Players to Watch in 2014 World Cup
Keep your eyes on these soccer stars.
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Keep Your Eyes on These Soccer Stars - The 2014 FIFA World Cup is upon us, with powerhouse host Brazil taking on Croatia today (June 12) to set off the tournament. As the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil has been preparing for this tournament for years, reportedly spending $11 billion — more than double of what South Africa spent in 2010 and fives times what Germany doled out in 2006. As of late May, several of the 12 stadiums being built were not finished, stirring huge concern considering more than 3.5 million soccer fans are expected in Rio de Janeiro. Still, the global fever for the 2014 World Cup is contagious. Here, BET.com points out 14 players you should pay attention to during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (Photo: FIFA)
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Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal - What a shame it would be if Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s most renowned soccer players, can’t participate in the 2014 World Cup. That’s a possibility as Portugal’s forward is battling tendonitis in his left knee and also a muscular problem in his left quadricep, having already missed friendly matches. If he’s able to endure the pain and play, expect key playmaking and a large number of goals for the player that many believe is the best in the world. If he can’t play, he’ll still have the love of his nation, not to mention supermodel girlfriend Irina Shayk. Life is good. (Photo: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
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Lionel Messi, Argentina - Let’s be blunt — Lionel Messi is the world’s most dynamic player. From his precise kicking to nimble footwork to sheer imagination and a penchant for pulling off the unthinkable, Messi is always one to watch, especially during the World Cup. Playing for Spain's powerhouse FC Barcelona during league play, the Argentinian-born forward also serves as the national team's captain. Each World Cup gives Messi the opportunity to represent home and put on for his people, who he has had a peculiar relationship with in years past. Some Argentinians felt slighted by Messi’s decision to join Barcelona in Spain at the age of 12 instead of honing his skills at home. Leading Argentina's team to victory will likely change that feeling. (Photo: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
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Neymar, Brazil - Why is Neymar a player to watch in the 2014 FIFA World Cup? At 22, the forward/winger is good enough to hang with the world’s best on FC Barcelona, but is still raw. Neymar leading host Brazil to victory in his first World Cup would stamp him as a young legend. Brazilian soccer hero Ronaldinho told Goal.com, “We have high hopes that he will be the best player in the tournament and that Brazil will be champions." Neymar, who has 31 goals in 48 appearances for Brazil, seemingly has the world in the palm of his hands. Now what is he going to do with it? The stage will be all his when his host Brazil opens the 2014 World Cup by taking on Croatia in the lone match on Thursday. (Photo: Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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Mario Balotelli, Italy - Leave it to Mario Balotelli to provide plenty of entertainment. From his colorful Mohawk hairstyle to his notorious shirtless goal celebrations, Balotelli is Italy’s 23-year-old wild child. Antics aside, though, Balotelli's kick game is mean. He’s easily one of the best finishers, making opponents pay for any mistakes in a split-second. (Photo: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
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Xavi Hernandez, Spain - Think of Xavi Hernandez, of the defending World Cup champion Spain, as the ultimate conductor. Far from the best athlete, Hernandez might be the best mind on the field, orchestrating plays from the midfield with pristine precision and a superior passing prowess. As he goes, Spain goes. Olé, Olé, Olé! (Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
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Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast - All Yaya Toure did with Manchester City this past season is net 21 goals in 43 games, leading the squad to the English Premier League championship. A winner of three consecutive African Footballer of the Year awards, Toure is more than out of the shadow of fellow countryman and Ivory Coast soccer legend Didier Drogba. It’s his time. (Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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Andrea Pirlo, Italy - Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo once broke down his offensive philosophy to Italian press in a deep fashion. "A space where I can continue to profess my creed: take the ball, give it to a teammate, teammate scores. It’s called an assist and it’s my way of spreading happiness.” Don’t miss the 35-year-old vet spread happiness on the world’s greatest stage. (Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Michael Bradley, USA - Getting drawn into a rough Group G with Ghana, Portugal, and Germany, the United States has its work cut out for it. Heading into the Americans’ opening match with Ghana on June 16, midfielder Michael Bradley recently mentioned that the key will be not showing fear for the team that eliminated them from the past two World Cups. It’s one thing to talk, it’s another to act. If Bradley backs up his mouth with his feet, he will truly be one to watch. (Photo: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
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Manuel Neuer, Germany - Highly regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, Germany’s Manuel Neuer defends the net as if his life’s on the line. Blending cat-like reflexes with excellent range and ball placement, Neuer is as exciting a keeper as there is in the world. Although he created concern for missing last Friday’s friendly match against Armenia, the 28-year-old is scheduled to be at the net in Germany’s opening match against Portugal on June 16. (Photo: Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
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