The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Fact File - Radnedge, Keir, Author - 2014 - London - Carlton Books Limited - 9781780974712 - Anna's Archive

The Official | |
2a 4 FIFA WORLD CUP
FIFA World Cup

Brazil ~<
FACT FILE
VENUES e TEAMS ¢PLAYERS *COACHES
GROUPS -FIXTURES
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This edition published in 2014
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The Official
2614
FIFA World Cup
Brazil
FACT FILE
Keir Radnedge
. Contents
Introduction 6
Welcome to Brazil 8
2014 FIFA World Cup Venues 10
2014 FIFA World Cup Final Draw 12
Group A Group B
Brazil 14 Spain 18
Croatia 15 Netherlands 19
Mexico 16 Chile 20
Cameroon 17. ‘Australia 21
Group C Group D
Colombia 22 Uruguay 26
Greece 23 Costa Rica 27
Ivory Coast 24 England 28
Japan 25 _—siltaly 29
Group E Group F
Switzerland 30 = Argentina 34
Ecuador 31. Bosnia-Herzegovina 35
France 32~~=silran 36
Honduras 33. ~=Nigeria 37
Group G Group H
Germany 38 Belgium 42
Portugal 39 Algeria 43
Ghana 40 Russia 44
United States 41 Korea Republic 45
Brazil and
Players to Watch
for the2014 FIFA Forwards 46
World Cup, 50
Final?~ Midfielders
Defenders 54.
Goalkeepers 56
FIFA World Cup Picture Quiz 58

FIFA World Cup Trivia Quiz 60
2014 FIFA World Cup Match Schedule 62
introduction
The 2014 FIFA World Cup is an exciting journey into the future combined with
massive appreciation of the twists and turns of the event’s great history. Brazil is one
of the most progressive nations of the 21st century yet it is also a country steeped in
football’s great traditions and great deeds. No other nation can boast five victories
in the FIFA World Cup or such an extensive historical armoury of exciting individuals.
Not that the land of the ‘beautiful game’ has always Brazil is a vast nation. As FIFA president
been a land of football celebration: there have Sepp Blatter says: “This is not a country but a
been tears of pain as well as tears of delight. The continent.” The game was probably brought to
most notably dark day in the history of Brazilian Brazil in the late 19th century by Charles Miller,
football was in 1950 when they lost the final match a student returning home to Sao Paulo from
of the FIFA World Cup against their southern school in England. Simultaneously, another son of
neighbours from Uruguay. immigrants - Oscar Cox - was organising the first
That defeat has haunted not merely Brazilian games and championship up in Rio de Janeiro.
football but all of Brazil since that day. Now, history In 1919 Brazil’s new national team won the Copa
is coming full circle. Once more, 64 years on, Brazil America for the first time, thanks to the inspiration
is the host nation of the FIFA World Cup and of their original superstar, Arthur Friedenreich.
among their 31 rivals from all around the planet will They failed in the first round of the inaugural FIFA
be Uruguay. World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 but they are now
The statue
of Jesus Christ
looks down on Rio
de Janeiro and the
Maracana stadium.
Modern
sculpture in the
Three Powers Square,
Brasilia, symbolizes
togetherness,
the only nation who can lay claim to having been 1950, Chile in 1962 and Argentina in 1978. South
present in all the finals tournaments. Americans have won every time: respectively
The 20th FIFA World Cup will be staged in 12 Uruguay (twice), Brazil and Argentina. On two of
venues the length and breadth of Brazil, from those four occasions the hosts have triumphed.
the cool south of Porto Alegre to the heat and Brazil even underlined host power by dismissing
humidity of Manaus in the Amazon basin. It is reigning world and European champions Spain by
a FIFA World Cup which will test the nation’s 3-0 in last year’s final of the Confederations Cup,
transport and general infrastructure as never the FIFA World Cup ‘rehearsal’.
before and throws up the footballing fascination of The qualifying competition for the finals comprised
whether a European team can win the FIFA World 820 matches between 203 national teams (out of an
Cup in the Americas for the first time. original entry of 208) with goals scored at the rate
South America has played host on only four of 2.87 per game. The totality of qualifying drama
previous occasions: Uruguay in 1930, Brazil in and expectation from the finals prompted a record
rush for tickets in the early sales phases.
Brazil is a country featuring an amazing mix
of historical, cultural and tourist opportunities.
Football fans from all around the world want to
share, with Brazilians, a unique event in the history
of world sport.
A FIFA
World Cup float
during the famous Rio
Carnival parade. The
player is Ronaldo.
Walk
along the famous
lpanema Beach in Rio
de Janeiro and you will
see dozens of football
games being |
playedi= ©
og
Football Country
Maybe the game’s rhythm struck a chord with the carnival
atmosphere that seems so prevalent in the country, but, for
whatever reason, over the years Brazil has been able to bring its
national personality to the game of football - casual, contented, FIFA WORLD CUP
relaxed and playful - like no other nation on earth. Brasil
Doubt remains as to who can truly be called Brazil’s

Cafu lifted
Father of Football - some sources claim Charles the FIFA World
Cup after Brazil
Miller, the English-educated son of a businessman, defeated Germany
could claim the title, others suggest it belongs to 2-0 in the 2002
Final.
a Scottish dye-worker called Thomas Donohue -
but what cannot be questioned is that from the
moment the first ball was kicked in the 1890s,
football’s popularity spread rapidly throughout the
country and soon became interwoven into the very
fabric of Brazilian culture.
Not that success on the global stage was
instantaneous. Brazil travelled across the border
into Uruguary for the inaugural 1930 FIFA World
Cup full of optimism, but a 2-1 opening-game
defeat to Yugoslavia left their dreams of success in
tatters. And things grew no better in Italy, in 1934:
Brazil lost 3-1 to Spain in the first round of what
was at this time a knockout competition.
But then the Samba Boys slowly began
to find their dancing feet. They reached
the semi-finals in 1938, finished second,
as tournament hosts, in 1950 and then
reached the quarter-finals in 1954. Then
came 1958: spearheaded by a youthful Pele,
Brazil marched to the title playing a brand of
football that was admired around the globe.
It served as a blueprint for what would
become one of the most dominant spells in
international football history. Brazil retained
the 1962 FIFA World Cup and won again in
1970; the only blemish came in England in 1966.
In contrast, the 1970 team is widely considered
the best in football history and the team’s
formances inM tract
: a
the Brazilian football shirt epitomised flair and
footballing perfection.
But the manner and style of Brazil’s success
at the 1970 FIFA World Cup became a curse for
future teams: flair became the byword for Brazilian
football and without the players to match their
famous forebears (with the exception the 1982 FIFA
World Cup) success became difficult to repeat.
Glory did not return until the 1994 FIFA World Cup
- and then it was achieved with a less glittering
style of football. Brazil won again in 2002, and
there was a little more artistry than eight years
earlier. It remains Brazil’s last triumph,
but the style of the victories in those
The Brazil
golden years evokes vivid pictures team that won the
of how the beautiful game can be 1970 FIFA World Cup
is considered by many
played and ensures that a nation experts to be the eae
can continue to dream. Football greatest team ever }

assembled.
has many homes, but only Brazil can
claim to be its spiritual one.
MEET THE MASCOT

2014 FIFA
World Cup Mascot
Fuleco greets Brazil
football legend
Ronaldo in 2012.
Unveiled in September 2012, the official mascot for the
2014 FIFA World Cup is a three-banded armadillo, an
\ 3K : endangered species in Brazil. His name is Fuleco - a fusion
' » of the words futebol! (football) and eco/ogia (ecology) -
and he wears the colours of the Brazilian national flag. He
attracted more than 1.7 million (48 percent)
of all votes cast between September
. and November 2012. Fuleco has
: since spent his time touring
_ Brazil (89 percent of the
country’s population
have said they have
' seen him). FIFA’s
Marketing Director,
_ Thierry Weil, said of
| Fuleco, “Not only is
| he well-known and
| recognised by the
| vast majority of
Brazilians, he also
seems to have built
up a rapport with
football fans and is
a popular figure.”
“th e V e n u e s
On 31 May 2009, 12 host cities covering the length
and breadth of Brazil were chosen to host games at
the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Six of those cities will host
matches at brand-new stadiums, five existing stadiums
have been refurbished, while the stadium in Brasilia
has been demolished and rebuilt.
4 #
Situated in Manaus in the heart of the Amazon rainforest,

the area may not be a traditional hotbed of Brazilian
football but the magnificent Arena Amazonia is sure to
set fans’ pulses racing. The refurbished 42,374-capacity
stadium, designed to resemble a straw basket for which the |
region is famous, will play host to four group matches at the
|2014 FIFA World Cup. |
The capital city’s Estadio Mane Garrincha has been all but Specially constructed for the 2014 FIFA World Cup,
demolished to make way for the latest addition to Brasilia’s during which it will play host to four group matches,
eye-catching, modern skyline: the architecturally imposing, the 42,968-capacity Arena Pantanal has been based on
environmentally-friendly, metal-roofed, 68,009-capacity _ sustainability, in keeping with the flora-and-fauna rich | “aan
| Estadio Nacional. Completed in 2012, the stadium - the | | region to which it belongs - all the wood used in the
second largest of the tournament’s 12 venues - will host construction came from certified sources. Two local clubs,
seven games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, one of them a Mixto and Operario, will make the stadium their home after
quarter-final tie. the tournament is over.
The Arena da Baixada underwent an extensive Designed to resemble the undulating sand dunes for which ;
reconstruction in the late 1990s and has long been the Natal region in famous, the brand-new, innovative,
considered as one of Brazil’s most modern and best- 42,086-capacity Estadio das Dunas (completed in 2013) »
appointed venues. It came as little surprise, therefore, when stands on the site of the former Estadio Joao Claudio de
the 41,456-capacity stadium was selected as one of the 12 ) Vasconcelos (otherwise known as the Machadao). The
venues for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, during which it will _ stadium will play host to four group matches during the
play host to four first-round group matches. 2014 FIFA World Cup.
STADIO BEIRA-RIO = Porto Alegre _ 4

