World Cup soccer has become one of the most popular and entertaining sporting events in the world since its inception in 1930.
One of the major reasons the soccer tournament has become such a highly regarded event is because the worldwide tournament is only played once every four years, adding a level of uniqueness and superiority that perhaps only the Olympic Games can rival.
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As World Cup qualifying matches are underway, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced that fans across the world can begin to purchase tournament tickets online at www.fifa.com beginning on August 20, 2013. The upcoming tournament will be held in 12 different cities across Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014.
Expecting a high amount of ticket requests, the first round of ticket sales will be issued through a worldwide lottery, according to ESPN. The official World Cup draw will be held on December 6 in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil as the field of 32 teams will be revealed to the world.
The 2014 World Cup will be the 20th tournament in the history of the sport and the second to be played in Brazil. The country held their first and only World Cup back in 1950. Uruguay won the countries second championship while the host nation finished second that year.
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While there will be many countries expected to make deep runs in the upcoming tournament, Germany, defending World Champion Spain and host nation Brazil are the three teams most are considered the favorites to walk away with the 2014 Championship.
Germany found major success on multiple levels during the 2012-2013 season, especially in Champions League play. Thanks to Bayern Munich disposing of Barcelona in the semifinals and Borussia Dortmund taking care of Real Madrid, two German clubs met in the UEFA CL Final for the first time in tournament history.
Brazil will certainly have the home crowd behind them and as they begin their quest to win the nation's sixth World Cup -- a number no other country has ever achieved. The Brazilian squad certainly boasts loads of firepower as superstars Neymar and Robinho pace a Brazil team that is fully capable of lighting up the scoreboard while keeping their opponents quiet with strong defense.
Brazil and Germany are undoubtedly deserving of recognition, but not to be forgotten is the very talented squad from Spain. Having won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Spain returns many familiar faces who helped guide the squad to their last world title.
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Premier goalkeeper and team captain Iker Casillas is expected to provide the Spanish national team with constant play in net while continuing his role as the leader of this extremely capable unit.
Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup and he will once again be looked upon by the team as someone who can lead them back to the top of the soccer world. His intelligence and overall physical ability create nightmarish problems for each opponent he faces.
With the 2014 World Cup quickly approaching, don't forget to keep a look out for the release of tickets online beginning on August 20, 2013. Check the FIFA website for further details and ticket information.
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