Conclusion.....
Greece
Population: 11.28 million
National dish: Moussaka
National anthem: Hymn to Liberty
Best World Cup finish: First round - 1994 and 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham)
Leading by example: Fulham veteran Giorgos Karagounis will be a steady head for Greece
MAGIC MOMENT
Dimitrios Salpingidis and Vasilis Torosidis help them recover from a goal down to beat Nigeria in 2010
Meet the coach: Fernando Santos. Portuguese 59-year-old has twice bossed AEK Athens, and reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
Meet the captain: Giorgos Karagounis. With 131 caps, Fulham man who was the midfield star of Greece’s greatest moment when they won Euro 2004 is still going strong even though he will be 37 by the time of this tournament.
Star man: Dimitrios Salpingidis. Like Karagounis a veteran at 32 with 72 caps, his speed up front is essential for creating chances for a defensive minded team.
Watch out for: Konstantinos Mitroglou: Five goals in qualifying underline the finishing ability of the 25-year-old Olympiacos star who has been watched by both Liverpool and Arsenal.
One to watch: Kostas Mitroglou has been catching the eye with his displays for club and country
Vital statistic No side claimed more home wins during qualification than Greece (5, including play offs).
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5
Talking tactics: The old Arsenal side would approve – five of their eight qualifying victories were secured with a 1-0 scoreline.
Most likely to: Insist they are in Brazil to win and not to entertain.
Focal point: Greece's Dimitris Salpingidis (left) and Germany's Jerome Boateng battle for the ball
Honduras
Population: 7.9 million
National dish: Carneada – it’s a pork sausage
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Honduras
Best World Cup finish: First round, 1982 and 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Wilson Palacios (Stoke)
Listen up: Honduras hitman Carlo Costly will be one of the minnows' main stars in Brazil
MAGIC MOMENT
Hector Zelaya stunned hosts Spain with a goal after just eight minutes in their opening match and a side brilliantly managed by Jose De La Paz held on for a 1-1 draw in 1982.
Meet the coach: Luis Fernando Suarez: Not to be confused with the Liverpool striker, this one is 53 and from Colombia. He led Ecuador to the second round in 2006 where they lost to a David Beckham free kick.
Meet the captain: Noel Valladares. Veteran goalkeeper, 36, made his debut in 2000 and has won 118 caps since. Not the tallest at 5ft 10ins but brilliant reactions.
Star man: Carlo Costly: Giant striker – he’s 6ft 4ins – brings vast experience at 31. Now playing in the Chinese League, he had a brief spell at Birmingham in 2009.
Between the sticks: Agile keeper Noel Valladares has won 118 caps in goal for Honduras
Vital statistic In the final round of qualification from the CONCACAF nations, Honduras claimed the final automatic spot – finishing third.
Coral odds to win: 1500/1
Draw danger rating: 1/5
Watch out for: Jerry Bengtson: Lanky striker plays for New England Revolution in the MLS – he made an impact during the London Olympics, and top scored in qualifying with nine goals.
Talking tactics: Well organised and compact, their home form was key to qualification. Temperament can be suspect on their travels.
Most likely to: Insist that Costly was never given a fair chance in his short time in England.
Holland
Population: 16.7 million
National dish: Stampot – vegetables and meat, usually sausage, cooked in one pan
National anthem: Het Wilhelmus
Best World Cup finish: Runners up 1974, 1978 and 2010.
Hitman: Manchester United's star striker Robin van Persie leads his Holland side from the front
View from the touchline: Holland coach Louis van Gaal gives instructions to his players
MAGIC MOMENT
Forget any goals, matches, wins or defeats, it has to be the Cruyff turn, unveiled for the first time in a 1974 match with Sweden. Pure genius by one of the game’s greats.
Premier League pedigree: Tim Krul (Newcastle), Maarten Stekelenburg (Fulham) Michel Vorm, (Swansea), Ron Vlaar (Asston Villa), Leroy Fer, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel (Norwich), Marco Van Ginkel (Chelsea), Robin Van Persie (Man Utd).