The largest football ground in the southern part of the The 62,547-capacity Estadio Mineirao, the home of Atletico
country and the home of Brazilian giants Internacional, the Mineiro and Cruzeiro and one of the most historic stadiums
Estadio Beira-Rio - nicknamed the “Giant of Beira-Rio” - in Brazilian football, has undergone a complete overhaul in
enjoys a spectacular location on reclaimed land on the banks _ readiness for the 2014 FIFA World Cup - including adding
of the River Guaiba. Refurbished for the 2014 FIFA World | facilities to capture and store up to 6.27 million litres of
Cup, the 48.849-capacity stadium will host five matches reusable rainwater. Originally constructed in 1965, it is é
during the tournament, including one round-of-16 tie. universally known as the Mineirao. ¢
10 The Venues
@ North Northeast a Centre West Southeast | South >
Region Region Region Region Region
ESTADIO CASTELAO - Fortaleza 8
The home of two of the city’s biggest clubs, Ceara and Fortaleza, the Estadio
Castelao, which was originally built in 1973, has been entirely revamped in preparation
for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Expanded to seat 64,846 spectators, the ground
will play host to six matches during the tournament, including Brazil’s second
group match and one quarter-final tie.
4@
~~ ARENA PERNAMBUCO -Recife 9
8 The north-eastern city of
6 ey Recife, Brazil’s fourth largest
6 uo metropolitan area, is no
stranger to FIFA World Cup
action: it was the venue
6 i. » for Chile’s 5-2 victory over
ao the USA at Brazil 50. But
the five matches it will
stage at the 2014 edition of
the tournament will take place
at an entirely new stadium: the
44,248-capacity Arena Pernambuco.
ED
ae ey
‘“.”” ARENA FONTE NOVA: Salvador 10
Brazil’s first-ever capital city, Salvador, on
Brazil’s north-east coast, has a brand-new stadium
for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The 48,747-capacity
Fonte Nova stands on the site of and is modelled
on the former Estadio Octavio Mangabeira (which
was demolished in 2010). It will host six matches
during the tournament, including one round-of-16 tie
and one quarter-final.
ap
7 4@%
ae
NW ESTADIO DO MARACANA - Rio de Janeiro n

ED
= 4 @ v Built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the world-famous

12 ve’ 74 Maracana will once again be in the global spotlight in 2014. It
may now have a reduced capacity - a mere 76,804 compared to
~@ the 200,000 of yesteryear - but the spiritual home of Brazilian football will play
3 4 @ y host to seven matches during the tournament, including the FIFA World Cup Final
Se on 13 July 2014.
ARENA DE SAO PAULO = Sao Paulo v2

A new home for Sao Paulo’s best-supported club, Corinthians, the Arena de Sao
Paulo was built specially for the 2014 FIFA World Cup (with construction due for
completion in 2014). The capacity will be 65,807, though 20,000 temporary seats
will be removed once the tournament is over. The stadium will play host to six
matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, including the opening game, one round-
of-16 tie and one semi-final.
other countries.
The Venues 11
I F A W e r l d C u p
2014 F
Brazil"™ Final Braw
The Final Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup which began in sombre style, featuring
a tribute to Nelson Mandela and an appeal for unity from FIFA president Sepp
Blatter, ended with a swirl of expectation ahead of the finals in Brazil.
The hosts and favourites were drawn to kick off beyond the northern venue city of Salvador.
against Croatia; England (by the hands of Sir Geoff The death of Mandela, iconic former President
Hurst) were handed a hot and humid start against of South Africa, was acknowledged in an opening
Italy in Manaus; Germany’s Joachim Low was montage of his involvement in bringing the FIFA
charted to come up against the man who launched World Cup to South Africa four years ago plus a
his national team career in now-US coach Jurgen brief silent tribute. Then it was on with the show,
Klinsmann; and champions Spain were despatched led by presidents Dilma Rousseff of Brazil and
to begin against the Dutchmen they beat in the 2010 Blatter of FIFA.
final. Worldwide television viewers and an audience Blatter took the opportunity to appeal
of directors, officials and media attended the draw in to Brazilians to forget about repeating the
the coastal resort of Costa do Sauipe, some 50 miles Confederations Cup demonstrations while the
FINAL DRAW
POR HE 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZ
SWITZERLAND
ECUADOR
FIFA World Cup party was in full swing. He said: Overseeing the occasion was Jerome Valcke,
“It was time that the World Cup came back to FIFA’s French secretary-general with the television
Brazil. Next year it will 60 years since Brazil first slice of proceedings being run by the husband-and-
organised the World Cup...so please come wife team of Rodrigo Hilbert and Fernanda Lima.
together and join everybody involved because As arranged in advance, Brazil were slotted into
it’s a game for you and also for fans around the Group A. The luck of the draw then placed Spain in
world in the 208 other national associations. It Group B, Colombia in Group C, Uruguay in Group
will be a great World Cup, perhaps the greatest D, Switzerland in Group E, Argentina in Group F,
of all times.” Germany in Group G and Belgium in the travel-
That was the cue for Vicente Del Bosque, friendly Group H.
manager of Spain’s 2010 FIFA World Cup winners, Italy, denied a top seeding by the decision to use
to bring the trophy itself on stage followed by a October’s FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking rather
parade of Brazilian favourites including Ronaldo, than the November listing, were then drawn into
Marta, Bebeto and, of course, Pele. the feared ‘floater’ slot, in Group D. The rest of the
Finally, 48 minutes into the show, the all- draw was then duly rolled out.
important goldfish bowls appeared on stage plus Group G (Germany, Portugal, Ghana and United
the ‘fishermen’ in Mario Kempes, Fabio Cannavaro, States) appeared the likely ‘Group of Death’
Lothar Matthaus, Zinedine Zidane, Hierro, Cafu, followed by Group D (Uruguay, Costa Rica, England,
Alcides Ghiggia and Sir Geoff Hurst. Italy). The make-up of the latter meant that at least
Presidents one former FIFA World Cup-winning nation will not
Dilma Rousseff make it through to the knockout stage.
of Brazil
and Sepp
Blatter of FIFA Of course, given the quality of the line-up, there
welcome the world. could be more famous fallers at the first fence.
Group A Group B
Brazil Spain
Croatia Netherlands
Mexico Chile
Cameroon Australia
Group C Group D
Colombia Uruguay
Greece Costa Rica
lvory Coast England
Japan Italy
Group E Group F
Switzerland Argentina
Ecuador Bosnia-Herzegovina
France Iran
Honduras Nigeria
Group G Group H
Germany Belgium
Brazilian icon Portugal Algeria
Pele takes centre
stage in Costa do Ghana Russia
Sauipe.
United States Korea Republic
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Final Draw 13

Brazil
Record six in sight
FACT FILE
Group A Founded: 1914
National stadium:
Maracana, Rio de Janeiro/
Brazil are the world’s favourite ‘other’ football nation because of Estadio Nacional, Brasilia
an endless flow of entertainingly talented players. The ‘Beautiful Nickname: Canarinha/
Game’ began with legendary Leonidas in the 1930s, Ademir selecao
Route to the finals:
and Zizinho in the 1940s, the matchless generation of Pele and e
Qualified automatically as
Garrincha between 1958 and 1970 then the likes of Romario and hosts
Ronaldo. Luiz Felipe Scolari was recalled as manager in November FIFA World Ranking: 10
2012 to try to repeat his FIFA World Cup-winning magic from FIFA World Cup Finals
appearances: 19
2002. Crucial in attack for him is Barcelona
Winners: 1958, 1962, 1970,
forward Neymar. fe 1994, 2002
Outstanding
defender Thiago Ones to watch: Neymar,
Silva will be Thiago Silva, Paulinho
Brazil’s captain
in 2014.
Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Splat Sto t
won the
Brazil have
S Cup on oe
FIFA World
OcCa Oe
record five ae
ee ee
since its C
he only na CS
ompeted
Brazil will have
one of the potent Sarat c
urname s:
nt
attacks at the 2014 FIFA
19 finals to
World Cup, with talents
such as Fred sure
Any players
wearing the
famous colours of
Brazil must be
respected.
Creatia
Youth and experience
FACT FILE
haa eee
Group A L | Founded: 1992 (previously

1912-19 and 1941-44)
National stadium:
Croatia, at 22, may be one of the youngest footballing nations at the Maksimir, Zagreb
2014 FIFA World Cup finals but they are one of the most respected. Nickname: Vatreni (Fiery —
They finished third on their finals debut in 1998, qualified in 2002 ones) :
and 2006, but missed out in 2010. Captain Darijo Srna is Croaitia’s Renae Gece
record appearance-maker and he links the old and new generations, Group A, then 0-0, 2-0
while Luka Modric pulls the midfield strings. Croatia finished second (2-0 agg) v Iceland
in their group then beat Iceland in the play-offs. The only negative FIFA World Ranking: 16
was a red card for match-winner Mario Mandzukic, who is thus Be dtong ne url
appearances: 3
suspended for the opening game against hosts Brazil. Winners: None
Ones to watch: Mario
Luka Mandzukic, Darijo Srna,
Modric has | Luka Modric
established himself
Coach: Niko Kovac
as one of Europe's-
most creative —
playmakers:. ha
Stat
Sees has
ic status aS
roved his §
tia’s all- ;
orth 45 goals nS
top-scoring S\x ce )
Mario Mandzukic p
was Croatia's four- 1998 FIFA World
e becoming A
goal top scorerinthe ns»
qualifiers, but he. will.
miss the opening.
Croatia
were third on
their FIFA World
Cup finals debut in
1998. Their aim is
two places higher
in 2014,
FL TIN LIS HAT SS RET a ea a ecccoaancnenethTLIO,

STORE
15
Mexico
A golden generation
FACT FILE
National stadium: Azteca,
Mexico City
In the early years of the FIFA World Cup, Mexico qualified regularly Nickname: El Tri
but were easy victims for almost everyone. When EI Tri hosted the Route to the finals:
FIFA World Cup for the second time in 1986 they had found their Winners of CONCACAF
third round Group B,
international feet. Mexico’s clubs are among the richest and most
fourth in fourth round
powerful in the Americas and the under-23s outplayed Brazil to win group then 5-1, 4-2 (9-3
the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games. However, they agg) v New Zealand in the
made very hard work of qualifying and advanced only after winning intercontinental play-offs
FIFA World Ranking: 21
an intercontinental play-off against New Zealand. And no attack
FIFA World Cup Finals
with ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez and Oribe Peralta can be underrated. appearances: 14
Winners: None
Oribe
Peralta Ones to watch: Javier
proved his Hernandez, Oribe Peralta,
match-winning
Giovani dos Santos
qualities against
New Zealand in Coach: Miguel Herrera
the play-off.
oe
LS
DR. bi
Tt \ 5
o had four
Mexi
the qualifying
coaches in th
mpetition
_ Jose Manuel
ndo
Luis Ferna
an pete ce ti ch
or Vu
Tena and V! ct a l e
cked
were all sa
rr era finishe
ia V Miguel He
started.
what they
Javier
“Chicharito”
Hernandez has honed
his attacking talents in
the Premier League.
Mexico beat
New Zealand 9-3
on aggregate in the
decisive play-off
round.
16 abe
Cameroon
Roaring for more
FACT FILE
National stadium:
Ahmadou Ahidjo,
Cameroon have been one of the most popular African contenders Yaounde
ever since the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals. Then Roger Milla’s team Nickname: Indomitable
started by defeating champions Argentina and succumbed only to Lions
England in extra time in the quarter-finals. German coach Volker porerg the nal
2 Winners of CAF second
Finke’s team dropped five points in their qualifying group and round Group | then 0-0,
managed only five open-play goals in six games. They had improved 4-1 (4-1 agg) v Tunisia
when they met Tunisia in their play-off. The Indomitable Lions FIFA
Ranking:
World 50 __
drew O-O away and won 4-1 in Yaounde, thanks to two goals from BE OCU panos
oneal appearances: 6
Jean Makoun, the central midfielder Winners: None
from French club Rennes. Ones to watch: Samuel
the
Samuel Eta
Indomitable Lions’
Eto’o, 3 Jean Makoun 3
top scorer with 55 Alexandre Song
goals in more than Coach: Volker Finke
100 games. 2
f
Splot Stot
d extra
xt
ha
Cameroon
their qualifying
help in
\ \
eB
use Togo
win peca el ig io
in
fielded an
er , Al aixys
play
Romao.
Alexandre Cameroon are

