Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have played their first games of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, with differing results. Heading into the tournament, both superstars were contending with a great deal of pressure. Ronaldo is now 29 and likely competing in his final World Cup. Meanwhile, Messi struggled four years ago, scoring a total of zero goals in five matches for Argentina. The shadows of Diego Maradona and Pele have loomed large for the Argentinian superstar; this was his big opportunity to overcome the ghosts of the past.
On June 12, the FIFA 2014 World Cup Opening Ceremony began with the sights and the sounds of the Brazilian Amazon — from dancing, human raindrops, trees and acrobatic lilies to human soccer balls. And after the sounds of rainfall and thunder dissipated, Cuban-American rapper Pitbull, Puerto Rican Bronx, New York native Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer and "Voice" judge Claudia Leitte, emerged from a giant flower and performed "We Are One," (Ole Ola).
This year's World Cup will be filled with batches and batches of high end players from across the globe, many of them from South America, and all of them will be looking to make their mark on the first tournament on their continent since Argentina played host in 1978. Here is a look at each South American sides' top players.
Four years ago Uruguay stunned the world with a dazzling display in the World Cup. The South American side won Group A and then went on a deep run past South Korea and Ghana before succumbing to the Netherlands in the semifinals. Despite falling to Germany in the third place match, the nation's top player Diego Forlan was given the Golden Ball as the team MVP. Now Uruguay will look to take a step further and win its first World Cup since 1950. And there are many reasons to believe that they can make it happen.
While stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi compete on the pitch for the most prestigious soccer title on the planet, Nike is looking to continue at usurping Adidas' long-time marketing presence in the World Cup, despite being FIFA's longtime sponsorship partner with the quadrennial tournament since 1970.
Brazil is the most historic nation in World Cup history. The country has already lifted five trophies and is among the favorites to lift its sixth this year. In fact, Brazil is looked upon as the favorite by many to win the World Cup. Here are a few reasons why.
The 2014 World Cup begins in Brazil Thursday, and Latino celebrities and professional athletes are putting their own musical spin on the colossal event that's captures the attention of the world. Superstars like Shakira, Carlos Vives, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez, and Brazil's soccer players, defender David Luiz and mid-fielder Kaká as well as Spain's mid-fielder/winger Juan Mata, among others, have created their own World Cup Spotify playlists.
CURITIBA, BRAZIL - JUNE 10: David Villa (L) and Sergi Busquets of Spain compete for the ball during a Spain training session at the Centro de Entrenamiento do Caju prior to a Spain training session on June 10, 2014 in Curitiba, Brazil.
Group D is arguably the most competitive group in the World Cup 2014 field, but most people are looking at Group G as the "Group of Death" because it includes two potential contenders a well as two sides that could make some noise and are expected to get out of the group round. Here is a look at Group G.
While Group E is the undisputed Group of Opportunity, Group F offers a different kind of opportunity in this year's World Cup. One team is looked upon the clear-cut favorite to win it all while the battle for second place could very well go to either one of the other three games.
There are 32 teams in the upcoming World Cup, but as with everything no team is created equally. And likewise no spotlight shines equally either. One of the teams that will be dealing with the greatest deal of speculation is undoubtedly Mexico's national side. El Tri has gone through a great deal of controversy over the last year and will face more questions prior to, during and after its World Cup performance. Among those questions asked will be about whether its top stars are ready to step up or if it is in fact a time to look for new ones. Here are Mexico's top stars and a look at how equipped they are to make a big stand in Brazil.
No player faces greater pressure entering the 2014 World Cup than Argentina's Lionel Messi. Considered one of soccer's all-time greats, Messi is still without futbol's greatest prize on his resume. Will this World Cup determine his legacy?
Heading to Brazil to take part in World Cup 2014 festivities? Here's a few things you may need to know before heading down there for the biggest event in soccer.
