WORLD CUP 2014: 5 Soccer Players to Watch Out for This Season

Wohoo, it's just 2 days more till the first match between Brazil and Croatia! This year, I'm pretty excited about it because my bestie, Audrey, and I will be joining Eli's club come July (We used to be in our junior college's soccer team.). But just the recreation team. Haha. Anyway, to commemorate this quadrennial event, Brand's and I will be teaming up to help 'prep' you for the games.

Today, let's get to know 5 soccer players to watch out for this season! (:

1. Lionel Messi for Argentina
   At just 26, four-time World Player of the Year Messi is arguably one of the most outstanding players over the past five years. If Argentina wins the World Cup, and Messi has the influence that he so often has at club level, then he would surely be elevated to the status of Maradona and Pele, among the greatest we've ever seen.
   
2. Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal
   Everybody knows who he is; Ronaldo is now perhaps, alongside Lionel Messi and David Beckham, the best-known player on the planet. The Portugal captain is also the 2013 winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or, and has also won the Champions League with Real Madrid. Scoring 55 goals in just 45 appearances for club and country in 2013-14, a large part of his country's hopes for winning rest upon his shoulders.
   
3. Neymar for Brazil
   Born on February 5, 1992, in São Paulo, Brazil, Neymar drew attention for his impressive soccer abilities at an early age. His small frame masks incredible skill and speed, silencing doubters with his top-class ability to finish off both feet
   
4. Mesut Ozil for Germany
   Arsenal attacking midfielder Ozil is only 25, but has already been compared to football legends his finesse and skills. Former manager José Mourinho likened him to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, massive shoes which he has no trouble filling.
   
5. Andres Iniesta for Spain
   With recent rumors of links to Manchester United, 29-year-old Iniesta is a beast on midfield, and is even hailed by fellow superstar Xavi as 'Spain's most complete player.' Known for his passing, dribbling, vision and movement, he is definitely a player to watch on the Spanish team, and in fact even the whole tournament.

Will you be watching the matches? And who are you watching out for? :D

The World Cup 2014 series is a collaboration between Charlene J. Lee and Brand's. Images are taken from Google.