Song switched now virtual ever-
to Cameroon after presents in the
4 playing youth FIFA World Cup
4 football for finals from
vat France. Africa.
Champions’ challenge
FACT FILE
Group B Founded: 1909
National stadium: Estadio
Santiago Bernabeu,
Spain have commanded world football for the past six years, ever Madrid
since their Euro 2008 triumph sent them on a slalom of three Nickname: La Roja
successive top titles. These included a long-overdue FIFA World Route to the finals:
Cup triumph in South Africa in 2010. Simultaneously they have Bet WerGEeee
long been established atop the FIFA World Rankings. However, FIFA World Cup Finals __
defeat for the world and European champions by Brazil in the 2013 appearances: 13
Confederations Cup Final hinted Spain may be vulnerable when a Winners: 2010
Ones to watch: Sergio
team built around now-ageing players return to South America.
Ramos, Andres Iniesta,
Xavi Hernandez
The tigeriain Coach: Vicente Del
tackling of central Bosque
defender Sergio
Ramos has become
a key element in
Spain’s recent
success,
Splat >i
Statrecord
Spain set
of 29 compe
titive matches
v three years
unbeaten Ove
erat ions
FIFA Confed
Cu p Br az il.
3°
ale
0ClUCOS
4 Andres
Iniesta
scored the
winning goal
late.in the 2010
; FIFA World
\ Cup Final.
Twice
European
champions and
2010 FIFA World
Cup winners, can
anyone stop
Spain?
FACT FILE
Founded: 1889
National stadium:
Amsterdam ArenA
The era of Johan Cruyff’s total football is long gone and so are the Nickname: Oranje
Euro-dominating days of Ruud Gullit and Marco Van Basten. The Route to the finals:
Dutch have finished FIFA World Cup runners-up three times and Winners of UEFA Group D
owe it to their fans to erase memories of the ugly second-place FIFA World Cup Finals
finish behind Spain in South Africa in 2010. Robin Van Persie was the appearances: 9
European qualifiers’ main man with 11 goals. Only Germany scored Winners: None
Ones to watch: Robin
more than the Dutchmen’s 34. They won nine of their 10 games and
Van Persie, Arjen Robben,
dropped points only in a 2-2 draw with Estonia. ele Rafael Van der Vaart
Coach: Louis Van Gaal
Rafael Van der

Vaart has been a
key midfielder for
the Dutch since
2003.
Splat Stot
“~ Star striker Robin Van
a hat-trick in an
Persie hit < of Hungary:
g-1 thrashing ‘took Patrick
Holland's all-
p scorer with A\
time to
goals in gi games:
Runners-
up.in 2010, the
Netherlands want
Arjen Robben to go one better
aims to make at the 2014 FIFA
amends for missed World Cup
chances in the 2010 Brazil.
FIFA World Cup
Final.
Chile
Change for the better |
FACT FILE
Nacional, Santiago
Chile surprised themselves as hosts in 1962 by finishing third and Nickname: La Roja
have never come as close to the elite again. However, they have Route to the finals: Third
continued to produce star individuals such as Carlos Caszely then in CONMEBOL group
e a FIFA World Ranking: 15
Ivan Zamorano and now the likes of Barcelona forward Alexis ST
STTP Snare
é oe i : FIFA World Cup Finals
Sanchez. Chile qualified despite changing coach halfway through appearances: 7
the campaign when three defeats in a row led to Jorge Sampaoli Winners: None
replacing sacked Claudio Borghi. They were second-top scorers in Ones to watch: Alexis
Sanchez, Arturo Vidal,
their group with 29 goals (Argentina scored 35).
ss Jean Beausejour
Chileismele ciate Coach: Jorge Sampaoli
pace on the
break depends
heavily on Jean
Beausejour,.
f « Chile have hit

form at the right
time for a serious
‘ challenge at the
\ 2014 FIFA World
\ Cup Brazil.
Vere Sanchez showed }

f his talent with
two goals against
England last
November.
ralia
Socceroos on the move
FACT FILE
National stadium:
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Australia have proved more of a force each time they have Nicknanias Sbceerod-
competed in the FIFA World Cup. They did not enter until the 1966 Route to the finals:
FIFA World Cup and reached the finals for the first time in 1974 in Winners of AFC third
West Germany. It was 32 years before they qualified again but they AGL ae ee
reached the second round in 2006 and missed out on progress only round Group B
on goal difference in 2010. German coach Holger Osieck guided FIFA World Ranking: 58
them to Brazil but, after two bad defeats in friendlies by Brazil and FIFA World Cup Finals
appearances: 3
France, was replaced as manager by Ange Postecoglou. SWIRRETERNOES
Ones to watch: Tim Cahill,
Lucas Neill, Brett Holman
A
Lucas Neill — Coach: Ange Postecoglou
honed his know- "
how in 15 years in
England.
Tim Cahill was

the first Australian
to score in the FIFA. 4
World Cup finals.
The Socceroos
are making’ their
third consecutive
FIFA World Cup
finals appearance /
. in2014. A ff
a R mes)
21
Mba
Peacke@wirack |
FACT FILE
Group C Founded: 1924
Metropolitano Roberto
Colombia have a chequered FIFA World Cup history. They qualified Melendez, Barranquilla
first in 1962, gave up their hosting opportunity in 1986 and were hit Nickname: Los Cafeteros
by tragedy in 1994 when defender Andres Escobar was shot dead Route to the finals:
back home after putting through his own goal in the finals in the Runners-up in
CONMEBOL group
United States. A team starring bouffant-haired playmaker Carlos
Valderrama and erratic winger Faustino Asprilla lost in the group FIFA World Cup Finals
stages in 1998. Superstar striker Radamel Falcao is leading them appearances: 4
Winners: None
back to their first finals
Ones to watch: Mario
Recamne since then. Yepes, Radamel Falcao,
James Rodriguez
Coach: Jose Pekerman
at
Splat Stao set
lc
Radamel Fa
B u e oie
3 17-goal TO
n record
competitio winn s
er
gue
uropa |_ea
He was
oa in 2010-11.
ia's nine-
then Colomb
Colombia will
~Somethi ng to cheer
ee | FACT FILE
Group Cc Founded: 1926

National stadium:
Olympic Stadium, Athens
Greece, shock 2004 UEFA European Championship winners, have Nickname" Pirates
appeared at the FIFA World Cup only twice before and hope that Route to the finals:
Brazil might be third time lucky as they try to advance beyond the Runners-up in UEFA
group stage for the first time. As coach Fernando Santos has noted, at a dae Bs
that would provide some cheer for the nation after all its economic Ranking:
FIFA World 12 __
problems. The spirit and resilience of the squad was illustrated by FIFA World Cup Finals
the play-off defeat of a tough Romanian side. Olympiacos’ German- SPREE ees: -
taught striker Konstantidis
;
Mitroglou was the hero with two goals in nia
UU ee Se ee
Ones to watch: Georgios
Athens and one in Bucharest. Samaras, Dimitrius
Salpingidis, Georgios
b. Karagounis
Coach: Fernando Santos
r
Goalkeepe y
z i s w a s the onl
Karne
ay in e
man to pl
§
3 of Gr ce
e e
ai gn . It a
up
n u t e s in the gro
oromi
stage an
in the play-
roast
Last chance saloon |
FACT FILE
Group C Founded: 1960
National stadium: Felix
Houphouet-Boigny,
The Ivorians are in the FIFA World Cup finals for a third consecutive Abidjan
tournament, but this is a last glory opportunity for an ageing nucleus Nickname: Elephants
of players, led by ever-dangerous Didier Drogba. He has scored a Route to the finals:
record 60-plus goals for the Ivory Coast, including at each of the neeFrei Cea ae
last two FIFA World Cup finals, while Didier Zokora and Manchester 1-1 (4-2 agg) v Senegal
City’s Yaya Toure provide powerful support from midfield. But the FIFA
Ranking:
World 17 __
country has only one title to its name, the 1992 African Nations Cup. FIFA World Cup Finals
In 2014, the Elephants’ target is to progress to at appearances: <
Winners: None
least the second round. “ Ones to watch: Didier
Drogba, Salomon Kalou,
Yaya Toure
Coach: Sabri Lamouchi
Splat Sttwaat Ss
\vory Coas
d in oe
undefeate
ane
qualifying
fo
hants Won
ew tw ic e with .
mee dr \:
top Group
Morocco to
l in the .
with Senega
play-offs.
apan
Asian champions’
challenge FACT FILE
CS oS
Founded: 1921
Group C National stadium:
International Stadium,
Yokohama
Japan have made spectacular progress in the international game Nickname:
Blue Samurai _
since the launch of a national professional league in the mid-1990s. Route to the finals:
Runners-up in AFC third
At first the national team were about teamwork to the almost total
round Group C; winners of
exclusion of individual flair. The evolution of the J.League, however, AFC fourth round Group B
has helped generate a team mixing disciplined possession football FIFA World Ranking: 47
with star quality. As Asian champions the Blue Samurai competed FIFA World Cup Finals
appearances: 4
in last year’s Confederations Cup in Brazil but crashed out after
Winners: None
losing all three group games. Ones to watch: Eiji
Kawashima, Shinji
Shinji Kagawa’s
talents were rewarded Kagawa, Keisuke Honda
with Asia's top player Coach: Alberto Zaccheroni
prize in 2012.
He won German ee S
English league te
in success!V© i
i
« \
Keisuke
Honda isa
danger to any
goalkeeper from
free kicks.
Japan
scored —
30 goals and
conceded eight in |
qualifying for the
2014 FIFA World
Cup.
LEST LE LS SNL eS RL TM OT ETN ATM! |25
Vruguay
The history men |
FACT FILE
A AD
Group D Founded: 1900
National stadium:
Centenario, Montevideo
Ondino Viera, who coached Uruguay at the 1966 finals, said: “Other Nickname: Calccta
countries have their history, we have our football.” So, even though Route
finals:
to the Fifth —
the Celeste (Sky Blues) needed a play-off victory over Jordan to in CONMEBOL group
head north into Brazil, they are always worth their place. Forwards Baa? OF eee
Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani are two of the world’s finest strikers, FIFA World Ranking: 6
with talent further honed since Uruguay’s third-place finish in the FIFA World Cup Finals
South Africa FIFA World Cup 2010. ‘Profesor’ Oscar Washington pppearances:sliveie
ree
Tabarez, at 67, is expected to be the oldest * On ee
manager at the finals. Suarez, Edison Cavani,
Diego Godin
Coach: Oscar Washington
Tabarez
onere2 million,
en
lest Cae
is the smal e
Luis Suarez th
in both
made his name
ey ee did so
d also
d 1950) an
with Uruguay at the
FIFA U-20 World
sted rhe
Cup in 2007. to have ho
30).
finals Gin 19
Uruguay
reached the semi-
finals of the 2013 FIFA
Confederations Cup
in Brazil.
Edinson
| Cavani has
F ripped apart club
| defences in Italy
and France.
Costa Rica
Winning tn translation
FACT FILE
Nacional, San Jose
The term “Ticos” - nickname of people from the central American Nickname:
Los Ticos”
nation - has no direct translation. Perhaps that air of mystery is Route to the finals:
why they have continually surprised grander football nations and Runners-up CONCACAF
rank No.3 in CONCACAF history behind the much larger nations Hae route Sup
: be: : =p second in fourth round
of United States and Mexico. Colombian coach Jorge Luis Pinto Ranking:
FIFA World 31 __
took over for a second time in 2011 to guide them to a surprise FIFA World Cup Finals
second place in the qualifying /iguilla. Show-stopper was Fulham ee 3
3 Winners: None
forward Bryan Ruiz, ably nl as by Celso Borges and veteran Oller ewan Ena
Alvaro Saborio. Ruiz, Christian Bolanos,
Alvaro Saborio
Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto
Goalkeeper
Keylor Navas first
starred for Costa Rica
at the 2003 FIFA
‘ 3 4 World Under-17s in
Es ; P// Finland.
fraom a
af te r pr o
il,
uring Braz
group feat
Scotland an
Sweden.
Captain
Bryan Ruiz
scored in
Costa Rica’s Costa Rica
2-1 qualifying were runners-up
win against to the United States
i Mexico. ‘ea ee ey in CONCACAF
vt
Aaa ee Tih qualifying.
England
ww
Hodgson’s history men

