Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has recently claimed that the favourites for the upcoming World Cup are Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Germany. Whilst he is commended for his humility, Italy are still one of the toughest sides to be included in the tournament, therefore in this two-part article we shall be looking into which teams still have the potential of lifting the trophy without wearing the favourites tag.

THE NETHERLANDS

Whilst every football fan in the world has probably thought of Belgium when thinking ‘World Cup Underdog’, a couple of squads are actually better equipped than the Belgians and yet still considered as dark horses. One of these is the Netherlands, who were one of the first European teams to qualify along with Italy. Trademark names included in this squad are Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Kevin Strootman to name a few, with one of the most experienced tacticians around in Louis Van Gaal as their manager.

ITALY

Another dark horse which is probably stronger than Belgium is Italy, one of the first Europeans to qualify along with the Netherlands. What works in the Azzurri’s favour is that they’re regularly under-estimated (especially by English media), even though they are the second most successful national team in history. With names such as Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, Mario Balotelli, Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, any fan with a good understanding of the sport would not take this team lightly. Prandelli has also instilled an attacking and fighting mentality which made this squad one of the most exciting to watch during Euro 2012 and the Confederations of 2013.

URUGUAY

Luis Suarez is not the only dangerous factor in this football team, as Oscar Tabarez’s options include several other talents which forge this squad into a true force. Apart from the buck toothed Liverpool striker, other stars include Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan, Diego Godin, Martin Caceres and Diego Lugano. Los Charruas are the current Copa America champions and ended up in fourth place at the 2010 World Cup and 2013 Confederations, therefore thinking little of this squad would spell danger for any opposition.

Tune in on Friday, as we will look at other dark horses of the upcoming tournament who, whilst not necessarily considered as favourites, could still pack the kind of punch which could deliver them to ultimate glory.