Could this be THE Most Exciting World Cup? Don't want to tempt fate...

I don't want to start preaching now and talking. Whenever I get excited about something, it never lives up to expectation. So I know for a fact the highlight of the World Cup next year will be the sun and the women.....mmmmm, Brazilian women (in Homer voice). But what IF, the World Cup actually really delivers? What if the incredible drama from the playoffs translates into one of the most entertaining World Cups?

Every World Cup always has that one star that people want to see. It was the Real Ronaldo for a while and now Messi has taken over that title. After the very disappointing 2010, the Argentine hobbit has to show up. There ain't no hiding. No excuses. If he and Argentina can click in what is their honorary second home, then that could really light up affairs at the tournament.
 Don't get it twisted or confused or mixed up; Messi WILL be the best player at the World Cup next year...with a few others that I have my eyes on.

First up is Neymar, who rose the HELL up in the Confederations Final and lubricated Spain. He finally showed he can perform at a big stage in the famous footballing jersey. With the Cup in his OWN BACKYARD, Neymar will have to be the star. He will have an entire nation's hopes on his shoulders and THAT I think, may prove too much for the young man.
 The Confederations Cup is one thing, but a World Cup is IT, there is nothing bigger. I am just not sure Neymar will be able to really close that deal and create the incredible story of Brazil getting their SIXTH title IN their own country. Sometimes stories can't be that perfect....tis my only argument against Brazil winning it. Sue me, it's what I feel.

 Then we have the best footballer of the past year. With Ribery leading the charge to a remarkable and quite crazy French comeback, he will be a player to watch as he enters his thirties. For some reason, even past that peak age, Ribery is ballin' and is producing football on a level that is higher than anyone else in the world right now. I hope he is fit and ready and sharp, as I think he will thrive in the sunny landscape of Brazil and really buy into that vibe. His football and mentality actually has a lot of Brazilian in him, so I expect him to be hopefully one of the players of the tournament.

Robben is still around. After 2010, many thought he would fall by the wayside and be forgotten. After leading Bayern to a dominating treble, Robben Hood can still say a few things come next year.
  Unlike a certain Portuguese, Robben did not alloy a playoff to happen. Unlike a certain Portuguese, Robben is known to show up on the big occasions. His single-minded approach is something I LOVE about him, and is an aspect not many players have today.
 For Arjen, there is some unfinished business. He knows how close Holland were to winning, and he will want to put that right. I personally do not even put Holland as favorites for the tournament, and I predict them to choke once more and not even make the semis. But if they are to prove me wrong and make me look like a fool, you best RECOGNIZE that Robben will be a MAJOR part of that happening.

Summer 2014 is too far away, and I want it to happen NOW. I don't want to get too excited and I know it won't live up to the hype. I may have to hide on Neptune when the build up starts in Spring next year. Remember, this may be the most EXCITING and EVENTFUL, not the BEST. The individual talent is not as it used to be before which will not lead to TRULY amazing quality displays from individuals. The players I picked out though are the ONES to watch, none other.
  But as for drama and story, the setting is perfect for that to perfectly manifest itself my friends!


HH