FACT FILE
National stadium:
Wembley, London
England enter every FIFA World Cup shouldering the weight of
Nickname: Three Lions
expectation linked back to the 150-year history of the FA and the 1966 Route to the finals:
FIFA World Cup win. Manager Roy Hodgson had a tough baptism at Winners of UEFA Group H
short notice in the 2012 European Championships and has begun to FIFA World Ranking: 13
develop his own team, mixing the ‘old guard’ such as captain Steven
appearances: 13
Gerrard, Ashley Cole and star striker Wayne Rooney with new boys Winners: 1966
such as Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge. They go Ones to watch: Wayne
Rooney, Steven Gerrard,
to Brazil with growing confidence after topping their
Jack Wilshere
qualifying group. ashiey. ofl Coach: Roy Hodgson
has won every E
prize at club level
Wayne with Chelsea.
Rooney was , Bi
England’s leading
scorer in qualifying
with seven goals.
SEE Splat Stat
England have gone
Expectations
may be low but
in the eyes of
many fans it is
always “England
expects”.
italy
Europe’s most successful
FACT FILE
CME
National stadium: Stadio
Olimpico, Rome
Italy are Europe’s greatest FIFA World Cup competitors. The Azzurri NicknamezAcrurrilso
ee
were the continent’s first winners, then first triple winners and boast Route to the finals:
four titles. Their great players have not always played great football Winners of UEFA Group B
: : ; FIFA World Ranking: 7
but they always play to win. Coach Cesare Prandelli guided aoa to FIFA World Cup Finals
runners-up spot at Euro 2012 and the nucleus of that team will go to appearances: 17
Brazil after an unbeaten qualifying competition. Mario Balotelli, back Winners: 1934, 1938, 1982,
with Milan after a tempestuous spell at Manchester 2006
Ones to watch: Gianluigi
City, was five-goal top scorer. Buffon, Andrea Pirlo,
Mario Balotelli
Midfielder ee
| Coach: Cesare Prandelli
Daniele Di
Rossi is a survivor
from Italy’s 2006
FIFA World Cup-
winning squad.
: Splat Sta
he Az t
zurri lived
Up to
=“ reputation j
Pablo
Osvaldo was
born in Argentina
but Italy quickly
capitalised on
his family
background,
It would be
foolish to expect
Italy not to have a
real chance of a fifth
FIFA World Cup.
7 i
'
29
FACT FILE
as
Founded: 1895
National stadium: Stade
de Suisse, Bern
Switzerland once went 28 years without reaching the FIFA World
Nickname: La Nati
Cup finals. After losing in the first round in England in 1966 it was Route to the finals:
an Englishman, Roy Hodgson, who finally took them back to the Winners UEFA Group E
finals in 1994. This is their third successive appearance and in Ottmar FIFA World Ranking: 8
Hitzfeld they boast one of world football’s most respected coaches.
appearances: 9
The Swiss were undefeated in Group E, winning seven and drawing Winners: None
three games to end seven points clear of runners-up Iceland. Ones to watch: Gokhan
Remarkably, their 17 goals were shared among Inler, Tranquillo Barnetta,
Xherdan Shagiri
10 players.
Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Midfielder
Gokhan. Inler. has
had a stellar career
since his rejection
by Fenerbahce
in Turkey.
If the
Swiss defence
continues to be
miserly, the forwards
KOSOVO- must get the goals
born Xherdan for them to
Shagqiri’s starring advance.
role for Switzerland
helped earn him a
move to Bayern
Munich.
FACT FILE
RE
Group E Founded: 1926
Olimpico Atahualpa, Quito
Ecuador were not certain of qualifying for the finals until the last Nickname: (ot
round of matches when a 2-1 defeat by Chile still provided enough Route to the finals:
security to see them through on goal difference ahead of Uruguay. Fourth in CONMEBOL
Players and staff dedicated their qualifying success to team-mate SEA WET d Ranking: 23
Christian Benitez who had died of heart failure, aged 27, weeks FIFA World Cup Finals
earlier while playing for his Qatari club, Al-Jaish. Benitez had scored appearances: 2
four goals in the qualifying series. Felipe Caicedo, with seven goals Winners: None
Ones to watch: Antonio
(four penalties) was the main man. an Valencia, Edison Mendez,
= Veteran , :
midfielder Felipe Caicedo
Edison Mendez Coach: Reinaldo Rueda
# has more than 100...
: appearances for
Ecuador to his.
Versatile
Antonio
$ (
Eciagee oe Stat Valenicia:can
play anywhere
tore ach theeded years
FIFA 72World on the right side
of defence or
attack.
Ni
After
surprising
South America
with automatic
qualification, can
Ecuador create
shockwaves In
<a
France
Bright blue again
FACT FILE
Group E Founded: 1890,
reorganised 1919 ake
National stadium: Stade
France have taken almost four years to recover from the 2010 FIFA de France, Paris/St-Denis
World Cup South Africa debacle, when the team imploded. It was Nickna Les Bleus.
me:
a shock for fans, with the 1998 FIFA World Cup win and 2006 FIFA Route to the finals:
World Cup runners-up slot fresh in their memory. Didier Deschamps, Ce eee .
who captained France to their 1998 FIFA World Cup and 2000 UEFA i
European Championship double, has instilled order and discipline FIFA World Ranking: 20
on and off the pitch. In the play-offs against Ukraine, France became FIFA World Cup Finals
the first nation ever to overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit and reach the appearances: 13
: =
FIFA World Cup finals {,tly _ : ee
Ones to watch: Franck
\ 4 ae Ribery, Karim Benzema,
Franck Ribery :
proved.a qualifying Hugo Lloris
—_
winner with France Coach: Didier Deschamps
nda club winner wit
Bayern Munich. ~
Splaaret St ot
France Europe$
of the three
ae
inners
o e
tional
oe nterna ee
rld Cup ad
the FIFA Wo io ns :
erat
FIFA Confed ) an
2003
(2001 and
Ol y m p i c Games
(1984).
France.aim
to atone for their
4 poor showing in the }
Karim 2010 FIFA World
Benzema was Cup in South
voted French Africa,
Footballer of the ¥
Year in 2011
and 2012.
32
Uarez’s focus group
FACT FILE
Group E Founded: 1951
Olimpico Metropolitano,
The CONCACAF qualifiers came to a dramatically tense conclusion San Pedro Sula
for everyone but Honduras. Their last-day task was to secure a Nickname: Los Catrachos
point away to Jamaica in Kingston and goals from Carlo Costly and —_—Route to the finals:
. ‘ 2 - Winners of CONCACAF
Maynor
y F igueroa saw them do precisely Aner with an impressive initround. Croup © (a
sense of purpose. Honduras ended four points clear of play-off- in Fourtnmoune
bound Mexico. Leading marksman was Jerry Bengtson, one of the FIFA World Ranking: 42
young stars of the London 2012 Olympics. Luis Fernando Suarez is FIFA World Cup Finals
one of three Colombian coaches heading for the finals in Brazil. gepeatances 2
Winners: None
Ones to watch: Maynor
Maynor Figueroa, Emilio Izaguirre,
Figueroa’s Jerry Bengtson
game has benefited C Ronee Z
rom six years in English oacn: Luls Fernandgo
football with Wigan Suarez
Athletic and Hull -
City.
Splot Stot
ve see
ha
Honduras In oe
y since,
a long Wa e
r first o
losing thei
ende
clate
ee rso a ee
guests in
Pe Americ
class Copa . nt
tourname
LE
AGELESS
SEPIA
Given
Ae
Bengt
:
son
' the chance,
hit'a FIFA ; Honduras have
World Cup the players and ;
ww hat- \ flair to upset many }
trick against ; me : 7 Ss -_ high-profile j
Canada. i
S se . 5 te opponents. f
= b> df
—— es anneal
33
argentina
All down to Messi
FACT FILE
eal
Group F Founded: 1893
National stadium:
: * : Monumental, Buenos Aires
Argentina were runners-up in the 1930 FIFA World Cup, have won it Nickname: Albiceleste__
twice and produced a harvest of the game’s greatest players. Mario Route to the finals:
Kempes provided the winning goals in 1978 and Diego Maradona Winners of CONMEBOL
the inspiration in 1986. Now the weight of responsibility is carried FIEAword REnRing= ee
by Lionel Messi. Barcelona’s oft-crowned World Player of the Year FIFA World Cup Finals
has scored goals in abundance everywhere - except in the FIFA appearances: 15
World Cup. Leading Argentina to victory in northern neighbour Winners: 1978, 1986
fe Brazil would be the ultimate seal on his status. Ones to watch: Lionel
a
Messi, Sergio Aguero,
Angel Di Maria
Sergio
__ Aguero Coach: Alex Sabella
scored key goals
in Argentina's
Beijing 2008 Sai
Olympic Games
Splat Stet
Argentina were top
&.
th American|
ou
orers in S goals
with 35
Gualifying a
er s scored2
Three play
Mess i wi
hem: Leo d
gu ain nine an
eas Hi fi ve .
ero
Sergio Agu
efence or
a midfield
Besnia- _
Herzegovina FACT FILE
New kids on the block
eo jum: Bilino
Group F
Nickname: Dragons
Route to the finals:
Bosnia-Herzegovina are making their FIFA World Cup finals debut Winners of UEFA Group G
only 22 years after the ethnically complex country split from the FIFA World CupFinals
former Yugoslavia. But they have threatened to join the elite before. appearances: None
The Dragons lost only in qualifying play-offs for both the 2010 FIFA Winners: None
World Cup and Euro 2012. They reached Brazil after losing only one Ones to watch: Asmir
Begovic, Edin Dzeko,
game in a group whose toughest rivals were Greece and Slovakia. The CnenGauie
only man with FIFA World Cup ‘previous’ is coach Safet Susic who Coach: Safet Susic
played in the finals for Yugoslavia in 1982 and 1990.
Vedad
Ibisevic (9) has [aeeneS
played in Switzerland \esNggag

