium

“The Red Devils” are riding a wave of unusually high expectations to Brazil. Stacked with a crop of elite Premier League players, the Belgians cruised through qualification in a UEFA group that included fellow qualifier, Croatia. Amongst their biggest stars are Chelsea midfielder, Eden Hazard, and 6’6” Atlético Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, who are both products of Belgium’s Global-Analytique-Global youth development system.

The system was instituted in 2004 by the Belgian Football Association and consists of incorporating the main elements of both French and German style of play into the new Belgian paradigm; 10 years later, Hazard and Courtois are just a couple of testaments to the system’s burgeoning success.

Beyond its distinguished personnel, the national team has drawn a relatively favorable draw, which augments its chances of making a deep run in the tournament. Their group – which consists of mediocre Algerian, Russian, and South Korean squads— favors Belgium coming out on top and then facing Group G’s second-place finisher en route to a quarterfinal berth.

France

Les Bleus would be best referred to as the ‘perpetually talented underachievers’. In other words, the issue with France is never personnel, but the failed amalgamation of talent instead. In terms of ability, this year’s team is no different as it consists of both established veterans such as Franck Ribery and up-and-comers from the 2013 U-20 World Cup champion squad.

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Much like Belgium, France has a drawn a favorable draw with the likes of Switzerland, Ecuador, and Honduras. Ultimately, France’s progression from potential challenger to fearsome opponent will fall under the oversight of manager Didier Deschamps—retired French footballer and former player for the 1993 Champions League champion Marseilles squad— who will seek to institute a defensive-minded style with this year’s squad.

Chile

Chile’s Eduardo Vargas, right, fights for the ball with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah during a friendly soccer match in Santiago, Chile, Friday, May 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo)

La Roja has long been the little brother of South American powerhouses, Brazil and Argentina. This year, they bring a fast-paced attack to the pitch as they seek to reverse the tide.

Led by the quirky, yet successful, Jorge Sampaoli, the Chilean squad will count on the likes of Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez and Basel midfielder Marcelo Diaz to make it through a challenging Group B.

Close to home, La Roja will count on a throng of supporters to come out and support them as they take on 2010 champions Spain, 2010 runner-up Netherlands, and an overmatched Socceroos from Down Under.

Portugal

Counting on the best footballer in the world, Portugal should be the farthest thing from a dark horse. And yet, Portugal’s main problem seems to be its lack of depth beyond Cristiano Ronaldo. However, this lack of depth is a myth at best.

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The team has surrounded Ronaldo with talent: from Fabio Coentrao of Real Madrid to Joao Moutinho of AS Monaco, Portugal is reputable on both fronts.

Therefore, if Cristiano is at his best and if Portugal manages to make it out of the Group of Death en route to a much easier second-round matchup—two big “if’s”—the Portuguese have what it takes to make it deep into June.

Colombia

Colombia’s Carlos Bacca celebrates his goal against Senegal during their international friendly soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 31, 2014. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

Falcao’s absence notwithstanding, the fifth-ranked Colombians bring a formidable team to Brazil as they participate in their first World Cup since 1998.

Coming off an impressive second-place qualification campaign in CONMEBOL —arguably the toughest qualification conference in the world— this particular squad has acquired vast experience while playing against some of the best teams in the world.

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Losing their star is obviously a huge blow, but first-place is achievable in their group and a quarterfinal run is not out of the question.

The only thing we can be sure of is that there will be a surprise at the World Cup. Are these the correct ones? Only time will tell. The World Cup begins on June 12.

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