The FIFA World Cup is finally here: Who will win it?

The much-anticipated FIFA World Cup 2014 kicks off today, with host Brazil taking on Croatia in the first game. The growing craze around the tournament is palpable, and most fans are confident of their favorite teams’ chances.

However, most football enthusiast is tipping host Brazil as the overwhelming favorites to lift the trophy. Just hours before the first whistle is blown, the excitement is reaching fever pitch all over the globe and even more so in the streets of Brazil.

The people are breathing, eating and sleeping football all over the country may it be in a positive or negative way. Brazil is on top, while Argentina are second favorites, followed by Spain and Germany. Others are: Belgium, France, Italy, England, Uruguay, Portugal and Netherlands are also among the top 10 as favourites.

However, football analyst suggest the result of this year tournament can be quite different as dark horses can emerge as surprise winners, though it has to be agreed that Brazil would enjoy the crowd support, being the host country. Interestingly, economists at Goldman Sachs have predicted that Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain would reach the semifinals, and Brazil would beat Argentina to lift the World Cup.

The analysis drawn, based on the track record and characteristics of each team, has put Brazil as favorites to win the World Cup with a 48.5 percent probability, followed by Argentina (14.1 percent), Germany (11.4 percent) and Spain (9.8 percent).

The report also predicts that Italy and Uruguay will make it to the knockout rounds but England will end their run in the group stage itself. Goldman Sachs had also predicted that Great Britain would win 30 gold and 65 medals overall at the 2012 London Olympics, and the team ended up with 29 gold and 65 medals. But it should also be noted that Goldman Sachs had put Brazil as favorites to win the previous World Cup as well, followed by Spain. However, it was the latter, which emerged winners.

Anthony I. Nlebem