the US, France
and Germany, b
Matches. Dzek
Ibisevic (eig
ht) Scored
goals betw
een
them.
ST
SS
ae
PERCE
After twice
suffering playoff
heartbreak, Bosnia-
Herzegovina has at
last qualified for a
major finals.
135
lran
Progress within reach .
FACT FILE
PRTG
National stadium: Azadi
Stadium, Tehran
Reza Ghoochannejhad shot to fame in the closing stages of the FIFA Nickname:
Team Mell,
World Cup qualifiers. Born in Iran but brought up in the Netherlands, Route to the finals:
he came to the attention of coach Carlos Queiroz through his goals 4-0, 1-0'(5-0 omagayy
for Sint-Truiden in Belgium. Reza made his Iran debut in autumn 2012 Satna 5 eae oan
then hit five goals in four games against Lebanon, Qatar and South winners of fourth round,
Korea to propel Team Melli to the finals in Brazil. Iran, long a power in Group A
Asian football, have yet to progress beyond the FIFA
Ranking:
World 33 _
: : : FIFA Worl Fi
FIFA World Cup first round. Queiroz believes Pe wore cup nals
appearances: 3
such a breakthrough is long overdue. Winners: None
Ones to watch: Javad
Nekounam, Mohammad
Nosrati, Ali Karimi
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Sp lat Stat
lran Scor eda
Memorab
le 2-] v
ictory
= Sone the 1998 FIFA w -ed St
7 ates at
FIFA World. Cup 4 rance, a Match ie Cup in
veteran Ali Karimi Its Sporting eee by
i 3 espj
re diplomatic ensue
A between the
Nations.
ey
Javed
Nekonam was
atop contender |}
for the 2013 Asian |
Player of the Year |
vigeria
oe
High flying Eagles

FACT FILE
National stadium: Abuja
Stadium, Abuja
Nigeria approach the 2014 FIFA World Cup inspired by the greatest Nickname: Super Eagles
year in their national team history. In the spring of 2013, the Super Route
finals:
tothe
Eagles won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in nearly two Winners of CAF second
decades and, a few months later, their youngsters roared away with pea anaerer
ate
the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Abu Dhabi. Nigeria have reached FIFA World Ranking: 37
four of the last five FIFA World Cup finals and twice advanced into FIFA World Cup Finals
the second round. A crucial presence for the Super Eagles is Stephen appearances: 4
: : : : cf Wi >N
Keshi, who was captain of the African champions in 1994 and coach ee
~~ _- Ones to watch: Vincent
of the team in 2013. ™ ~~ Enyeama, Victor Moses,
John Obi Mikel
Victor Moses Coach: Stephen
switched to
Keshi
Nigeria after
playing for
England
Under-2l1s.
champions.
Nigeria won
11 and lost only
three oftheir
22 international
matches in 2013. 7
Cermany
Striking for glory
FACT FILE
Group G Founded: 1900
National stadium:
Allianz Arena, Munich/
German football is as admired as that of Spain. The consistency Olympiastadion, Berlin
of the national team, the production line of talent and the club Nickname: Die
brilliance of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund has installed Nationalmannschaft
Joachim Low’s team as possible first-ever European winners of Route to the finals:
Winners of UEFA Group C
the FIFA World Cup in the Americas. The Germans have both won
the Cup and finished runners-up three times. But a fourth triumph FIFA World Cup Finals
depends on the strikers. Mesut Ozil was their leading scorer, from appearances: 17
midfield, in the qualifying competition with Winners:

1954, 1974, 1990
(all as West Germany)
eight goals. Ones to watch: Mesut
Bastian
Schweinsteiger 4 Ozil, Philipp Lahm,
is a rock at the Thomas Muller
won the Golden Shoe
Thomas Muller
heart of the
German at the 2010 FIFA Worlds: Coach: Joachim Low
midfield. Cup with five goals a
three assists,
1 splolet geStndotFranz
German ; ly
bauerwon
Becken Gs
is the on
the FIFA
man to h
World Cup as anager in
and as ™ s
s also ie
sl ao He wa id en
pres
organising
in 2006
Thrice
winners and
contenders every
tournament - this is
Pertugal
Relying on Ronaldo
FACT FILE
de Honra, Lisbon
Portugal, ever since finishing third on their FIFA World Cup finals Nickname: Selecao das
debut with Eusebio in 1966, have flattered to deceive on the biggest Quinas (Team of the Shields)
stage. Too often, exits have come as a result of self-inflicted wounds. Route to the finals:
Runners-up in UEFA
Even this time Portugal needed a play-off victory over Sweden to Group F then 1-O, 3-2
reach the finals. Yet they will command widespread attention through (4-2 agg) v Sweden
the attacking genius of Cristiano Ronaldo, supported by Pepe and FIFA World Ranking: 5
Fabio Coentrao in defence and Joao Moutinho in midfield. Portugal’s
appearances: 5
fans crave something at least as good as their 2012 UEFA European Winners: None
Championship semi-final achievement. Ones to watch: Cristiano
Ronaldo, Pepe, Joao
Moutinho
Pepe was Coach: Paulo Bento
voted among
the world’s most
outstanding
Cristiano defenders last —
Ronaldo year,
scored all
four goals in Splat Stok
Portugal’s
Cristiano Earn against
ored his fifth
play-off
victory. the play-off
Sweden, SC
he season to
hat-trick of t
draw leve | with Pauleta
gal’s all-time
rtu
asEO man on
leading marks
A7 goals.
Portugal
needed the play-
offs to qualify for e
asecond FIFA
be World Cup in
a row.
Ghana
Making up for lost time
FACT FILE
Ber a
National stadium: Kumasi
Sports Stadium, Ashanti
Ghana were the first black African nation to star at international level
Nickname: Black Stars
but, for all their history and potential, did not reach the FIFA World Route to the finals:
Cup finals until 2006. They have also won the Africa Cup of Nations Winners of CAF second
four times and FIFA world age-group events on three occasions. round Group D then 6-1,
1-2 (7-3 agg) v Egypt
In the South Africa FIFA World Cup 2010, the Black Stars were the
only one of six African nations to progress from the group stage FIFA World Cup Finals
and ended up just a shoot-out away from becoming the first African appearances: 2
country to reach the semi-finals. Stars such as Asamoah Gyan and Winners: None
Ones to watch: Michael
Kevin-Prince Boateng want to emulate that achievement.
Essien, Asamoah Gyan,
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Asamoah Coach: Akwasi Appiah
Gyan was
Ghana's six-goal
top marksman in the
qualifiers for Br.
Kevin-Prince Off to win the bronze

Boateng is a
half-brother of pi Medal.
ele
OC Germany’s Jerome — rit
6 Boateng. tbe haf
At the 2010
FIFA World Cup
Ghana became
the third quarter-
finalists from
Africa.
United States ~
The American dream
FACT FILE
National stadium: RFK
Memorial, Washington DC
The ambition to win a FIFA World Cup was sparked initially when Nickname: Team USA
the North American Soccer League was at its giddy heights in the Route tothe
finals:
1970s. Some 40 years and 14 national coaches further on and Team ae mi ee
USA have yet to progress beyond the quarter-finals. Pursuing that oe Beat
goal is coach Jurgen Klinsmann, returning to the finals in which Ranking:
FIFA World 14 __
he was a 1990 winner with West Germany. Equally determined to FIFA World Cup Finals
end his FIFA World Cup career on a high note will be Team USA’s appearances: 9
Winners: None
32-year-old captain Landon Donovan, appearing in his fourth finals. Ones to watch: Tim
Howard, Landon Donovan,
Clint Dempsey
A consistent E
goalscorer, Jozy Coach: Jurgen Klinsmann
Altidore has led the
United States’ attac
in world finals at
p 164 caps, though Ne

a, managed only 1
Clint
Dempsey is
Team USA’s
second-top
goalscorer in
history.
wile
Oo
Team USA
won 11 of 16 games
and scored 26 goals
in qualifying for the
2014 FIFA World
ee
eM
See ese
FACT FILE
Fotbided: 18
National stadium: Roy
Baudouin, formerly
tothe FIFA Heysel, Brussels
World Cup finals but returned as one of the: Post intriguing of Nickname: Red Devils
teams. The Red Devils reached the 1986 FIFA World Cup semi- Route to the finals:
finals and their fans have waited ever since for a comparable team. Winners of UEFA Group A
The new version, fashioned by coach Marc Wilmots, is built around
a new generation, strong in each department - from Vincent appearances: 1]
Kompany in central defence to Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku in Winners: None
attack. Coach Wilmots is Belgium’s five-goal Ones to watch: Vincent
*
Kompany, Eden Hazard,
all-time leading scorer in the finals. Romelu Lukaku
= Coach: Marc Wilmots
Eden Hazard
has sharpened
hisbig-game
experience with
Premier League
Chelsea.
Marouane
Fellaini offers the
support of goals
from midfield.
Belgium have
climbed more than
50 places j‘in the FIFA
World Rankings singe
2009.
>
mes
Roadmap for progress
FACT FILE
Group H Founded: 1962
National stadium:
Mustapha Tchaker, Blida
Algeria’s FIFA World Cup finals debut in 1982 ended in a narrow Nickname: Desert Foxes
and unfortunate first round exit and the Desert Foxes have yet to Route to the finals:
go beyond the group stage after two further tries. Their prospects Winners of CAF second
round Group H then 2-3,
in Brazil depend on exporting their magnificent home form: in four 1-O (away goals, 3-3 agg)
qualifying matches in Blida they conceded only one goal. And it was v Burkina Faso
in front of those same fans that a single goal from veteran captain FIFA World Ranking: 26
Madjid Bougherra edged them past Burkina Faso on away goals in
appearances: 3
the play-off second leg, after a 3-2 defeat in Ouagadougou. Algeria Winners: None
were Africa’s last qualifiers for the finals in Brazil. Ones to watch: Madjid
ca Bougherra, Islam Slimani,
Saphir Taider
Coach: Vahid Halilhodzic
$ Plat Stat Madjid

