Before the tournament gets into full swing, the Global Times thought it wise to take a look at who stands a chance of glory and which players should buy their own match tickets if they want any involvement in the second round.
Group A
Brazil
The hosts have not lost a match in Brazil since just after their triumph in 2002. Neymar leads an offense that can paper over defensive frailties.
GT Verdict: Winners
Croatia
The team with the most eye-catching kits have built a side to match. Modric can be quietly devastating.
GT Verdict: Second round
Mexico
The Mexicans struggled in qualifying but they have the talent to go through. Much depends on Chicharito.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions had a nightmare build-up, with unpaid players refusing to travel. Over-reliant on Eto'o.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Group B
Netherlands
Louis van Gaal appears to have unified a Dutch camp out for immediate revenge against Spain.
GT Verdict: Second round
Spain
The champions have added a spearhead in Diego Costa. Could be the first Europeans to lift the Cup in South America.
GT Verdict: Semifinals
Chile
This year's vintage is built around Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez. Fast, direct and at home in Brazilian conditions.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Australia
Not a good day for the Socceroos when the draw put them in Group B. Will put up a fight but their stars are aging.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Group C
Greece
The Greeks defend collectively but struggle to score. A threat from set pieces.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Cote d'Ivoire
The strongest African team in Brazil. It would be a fitting send-off for Drogba and perhaps Toure for their team to go further than Ghana did in 2010.
GT Verdict: Second round
Colombia
Despite missing Falcao, the Colombians are an attacking threat and will not be fazed by Brazil's climate.
GT Verdict: Second round
Japan
A technically sound side whose star players, Kagawa and Honda, had difficult seasons. Likely to be outmuscled.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Group D
England
So often crushed by the weight of expectation, this could be their year. It won't, but in Sterling, Sturridge and Barkley, they have players that excite.
GT Verdict: Quarters
Italy
Pirlo spent the season pulling the strings behind another Juventus scudetto. He will do the same for Italy but this is not the strongest azzuri side.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Uruguay
The fitness of Luis Suarez has had everyone squirming but he's ready. With his return they can replicate their run of four years ago.
GT Verdict: Quarters
Costa Rica
Paolo Wanchope bamboozled the best as a player but matching his ability to worry top sides is going to be tough.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Group E
Honduras
Booked their World Cup spot without breaking a sweat but have not won a game at the finals in six attempts. A first three points would be a success.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Ecuador
Another team that cruised into qualification despite a difficult group. Ecuador's problems lie in their reliance on Antonio Valencia's mercurial wingplay.
GT Verdict: Second round
France
While there are no easy groups at the World Cup, many will jealously eye France's draw. The group will give their talent time to gel.
GT Verdict: Quarters
Switzerland
Their youthful, vibrant squad could negotiate the group.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Group F
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The newest nation in Brazil will play without fear. There is hope for a team that can call on the deadly Edin Dzeko.
GT Verdict: Second round
Nigeria
The Super Eagles possess the power to devastate the best. They should provide entertainment.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Argentina
If anyone wants to spoil Brazil's party, it's their neighbors. There are few fiercer rivalries and that's motivation enough for Messi et al to go far.
GT Verdict: Finalists
Iran
Hamstrung by the public airing of dirty laundry in the form of coach Carlos Queiroz's spat with the FA and players training in kit too small for them.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Group G
Germany
The Germans remain the model of efficiency and are the strongest squad in terms of strength-in-depth. Could cause an upset in the later stages.
GT Verdict: Semifinals
Portugal
A nation awaits the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo, their only real world-class player. His supporting cast must play a part to fire Portugal into the knockouts.
GT Verdict: Quarters
Ghana
The Black Stars were everyone's favorites last time. Hard-fought contests in midfield are where Ghana will come out on top.
GT Verdict: Straight home
USA
Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to leave out Landon Donovan was controversial but he can still rely on experience at both ends of the park.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Group H
Algeria
A young, more offensively minded team than four years ago but that has come at the cost of defensive cohesion.
GT Verdict: Straight home
Russia
Fabio Capello's management gives Russia their best chance to make the knockouts but Alan Dzagoev will have to bear the creative burden.
GT Verdict: Second round
Belgium
This golden generation has talent in abundance and is strong all over the pitch. The young Red Devils won't triumph but will be irresistible in four years.
GT Verdict: Quarters
South Korea
The energy and hard work of previous years remain but there is little star quality.
GT Verdict: Straight home