As the 20th edition of the World Cup begins today, we profile the six players who could be saviours for their country at the world's greatest footballing extravaganza in Sambaland
Andrea Pirlo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar
Andrea Pirlo
Despite his age, 35-year-old Andrea Pirlo will be the one player opposition midfields will be eager to contain in Brazil. In fact, England boss Roy Hodgson is said to be contemplating using a player to man-mark Pirlo when the two sides meet on Sunday (newspapers believe Wayne Rooney will be asked to do this job). Hodgson's tactics are justified, considering that the last time the two sides met in a major competition (the quarter-finals of Euro 2012) Pirlo put together more passes than England's entire midfield quartet.
Andrea Pirlo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar
Cristiano Ronaldo
This is the season that Ronaldo has eclipsed Lionel Messi. His scintillating form has seen him snatch the coveted Ballon d'Or from his arch-rival besides taking Real Madrid to the Champions League and the Copa del Rey titles. He even scored a hat-trick against Sweden to help Portugal make it to the World Cup in the first place. And now the onus will be on him to help the Iberian side win their first World Cup ever.
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Wayne Rooney
He has never scored for England in a World Cup encounter — this fact is likely to be topmost on Wayne Rooney's mind when he takes the pitch for the Three Lions' clash against Italy on Sunday. In fact, Rooney's World Cup appearances have often been mired in controversy — the temperamental striker was sent off against Portugal in 2006 and lashed out at England fans four years later. This time around, controversy has followed him to Brazil before the event has even begun, thanks to calls from Paul Scholes and Gary Lineker that he be dropped from the starting XI.
Luis Suarez
Although the Uruguay striker is recuperating from a knee injury, coach Oscar Tabarez might be tempted to give him a run against Costa Rica and England as even a half-fit Suarez is a terrifying prospect for defenders. It is an endorsement of just how good Suarez is that he is still the main striker in a side that boasts of attackers like Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani. Suarez, who ended last season as EPL's top scorer with 31 goals, can single-handedly tear apart defences when in the mood.
Lionel Messi
The Argentine forward has endured an uncharacteristically barren season with Barcelona and will be keen to make amends with his national side. He would also like to put to bed once and for all the accusation that he is just not the same player in a La Albiceleste jersey.
Neymar
According to Brazil forward Fred, their strategy at the World Cup will be to pass the ball to Neymar when they run out of ideas on a difficult day. The forward, who had a mixed first season with Barcelona, will be carrying the hopes of millions of Brazilians at the World Cup.
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