Portugal-baseq Bougherra
Slimani, f Islam celebrates his
Lisbo oor Sporting \ historic goal
A geri aH, top-scoreg for . against Burkina
ive oe qualifiers with ms

: lve years aft
8VINg been calle up on
the first ti es
oe
National
Ne tOthe
Squad.
Islam Slimani
. scored nine goals
in 17 games for }
Algeria in only 18 }
months. f
Algeria
~ é
beat Burkina
Fasoionthe away 4}
goals rule to secure
their place inthe
2014 FIFA World
43
Russia
Bear necessities
FACT FILE
Group H Founded: 1912 (Russia),
1946 (Soviet Union), 1991
(Russia)
Fabio Capello took England to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals but National stadium:
their second-round exit almost cost him the job. The 2018 hosts, Luzhniki, Moscow
by contrast, would be pleased to progress that far. One of Europe’s Nickname: Sbornaya
giants, Russia repeatedly punch below their weight. The Russian Route to the ayes
: ee = a Winners of UEFA Group F
bear lost to Slovenia in the 2010 play-offs and crashed in the first FIFA World Ranking: 22
round at Euro 2012. Finally, they edged top spot in Group F by one FIFA World Cup Finals
point from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal thanks to the talents of appearances: 9
keeper Igor Akinfeyev and sharp-shooting Alexander Kerzhakov. Winners: None
Ones to watch: Igor
Akinfeyev, Sergey
Igor
Ignashevich, Alexander
Akinfeyev
was a league
Kerzhakov
regular at 17 Coach: Fabio Capello
and a senior
international
Splat StatWho
W
Lev Yashinin,, ee
times for
played 94 tw e
Union be
old Soviet
~
Bis Bi
_ 1954 and + eer awarded
ly
Alexander ce
f= Kerzhakov isa finals Doe d’Or as
4 veteran, after playing in Footballer
the 2002 FIFA World European
Cup in Japan/Korea of the Year.
Lis
The hosts
in 2018, Russia
will want to set |
a precedent for |
success in j
Brazil.
Olympic inspiration
FACT FILE
Group H Founded: 1928
National stadium: Seoul
World Cup Stadium
Coach Hong Myung-Bo represents continuity in Korean football. He Nickname: Taeguk
captained the co-hosts at the 2002 FIFA World Cup then became Warriors
youth and Olympic coach. Thus he is relying on a nucleus of the Route'to the finals:
young players who finished third at London 2012. These include ai eae fOUnED
centre-back Hong Jeong-Ho plus captain Koo Ja-Cheol. The latter, FIFA World Ranking: 54
from Germany’s Mainz O5, was the top scorer at the 2011 Asian Cup. FIFA World Cup Finals
He also demonstrated his eye for goal with the strike which clinched appearances: 8
Winners: None
victory over Japan in the Olympic bronze
oe Ones to watch: Lee Jung-
medal play-off. Pak oe Soo, Lee Chung-Yong,
Young won a
bronzemedal \ Park Chu-Young
at the London Coach: Hong Myung-Bo
2012 Olympic a ee
Games.
Lee Chung-
Dutchman Guus Hiddij k Yong: was hailed
became the O ‘ n as one of the rising
Nation ey nly Asian stars on view at the
2010 FIFA World /
Cup.
Korea Republic
were semi-finalists
in 2002, but a repeat
would be an even
greater shock in
2014.
MARIO ( , LIONEL
BALOTELLI ade MESSI
Country: Italy Country: Argentina
Club: AC Milan Club: FC Barcelona (Spain)
Position: Forward Position: Forward
Born: 12 August 1990 Born: 24 June 1987
Appearances: 29 Appearances: 83
Goals: 12 Goals: ST
Skills and strengths: Powerful forward Skills and strengths: Moves as if the ball
who uses his aggressive strength and is tied to his boots, ideally cutting in
powerful shot to strike fear into the hearts from the right and either swapping deft
of defenders at home and abroad. Always passes with his team-mates or shimmying
a danger at free kicks around goal. through defences on his own.
Goals and glory: ‘Super Mario’ exploded Goals and glory: Messi, by 25, was hailed
onto the scene at Euro 2012 where as the youngest player to score 200
he scored twice in Italy’s semi-final Spanish league goals after already having
win over Germany. Followed up with become Barcelona’s all-time top scorer in
a winner against Mexico in the FIFA competitive football.
Confederations Cup.
Claim to fame: Won his first title at the Be
Claim to fame: The son of Ghanaian U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2005 followed
immigrants, he has sparked fireworks on by Olympic gold in 2008 plus four FIFA
and off the pitch in a club career at world player awards, two world club
Internazionale, Manchester City and Milan. crowns and three Champions Leagues.
Players to Watch
SS
CHRISTIANO
NEYMAR RONALDO
Country: Brazil Country: Portugal

Club: FC Barcelona (Spain) Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Born: 5 February 1992 Born: 5 February 1985
Goals: 2/7 Goals: 47
Skills and strengths: His speed, mesmeric Skills and strengths: Originally a teenage
control and shooting power not only right winger who honed his talent to
turned Santos, Pele’s old club, into South become the most excitingly dramatic all-
American champions but earned him a round attacker in the game.
FIFA Goal of the Year award. Goals and glory: Outstanding Ronaldo
Goals and glory: As an 18-year-old scored all four goals, including an away
Neymar scored 42 goals in 60 games leg hat-trick, in Portugal’s two-leg victory
in 2010, and was twice South American over Zlatan lbrahimovic’s Sweden in the
player of the year before being sold to FC 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs.
Barcelona for £49 million in 2013. Claim to fame: Ronaldo’s hunger for
Claim to fame: Led Santos to a first world goals since a then record £80m move
club final in 50 years and scored in every to Real Madrid in 2009 has seen him
match in Brazil’s FIFA Confederations outstrip the feats of legends such as Di
Cup 2013 triumph including the second Stefano and Puskas. He was named FIFA
goal in the final win over Spain. World Player of the Year - Men for 2013.
ae Forwards 47
& :
Pla y e r s t oW a t c h :
WAYNE j THOMAS
ROONEY a / MULLER
Country: England Country: Germany
Club: Manchester United Club: Bayern Munich
Born: 24 October 1985 Born: 13 September 1989
Goals: 38 Goals: 16
Skills and strengths: At his best Rooney Skills and strengths: The latest Muller to
is a rampaging, irresistible force anywhere
in the attacking third of the pitch; always
threaten FIFA World Cup defences does
so with pace, preferably off the right
A
aggressive, always focused on forging the wing, matched with the rare skill to ‘ghost’
most direct route to goal. unnoticed into space in front of goal. ad
Goals and glory: Rooney cost United Goals and glory: Muller’s best season
3K £25.6 million at 18, has won all major thus far was 2012-13 when he hit 23 goals
national and international club prizes in all competitions helping Bayern land
and scored more than 200 club goals, the Champions League and German
United’s fourth-highest of all time. league, cup and supercup.
Claim to fame: When Rooney made his Claim to fame: Ended his first full season
senior international debut in 2003 he was by starring at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
then the youngest player to represent where Germany finished third and he was
England. He remains his country’s top marksman with five goals and three
youngest-ever goalscorer at 17. assists in six appearances.
Players to Watch
Aon
LUIS
SUAREZ
RADAME
FALCAO ww
Country: Uruguay Country: Colombia
Club: Liverpool (England) Club: Monaco (France)
Born: 24 January 1987 Born: 10 February 1986
Goals: 39 Goals: 20
Skills and strengths: Suarez boasts the Skills and strengths: Falcao not only
tightest control and sharpest acceleration possesses surprising pace and delicacy of
all supported by the most unquenchable touch for a powerful man but is the most
self-belief that he is destined to score a unselfish of strikers, prepared to run all
goal in each and every attack. day long in the service of his team.
Goals and glory: Topped a century of Goals and glory: ‘E! Tigre’ racked up
goals in four years in all competitions for more than 100 goals in his first three
Ajax before moving to Liverpool and, at seasons in Europe including a hat-trick
27, is already Uruguay’s all-time record against Chelsea as Atletico Madrid won
marksman with 39 goals. the 2012 UEFA Supercup.
Claim to fame: Took a key role for Uruguay Claim to fame: Falcao scored a record
at the last FIFA World Cup but missed 17 goals in European games in 2010-11
the semi-final defeat by Netherlands after when Porto won the domestic treble
being sent off for a goal-line handball unbeaten and topped it all off with
against Ghana in the quarters. Europa League success.
Forwards 49
*
Country: Argentina Country: Brazil
Club: FC Barcelona (Spain) Club: Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Position: Midfielder Position: Midfielder
Born: 8 June 1984 Born: 25 July 1988
Goals: 2 Goals: 5
Skills and strengths: Mascherano’s ability Skills and strengths: Paulinho earned
to play as both a holding midfielder and new fans at the FIFA Confederations Cup
as a central defender means that his 2013 by mixing his attacking eye witha
judgment as a team ‘anchor’ is unmatched readiness for defensive support work anda
across the world game. goal-scoring threat in the air at set pieces.
Goals and glory: Mascherano has only Goals and glory: Scored what proved the
ever scored two goals for Argentina, winner for Brazil over Uruguay in the semi-
against Paraguay and Peru in the 2007 final of the FIFA Confederations Cup and
Copa America, but has won league titles was later voted third in the tournament top
in Argentina, Brazil and Spain. player poll.
Claim to fame: When Argentina won the Claim to fame: Played in Lithuania and
Olympic Games title in Beijing in 2008 Poland before settling back in Brazil at
Mascherano became the first footballer Corinthians with whom he won the Copa
to have won two successive football gold Libertadores and FIFA World Club Cup
medals since 1928. before joining Tottenham.
50 __ Players to Watch +
Country: England Country: Germany
Club: Liverpool Club: Arsenal (England)
Born: 30 May 1980 Born: 15 October 1988
Goals: 2] Goals: 17
Skills and strengths: The younger Gerrard Skills and strengths: Epitomises the ideal
specialised in rescuing matches single- modern footballer, working for the team,
handed, while the older player applies his directing play in the centre of the pitch
knowhow ina controlled manner across and providing both piercing assists and
the full breadth of a match. crucial goals of his own.
Goals and glory: Gerrard is the only Goals and glory: |n 20135 Ozil was assists
player to have scored in the finals of leader in major European and domestic
the FA Cup, the League Cup, the UEFA competitions after having been one of
Cup and, most memorably, the UEFA the top providers at the 2010 FIFA World
Champions League against Milan in 2005. Cup and Euro 2012.
Claim to fame: Captain of Liverpool since Claim to fame: O2zil’s transfer from
2003, ‘Stevie G’ captained England at Real Madrid for £42.5m in 2013 made
Euro 2012 and was once described by him at once both Arsenal’s most costly
Zinedine Zidane as the best all-round footballer and also the most expensive
footballer in the world. German player of all time. <
* ; Midfielders See
“Players te Watch:
Country: Italy Country: France

