World Cup 2014 - Time to pick favorites ...

Can't wait for the World Cup to start!!!!!

As usual my whole hearted support would be for the Oranje (The Netherlands or Holland). 

While Spain has managed to shrug off the eternal bridesmaid tag when it comes to World Cup Football, the same now rests squarely on Holland's shoulders.

Before 2010, they had a better record than Spain at the World Cup finals. Now, they're in a very unenviable position of having lost the finals three times (more than any other team).

He was nowhere to be seen in 2010, but now Robin Van Persie will be the lynchpin of the Dutch attack, supported by Robben and Sneijder. Van Der Vaart's absence, will be felt, however.

The head says Spain (they've retained the core that won them the cup in 2010, although Puyol's absence will be felt). For a team that could afford to leave out players like Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo, Dani Carvahal and Fernando Llorente, the squad is embarrassingly rich and the resources are mouth watering. 

It's still Spain's World Cup to lose. Their match against The Netherlands would, probably, capture the most eyeballs in the group stages.

With the likes of Thibaut Courtouis, Simon Mignolet, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Marouen Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, Belgium would be the dark horses for this World cup.

One can expect them to top their group, that includes Russia, South Korea and Algeria. Would not be surprised if they reach the semis. After that, it's anybody's game.

Would stick my neck out for the most mercurial and free flowing team, Uruguay. With Diego Forlan still around and with the like of Luiz Suarez, Diego Godin and Edison Cavani, they can cause an upset or two. While the finished 4th in the last edition, the South Americans will be keen to make an impact and go a step ahead, this time around.

Clubbed with Italy, England and Costa Rica, Uruguay will find it a challenge to be in the top 2.

While the usual suspects Brazil, Argentina, West Germany and France will still fancy their chances, my vote goes for these four above mentioned teams to win

This event will also offer new comers a chance to get noticed and play for bigger leagues. Can only imagine the number of new stars this tournament will throw up ...