It’s not always easy to find a winner, but this time I really believe Brazil are the best team in the world and playing at home may have its overall influence. I can’t see beyond them as winners of this World Cup.

Brazil v Panama - International Friendly Spain are the champions of course but they will have it very tough in Group B with Holland and Chile as big opponents. Also, there are maybe some doubts about their motivation. That sounds strange, but after so many victories it might not be so easy for them to progress the usual way.
Portugal, Argentina, Italy and Germany can always pose a threat but the home team will set the pace at this tournament.

Golden Boot …
I believe Cristiano Ronaldo will win this award. Who else? I’m a huge fan of his. He seems to have everything as a player, and is truly world class. Also, Portugal will do well and this will allow Ronaldo to get those individual awards.
Best player …
As above! Ronaldo, in the form he has been showing for Real Madrid, and having helped them to the coveted Decima, cannot be stopped unless it is through injury. Yes, there is also Lional Messi and Neymar, bot outstanding players, but I’ll go with Ronaldo as the best of the best.
Dark horses …
Like many others, I see Belgium as a young, talented team who may go far in the tournament. They have a lot of good individuals – Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, the goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and youngsters like Adnan Januzaj, who has shown what he can do at Manchester United. If they can perform as a team they have a chance to really impress in Brazil this summer.
Big disappointment …
I’m afraid it’s going to be Spain. As I have said, they have already done it, won everything. They are world and European champions and it won’t be easy adding to that haul. Everybody will be keen to beat them, too.
As Gaizka Mendieta said in his predictions, football goes in cycles and this time it’s Brazil’s turn, at the expense of the Spanish.

by-goal.com