Joslyn Shoop ’08, M.A. ’11

World Cup Champion

Germany — It is tough not to predict a country from South America (Brazil or Argentina) as World Cup champions, but few teams in this tournament can match Germany’s experience. Following back-to-back, third-place Copa Mundial finishes in South Africa in 2010 and on their own turf in 2006, Germany appears to be ready to take the next step and bring home the country’s first World Cup championship since 1990.


LIONEL MESSI
Argentina
GOLDEN BALL (BEST PLAYER, OR MVP)
The four-time World Player of the Year heads into his third World Cup and is arguably the greatest soccer player in the game right now.

MANUEL NEUER
Germany
GOLDEN GLOVE (BEST GOALKEEPER)
Goalkeeping is vital at the World Cup, and the Germans have the best in the world in Neuer.

ROBIN VAN PERSIE
Netherlands
GOLDEN BOOT (MOST GOALS SCORED)
There are many great goal scorers in this tournament, but RVP will prove himself the best.

PAUL POGBA
France
BEST YOUNG PLAYER (21 OR UNDER)
This 21-year-old has the potential to be a complete midfielder.