Meet the coach: Louis Van Gaal. Great disciple of the Dutch traditions of Total Football, at 62 he’s in his second spell as Dutch managerwith a 28-year coaching career at clubs like Ajax and Barcelona behind him.
Meet the captain: Robin van Persie. Time for Manchester United’s Premier League golden boot winner to hit the heights on the world stage with a side who have been brilliant in qualifying.
Star man: Arjen Robben. Bayern Munich winger has won League titles in England, Spain and Germany with a Champions League and World Cup runner-up medal thrown in. Great turn of pace and accurate crossing.
Curler: Holland always pose a threat with attacking quality like Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben (centre)
Still got it: Holland will be aided by the talents of Wesley Sneijder (left), flying past Konstantin Vassiljev
Vital statistic Netherlands qualified for the 2014 World Cup with ease, having won nine points (28) more than the next best side (Romania – 19) in Group D.
Coral odds to win: 20/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5
Watch out for: Stefan de Vrij. Captain of Feyenoord at the tender age of 21, the 6ft 2ins centre half is cool on the ball as well as a powerful defender
Talking tactics: Free flowing midfield, with players who rotate positions and Robben likely to pop up to torment defenders on either right or left wing. Easy on the eye.
Most likely to: Have wives, girlfriends and children in their camp for a month long party.
Iran
Population: 76.42 million
National dish: Cheloe kabab - steamed saffroned basmati rice normally with lamb fillet kebab
National anthem: Sorud-e Melli-ye Jonhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran
Best World Cup finish: First round - 1978, 1972, 1976.
Encouragement: Former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is in charge of Iran
MAGIC MOMENT
Beating USA in France in 1998. It was designated the peace game to defuse the political issues, but huge celebrations greeted goals by Estili and Mahdavikia that brought a 2-1 win.
Premier League pedigree: Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham)
Meet the coach: Carlos Queiroz: Twice Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two at Manchester United, and ex boss of both Real Madrid and Fulham, the 60-year-old has been in charge since 2011.
Meet the captain: Javad Nekounam: Central midfielder with a powerful shot, at 33 he’s moved back to play in the Iranian League after a long career with Osasuna in Spain.
Star man: Masoud Shojae: Tall, creative midfielder has a ready made partnership with Nekounam as both were at Osasuna. Is still in Spain at Las Palmas.
Central role: Fulham star Ashkan Dejagah is one of Iran's hopes of springing a shock
Vital statistic Iran lost just two of their 16 qualifiers (W10 D4).
Coral odds to win: 1500/1
Draw danger rating: 1/5
Watch out for: Reza Ghoochannejhad: Lean forward with Dutch and Iranian parents who has emerged in Belgian football and is impressing with Standard Liege this season.
Talking tactics: A solid base in midfield and a sound defence are the building blocks, but the adventurous spirit of sides he coached at Old Trafford and in Madrid is never far away.
Most likely to: Let their manager attract all the media attention while they get on and play.
Composure: Experienced midfielder Javad Nekounam will be vital for Iran as they look to spring a surprise
Italy
Population: 60.92 million
National dish: Spaghetti Bolognese – or Pizza
National anthem: Il Canto degli Italiani
Best World Cup finish: Winners - 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Premier League pedigree: Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland), Pablo Osvaldo (Southampton), Davide Santon (Newcastle)
Livewire: But Mario Balotelli, challenging Tomas Sivok (right), is one of the most dangerous strikers around
Safe hands: Veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon (right) will lead Italy from between the posts in Brazil
MAGIC MOMENT
Marco Tardelli’s ecstatic scream of celebration scoring as he ran to the bench after scoring the second goal in the 1982 final win over West Germany.
Meet the coach: Cesare Prandelli: The man who restored Italy’s reputation after the shambles of the 2010 World Cup exit, the 56-year-old spent six years in charge of Fiorentina – a lifetime in Italian football – before taking charge of his country.
