World Cup power ratings
http://soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/06/11/world-cup-power-rankings?xid=si_topstories
WORLD CUP POWER RANKINGS
Ranking the 32 nations competing in Brazil by chances of winning the World Cup.
1
BRAZIL
Group A opponents: Croatia (June 12), Mexico (June 17), Cameroon (June 23)
Winning the Confederations Cup last summer showed what Brazil can do with home-field advantage. This should be where the host nation picks up its sixth World Cup victory.
2
ARGENTINA
Group F opponents: Bosnia-Herzegovina (June 15), Iran (June 21), Nigeria (June 25)
Argentina is on the opposite side of the knockout bracket from Brazil, which could set up an epic final. This team is much more than just Lionel Messi, and it should make it to the showcase match before falling to the Seleção.
3
GERMANY
Group G opponents: Portugal (June 16), Ghana (June 21), United States (June 26)
No matter the state of the German national team, it always expects a deep run in major tournaments. Group G will be challenging enough to set the Germans up well for the knockout rounds, but die Mannschaft should challenge for its fourth World Cup in Brazil.
4
SPAIN
Group B opponents: Netherlands (June 13), Chile (June 18), Australia (June 23)
For once, the pressure is off Spain, holder of the World Cup and previous two European Championships. La Furia Roja’s crop of aging stars aren’t expected to win this time — but it’s Spain, which means it’s still a distinct possibility.
5
BELGIUM
Group H opponents: Algeria (June 17), Russia (June 22), Korea Republic (June 26)
A couple years ago, Belgium went from being a team that could surprise in Brazil to a team that is widely expected to perform. A superior youth development system, aided by Belgium’s geography, has quickly brought the nation of 11 million people to the upper tier of world football.