World Cup 2014 Preview: To ‘B’ or Not to ‘B’

The samba beats are rolling and the world's eyes are now on Brazil. Come Thursday, women will have one more reason to nag at their husbands as they tune into the World Cup fever.

It comes only once every 4 years. A month of captivating matches, which test the endurance of the game's best players, coming out of a long season with their clubs. It's where youngsters make a name, veterans bow out in tears, and the occasional underdog silences the so-called experts.

We present you a brief overview of the title favorites, as well as some of the possible surprises to watch out for.

Brazil

Whatever we say for Brazil in historic terms will not be enough. Having participated in all 19 previous World Cups, winning 5 trophies, "Seleção" are a force to reckon with. It is a country that carries football in its DNA.

This will be the second time Brazil hosts the tournament, and naturally hopes and expectations are running high. However, memories of 1950 (losing the title to Uruguay 1:2 at Maracana) will haunt the home supporters right up to the point that they see the team lift the trophy.

The man tasked with bringing "home" the cup is Luiz Felipe Scolari. And who more appropriate than him? His last spell as national team coach was in 2001-2002, exactly when Brazil won its last World Cup.

Talented players have always been in abundance for Brazil. Often though, the challenge has been how to make them work together. When Brazil play as one, when their game is fluid, they can be an unbeatable team – and last year's Confederations Cup showed that.

At the end of the day, the hosts' biggest trump may not prove to be Neymar, Oscar, Hulk, or Dani Alves, but the man with the mustache.

Spain

Undoubtedly the absolute...