Club: Juventus Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Born: 19 May 1979 Born: 7 April 1983
Appearances: 107 Appearances: 8O
Goals: 13 Goals: 16
Skills and strengths: Even in his mid-30s Skills and strengths: Ribery enjoys
Pirlo’s economy of movement allows him tormenting defences from the space he
to combine a magnetism of the ball with finds on the wings though successive
inch-perfect passing - and a teasing coaches have also sought to harness his
penalty-kick style. vision in a playmaking role.
Goals and glory: Played for Italy at all Goals and glory: |n his international
youth levels before his senior debut in career Ribery has contributed more
2002. He topped the assists chart in Italy’s assists (20) than goals (16) for Les Bleus.
2006 FIFA World Cup triumph. He’s a His first goal was against Spain during his
winner of 13 major honours at club level. FIFA World Cup ‘explosion’ in 2006.
Claim to fame: Hailed by master coach Claim to fame: Ribery landed the UEFA
Carlo Ancelotti as “the greatest player best player accolade in 2013 after
| ever worked with,” and labelled The winning, with Bayern Munich, the hat-
Architect by his Italy team-mates for trick of German league and cup plus
creating so many of their goals. Champions League.
Players to Watch
Country: Spain Country: lvory Coast
Club: FC Barcelona Club: Manchester City (England)
Born: 11 May 1984 Born: 13 May 1983
Goals: 1 Goals: 16
Skills and strengths: The brilliance of Skills and strengths: Yaya Toure
Iniesta is that, even though opponents possesses power and skill anda
are well aware of his skill and one-touch venomous shot but also outstanding
genius, he manages repeatedly to find tactical vision to adjust his role to the
space enough to apply a killer touch. varying demands of any match situation.
Goals and glory: Though more creator Goals and glory: A Champions League
than scorer, Iniesta wrote his name into winner with Barcelona in 2009 as centre
football history with Spain’s last-minute back then scored winning goals from
winner in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Manchester City’s midfield in the 2011 FA
against Netherlands. Cup semi-final and final.
Claim to fame: Iniesta was a central Claim to fame: Voted African Footballer
member of Spain’s ‘titles hat-trick’ of the Year three times and added the
team from 2008 to 2012 as well as the BBC’s African player poll prize in 2013
Barcelona side who won a unique six after being among the leading nominees
trophies in one calendar year in 2009. five times in succession.
Midfielders | 53
* &
Eeiche NANG ota
LAHM KOMPANY
Country: Germany Country: Belgium
Club: Bayern Munich Club: Manchester City (England)
Position: Defender Position: Defender
Born: 11 November 1983 Born: 10 April 1986
Goals: 5 Goals: 4
Skills and strengths: Lahm made his Skills and strengths: Kompany began
name as a full back but proved so stylish as a wing back and defensive midfielder
that, like Paul Breitner before him at before settling into his established role
Germany and Bayern, he can move at centre back where his organisational
forward to great effect when required. skills are best deployed.
Goals and glory: A perpetual danger Goals and glory: The Anderlecht
at free kicks and distance, Lahm hit discovery became one of Belgium’s
Germany’s first goal in the 4-2 defeat of youngest ever internationals when he
Costa Rica in the hosts’ opening match at made his senior national team debut at 17
the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals. in February 2004 against France.
Claim to fame: Consistency underlined Claim to fame: Kompany took over the
by status in the ‘squad of the tournament’ captaincy of Manchester City in 2011-12,
at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, the season the club carried off the
Euro 2008 and 2012 as well as four times English Premier League crown, their first
in UEFA’s Team of the Year. league title in 44 years.
, Players to Watch
THIAGO SERGIO co)
SILVA RAMOS ~~
Country: Brazil Country: Spain
Club: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Club: Real Madrid
Position: Defender Position: Defender
Born: 22 September 1984 Born: 30 March 1986
Goals: 2 Goals: 9
Skills and strengths: Thiago Silva has Skills and strengths: Sergio Ramos, with
proved himself a commanding presence the experience of more than a century
for club and country both on the pitch of caps, has learned the secret of sharp
and off it, a title-winning rock in a storm in timing in the tackle to temper the
central defence for Brazil and PSG. ferocious defending of his early days.
Goals and glory: Won league titles in Italy Goals and glory: |n 2013, Ramos became,
and France with Milan and Paris Saint- at 26, the youngest European player
Germain then captained Brazil to FIFA to reach 100 caps and celebrated by
Confederations Cup success one year out opening the scoring in a 1-1 draw with
from the FIFA World Cup. Finland in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Claim to fame: FIFA World Cup victory in Claim to fame: Another member of the
July would more than adequately make exclusive Spanish band to have starred in
amends for Thiago Silva’s bitter Olympic the triumphant treble of 2010 FIFA World
disappointment of ‘only’ bronze in 2008 Cup plus the European Championships of
and silver in 2012. 2008 and 2012.
Defenders 55
Country: Italy Country: Spain
Club: Juventus Club: Real Madrid
Position: Goalkeeper Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 28 January 1978 Born: 20 May 1981
Skills and strengths: Buffon, with more Skills and strengths: As both a captain
caps to his name than even the great and a goalkeeper Casillas, with his soeed
Dino Zoff, has proved an equally inspiring of thought, secure handling and ‘sweeper-
captain of Italy with his superb reflexes keeper’ style, has led a revolution in the
and cool demeanour. goalkeeping role.
Goals and glory: One of Buffon’s many Goals and glory: A one-club man, having
crucial penalty saves was one from played his entire 24-year career with Real
England’s Ashley Cole in Italy’s shootout Madrid, Casillas has represented Spain at
success on the way to the Euro 2012 final every age level and won 19 trophies for
in Poland and Ukraine. club and country.
Claim to fame: Buffon cost Juventus a Claim to fame: Casillas holds a unique
world record €51m. He is the Azzurri’s record as the only player - never mind
record international and won the Yashin goalkeeper - to have captained the
Award after Italy’s FIFA World Cup winning team in the FIFA World Cup and
victory in 2006. two European Championships.
56 Players to Watch ‘f
K
oalkeepers
Pd
Country: Germany Country: France

Club: Bayern Munich Club: Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Position: Goalkeeper Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 27 March 1986 Born: 26 December 1986
Skills and strengths: Neuer sets a high Skills and strengths: Lloris’s skills extend
standard for all the current generation beyond all the basic box-bossing technical
of goalkeepers with his defensive essentials to include decisiveness, speed
communication, secure footwork, plus off his line and courage in the face of an
intelligent distribution of the ball. onrushing striker.
Goals and glory: Won the Champions Goals and glory: Nicknamed ‘Saint Lloris’
League at the end of only his second by the media after his superb displays in
season with Bayern to put him up the qualifying play-off against the Irish
alongside legendary old club heroes such Republic which saw France reach the finals
as Sepp Maier and Oliver Kahn. of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Claim to fame: Had the cool-headed Claim to fame: One of the few players
presence of mind to play on, against to emerge with his reputation enhanced
England at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, despite Les Bleus’ first-round exit at the
after the match ball soun back into play 2010 FIFA World Cup - after which he was
<
after Frank Lampard’s ‘phantom goal.’ appointed national captain.
*% * Goalkeepers 57 =
E’VE MADE IT
teams are overjoyed to have qualified for the fie of the 2014 FIFA_
omeand who did side knock out in thea
FIFA World Cup™ Trivia Quiz (see pages 60-61) - Answers

1990,
_ History: 1Mario Zagallo (Brazil). 2 Estadio. Centenario, 31982. 4 Antonio Carbajal (Mexico). 5 ickles, 6 Belo Horizonte. 7 Brazil. 8 Russia. 9Carlos Alberto Parreira (1982,
= 1994,1998, 2006, 2010). es, score the firstWorld Cup goal, against Mexico in 1930.Ble cigs Burruchaga. 2 Andres Iniesta. 317. 4 Diego Forla Seay: 5 Ore s
rad stGerma
bas ‘ eo: 8 25. pl 10 Vittorio Poz ZO , 1934 eee Nations: 1 colombia. 2 New Zeala nd (t Bia
h ee 2010). 958 3 Hun Not }asingle ationtime (the ind
FIFA World Cup™ Trivia Quiz
So you think you’re pretty clued up about the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Test your knowledge with this mega football trivia quiz. You'll find the answers
on page 59. But no sneaky peaking - or you’ll be shown the red card!
Who was the first man to have won the FIFA World Cup both as a player and a manager?
What was the name of the stadium in Uruguayan capital Montevideo that staged the first FIFA World
Cup final, in 1930?
Which FIFA World Cup was the first to feature penalty shoot-outs, four years after they were introduced
for the finals?
Who was the first man to play at five different FIFA World Cups?
What was the name of the dog that found the FIFA World Cup trophy after it had been stolen in
England ahead of the 1966 tournament?
Which Brazilian city staged the famous upset at the 1950 FIFA World Cup when England lost 1-O to the
United States?
Which is the only country to compete in every FIFA World Cup finals?
Which country will host the FIFA World Cup in 2018?
Which man has coached a team at the most different FIFA World Cups (six)?
10 What FIFA World Cup milestone was set by France’s Lucien Laurent?
Who scored Argentina’s winner in their 3-2 victory over West Germany in the 1986 FIFA World Cup
final?
Who scored Spain’s extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final?
How many years old was Pele when he won the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1958, with further
glory
to follow in 1962 and 1970?
Who won the Golden Ball, for best player, at the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
How many Argentina players were voted into FIFA’s All-Star Team of the tournament in 1986, when
crowned champions
Who were the first winners of the current FIFA World Cup design after it replaced the previous Jules
Rimet trophy? j
Who scored Uruguay’s winning goal against Brazil to claim the 1950 FIFA World Cup, in Rio’s Maracana
stadium?
How many matches at FIFA World Cup finals - including the victorious 1990 final - has Germany’s
Lothar Matthaus played, more than any other footballer?
After a rule-change meaning only FIFA World Cup host countries automatically took part, who were the »
first reigning FIFA World Cup champions who had to progress through qualifiers for the next finals?
10 Who is the only person to have twice won the FIFA World Cup as manager?
FIFA World Cup™ Picture Quiz (see pages 59-59) - Answers

Captain Fantastic: A Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal). B Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast). € Hugo Lloris (France). D Antonio Valencia (Ecuador).
The Heat is On ...: A Vicente Del Bosque (Spain). B Fabio Capello (Russia). € Luiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil). D Joachim Low (Germany).
So Glad We’ve Made It: A Nigeria (Ethiopia). B Portugal (Sweden). € Mexico (New Zealand). D France (Ukraine),
We Are the Champions: A 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (Italy). B 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (Spain). € 2002 FIFA World
Cup Korea/Japan (Brazil), BD1998 FIFA World Cup France (France).
60
—_ Which country was the original choice to host the 1986 FIFA World Cup, only to withdraw and be
replaced by Mexico in 1983?
Which was the only team not to lose a game at the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
When did England compete in their first FIFA World Cup finals?
Which was the first host country not to reach the second round?
Which is the only country to reach the final of three different FIFA World Cups without winning any?
Au Which
ND
RW was the only FIFA World Cup to feature all four of the British home nations England, Northern
lreland, Scotland and Wales?
Which country has qualified for the FIFA World Cup most often (eight times) without reaching the
second round once?
8 Which country holds the record for most goals scored in one FIFA World Cup (27) even though they
failed to win the tournament?
9 What precedent did Switzerland set at the 2006 FIFA World Cup?
10 England have taken part in the most FIFA World Cup penalty shoot-outs without a win - how many?
1 Who is the only man to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup final?
2 Who is the only player to score for both teams in one match?
3 Who was the first player to score a FIFA World Cup hat-trick?
4 How many goals did Golden Boot-winner Just Fontaine, of France, score at the 1958 FIFA World Cup
a record for a single tournament?
ul How many goals has Brazilian forward Ronaldo scored in FIFA World Cup final tournaments, an all-time
record?
6 Which Argentina striker is the only man to score a hat-trick at two different FIFA World Cups?
7 Which Russia striker is the only man to score five goals in one FIFA World Cup match?
8 Who is the youngest player to score a FIFA World Cup hat-trick?
9 Marcos Coll’s goal for Colombia against the USSR in 1962 remains unique in FIFA World Cup history - why?
10 Who is both the FIFA World Cup’s oldest player and oldest goalscorer?
Who was the English referee who awarded the first penalty in a FIFA World Cup final, for the
Netherlands against West Germany in the first minute of their 1974 showdown?
WWho was the first player sent off at a FIFA World Cup?
Zinedine Zidane is one of only two players to be sent off at two different FIFA World Cups - who is the other?
Who was the first player sent off in a FIFA World Cup final?
Which country has scored most own goals overall in the FIFA World Cup?
Who missed the final spot-kick as Italy lost the 1994 FIFA World Cup final to Brazil in a penalty shoot-out?
Which year was the only FIFA World Cup not to feature a hat-trick?
Who was the first player to win the Yashin Award for best goalkeeper, introduced at the 1994 FIFA World Cup?
Oo
AWD
OW
ON Who holds the record for youngest player at a FIFA World Cup, being aged 17 years and 41 days for his
first appearance at the 1982 tournament?
10 Which FIFA World Cup holds the record for highest average attendance per match (68,991)?
2014 FIFA World Cup 6r
— Match Schedule
%
12 June, 17:00 Brazil ir real Croatia Sao Paulo 13 June, 16:00 oan 4 [| Retrerianas oe Salvador
13 June, 13:00 Mexico ho lal Cameroon Natal 13 June, 18:00 Chile eg ei Australia Cuiaba
17 June, 16:00 Brazil oe ie Mexico Fortaleza 18 June, 16:00 Spain| || | Chile Rio de Janeiro
18 June, 18:00 Cameroon ie feat Croatia Manaus 18 June, 13:00 Australia na & Netherlands Porto Alegre 3
23 June, 17:00 Cameroon pa taal Brazil Brasilia 23 June, 13:00 Australia hel [| Spain Curitiba
23 June, 17:00 Croatia ‘el[ ] Mexico Recife 23 June, 13:00 Netherlands Pie] il Chile Sao Paulo
14 June, 13:00 Colombia (earoy Greece Belo Horizonte 14 June, 16:00 Uruguay |_| fe Costa Rica Fortaleza
14 June, 22:00 Ivory Coast es el Japan Recife 14 June, 18:00 England oil a Italy Manaus
19 June, 13:00 Colombia iz F | Ivory Coast Brasilia 19 June, 16:00 Uruguay Zzfee England Sao Paulo
19 June, 19:00 Japan (real[5| Greece Natal 20 June, 13:00 Italy Ey [ ] Costa Rica Recife
24 June, 16:00 Japan ie Rel Colombia Cuiaba 24 June, 13:00 Italy fs[ ] Uruguay Natal
24 June, 17:00 Greece ea i Ivory Coast Fortaleza _ 24 June, 13:00 Costa Rica Eat eT England Belo Horizonte
Re
15 June, 13:00 Switzerland ral a= Ecuador Brasilia 15 June, 19:00 Arcentinn ra I Beenie. Rio de Janeiro
15 June, 16:00 France ee [| Honduras Porto Alegre 16 June, 16:00 Iran ES Nigeria Curitiba
20 June, 16:00 Switzerland [ [| France Salvador 21 June, 13:00 Argentina (i lel Iran Belo Horizonte
20 June, 19:00 Honduras ae |__| Ecuador Curitiba 21 June, 18:00 Nigeria i et Bosnia Cuiaba
25 June, 16:00 Honduras fila a Switzerland Manaus 25 June, 13:00 Nigeria eS [| Argentina Porto Alegre
25 June, 17:00 Ecuador [| [i France Rio de Janeiro 25 June, 13:00 Bosnia ae(el Iran Salvador
62 Match Schedule
Fill in the results from the matches as they are played and record the
progress of all the teams in the tournament vying to reach the Final at
the Maracana Stadium in Rio on Sunday, 13 July.
||
16 June, 13:00 Germany te Portugal Salvador 17 June, 13:00 | Belgium ial ea Algeria Belo Horente
16 June, 19:00 Ghana || | United States Natal 17 June, 18:00 Russia {|| | KoreaRepublic Cuiaba
21 June, 16:00 Germany ie [4] Ghana Fortaleza 22 June, 13:00 Belgium [|[ | Russia Rio de Janeiro
22 June, 18:00 United States [| 4 Portugal Manaus 22 June, 16:00Korea Republic [|

fc Algeria Porto Alegre
26 June, 13:00 United States | Germany Recife 26 June, 17:00Korea Republic ||| | Belgium Sao Paulo
26 June, 13:00 Portugal. =| || Ghana Brasilia 26 June, 17:00 Algeria { |{ | Russia Curitiba
(1) (2)
28 June, 13:00 Team1A[ |{ |Team2B Belo Horizonte 28 June, 17:00 Teamic| |{ |Team2D Rio de Janeiro
(3) (4)
29 June, 13:00 Team1B[ || | Team2A Fortaleza 29 June, 17:00 TeamiD{ |[ | Team2c Recife
(5) (6)
| 30 June, 13:00 TeamiE{ |[ | Team 2F Brasilia 30 June, 17:00 Team1G[ || | Team 2H Porto Alegre
(7) (8)
1 July, 13:00 Team 1F [|| | Team 2E Sao Paulo 1 July, 17:00 Team1H ||[{ | Team 2G Salvador
(A) (B) se
*
4 July, 13:00 Team 5 J[al Team 6 Rio de Janeiro 4 July, 17:00 Team 1 [a](ea) Team 2 Fortaleza
(C) (D)
5 July, 13:00 Team7| || | Teams Brasilia 5 July, 17:00 Team3| |{ | Team 4 Salvador
(1) cid
|8 July, 17:00 TeamB[ |[ | TeamA Belo Horizonte 9 July, 17:00 TeamD[ || | Teamc Sao Paulo |
‘THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
Team LI || Ea Team LII Brasilia | | 13 July, 16:00 Team WI |_| heal Team WII Rio de Janeiro
- 12 July, 17:00
) {
RA ELEC AASPALEY <
EA AEE PRA LDA PAPAL PAOLA Da RS
A
N.B. Local times given

Match Schedule 63
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| The Official
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FIFA enau cup
2014 FIFA Werld Cup Brazil” *
FAC | =] A =
as ‘ OFFICIAL LICENSED PRODUCT
There is something for every football fan in

the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Fact File...
Bursting with 125 amazing action-packed

photographs, this fantastic book includes
a preview of the 2014 FIFA World Cup as
well as profiles of all of the tournament’s
star players. Meet Fuleco, the 2014 FIFA
World Cup Official Mascot, read the special
tournament features, fill in the progress
chart and solve the many fun quizzes based
around the FIFA World Cup.
se
we a
ae
" ALL IN ONE RHYTHM”
me
‘ es
5
SPORT £7.99 | © The Official Emblem and Official Mascot of t

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and the FIFA Wo
HORLAMEOE ISBN 978-1-78097-471-2 Trophy are copyrights and trademarks of FIFA.
FIFA PARTNER All rights reserved. ;
ree aC ny 5 Manufactured under licence by Carlton Books.
_ Front cover photographs left to

right: (Gerrard) Paul Gilham/Getty 780°974712
_ Images, (Messi) Jonathan Nackstrand/
_ AFP/Getty Images, (Torres) Robert
_ Cianflone/Getty Images
www.carltonbooks.co.uk | www.FIFA.com

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The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Fact File - Radnedge, Keir, Author - 2014 - London - Carlton Books Limited - 9781780974712 - Anna's Archive

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The Official | |

2a 4 FIFA WORLD CUP

FIFA World Cup

S Copyright © Carlton Books Limited 2014

Carlton Books Limited

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

"e928 765 4321

* Manufactured under licence by Carlton Books Limited

This publication is produced under a licence by FIFA but the content of

"Allphotographs © Getty Images

FIFA World Cup Picture Quiz 58

Doubt remains as to who can truly be called Brazil’s

can continue to dream. Football greatest team ever }

MEET THE MASCOT

Situated in Manaus in the heart of the Amazon rainforest,

STADIO BEIRA-RIO = Porto Alegre _ 4

ESTADIO CASTELAO - Fortaleza 8

NW ESTADIO DO MARACANA - Rio de Janeiro n

= 4 @ v Built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the world-famous

ARENA DE SAO PAULO = Sao Paulo v2

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Final Draw 13

Group A L | Founded: 1992 (previously

FL TIN LIS HAT SS RET a ea a ecccoaancnenethTLIO,

Alexandre Cameroon are

Rafael Van der

f « Chile have hit

Vere Sanchez showed }

Tim Cahill was

Group Cc Founded: 1926

Hodgson’s history men

played in Switzerland \esNggag

High flying Eagles

midfield, in the qualifying competition with Winners:

Kevin-Prince Off to win the bronze

p 164 caps, though Ne

$ Plat Stat Madjid

ive oe qualifiers with ms

Country: Brazil Country: Portugal

Country: Italy Country: France

Country: Germany Country: France

FIFA World Cup™ Trivia Quiz (see pages 60-61) - Answers

FIFA World Cup™ Picture Quiz (see pages 59-59) - Answers

22 June, 18:00 United States [| 4 Portugal Manaus 22 June, 16:00Korea Republic [|

‘THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF

N.B. Local times given

There is something for every football fan in

Bursting with 125 amazing action-packed

SPORT £7.99 | © The Official Emblem and Official Mascot of t

ree aC ny 5 Manufactured under licence by Carlton Books.

_ Front cover photographs left to

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