Meet the captain: Gianluigi Buffon. Giant Juventus goalkeeper with 138 caps has four Serie A titles and a 2006 World Cup winners medal in his collection of honours. Still at the peak of his game aged 35.
Star man: Mario Balotelli. Brilliant, unpredictable, maverick striker that you can’t take your eyes off. Prandelli’s great achievement of Euro 2012 was to keep the former Manchester City man on the straight and narrow, and if he can do it again he could be a Golden Boot contender.
Stylish: And Andrea Pirlo's impeccable dead balls will be one of the Italians' main threats in Brazil
Next generation: Italian fans are pinning hopes for the future on PSG midfielder Marco Verratti
Vital statistic The Italians remained unbeaten throughout qualifying, winning six and drawing four.
Coral odds to win: 18/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5
Watch out for: Marco Verratti: Pocket sized 21-year-old Paris St Germain midfield star has been billed as the natural successor to Andrea Pirlo.
Talking tactics: Prandelli consigned ‘Catenaccio’ to the history books when he took over saying ‘it is now obvious you cannot get results without attractive football’. Happy to indulge Balotelli’s individual talent.
Most likely to: Be seen out trying Rio’s night spots with Balotelli leading the dancing.
Ivory Coast
Population: 19.8 million
National dish: Alloco - fried plantain often served with chilli pepper and onions
National anthem: 'L'Abidjanaise' (Song of Abidjan)
Best World Cup finish: First round, 2006, 2010
Premier League pedigree: Yaya Toure (Man City), Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Arouna Kone (Everton), Wilfried Bony (Swansea).
Icon: Chelsea legend Didier Drogba will be leading the Ivory Coast in the World Cup for the final time at 35
MAGIC MOMENT
Coming from two down to beat Serbia and Montenegro in their final game of the 2006 tournament.
Meet the coach: Sabri Lamouchi. Stellar playing career in France and Italy, but the 42-year-old had never managed before taking his current job in May 2012.
Meet the captain: Didier Drogba. Now 35 but the former Chelsea star proved in clinching qualification for the finals that he’s still the inspiration for his country.
Star man: Yaya Toure. Manuel Pellegrini has made him the rock of Manchester City’s midfield and he’ll be just as important for his country
Watch out for: Serge Aurier. The 20-year-old Toulouse right back posted a picture of himself in an Arsenal shirt – a good World Cup could make the move happen.
City slicker: Ivory Coast's midfield giant Yaya Toure (left) battles past Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate
Vital statistic Salomon Kalou (5) was their top scorer in qualifying, just ahead of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba (4).
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5
Talking tactics: The 'Golden Generation' of Ivory Coast’s individual stars have never quite lived up to their individual talents (sound familiar?) Lamouchi has encouraged them to work as hard off the ball as they do on it.
Most likely to: Have Drogba take over doing the team talks if things aren’t going their way.
Hot pursuit: Ivory Coast's Serge Aurier (right) looks to continue his promising form at the World Cup
Japan
Population: 127.6 million
National dish: Sushi – sliced raw seafish
National anthem: Kimigayo
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 2002, 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Shinji Kagawa (Man Utd)
United they stand: Old Trafford midfielder Shinji Kagawa will dictate much of Japan's play in Brazil
MAGIC MOMENT
The 2-0 win over Tunisia – after they’d beaten Russia – taking them through to the knock-out stages in front of their own fans in 2002.
Meet the coach: Alberto Zaccheroni. He’s bossed all the big Italian clubs in a 30-year management career since having to quit playing through injury. Aged 60, has already won the Asian Cup in his first go as an international boss.
Meet the captain: Makoto Hasebe. With 70 caps behind him, the 29-year-old defensive midfielder has been a star in the Bundesliga since 2008 with first Wolfsburg then current club FC Nurnburg.
Star man: Shinji Kagawa. Man Utd fans have yet to see the best of him, but 16 goals in 52 caps from midfield tell their own story of his creative vision and attacking potential.
Tough tackler: Japan skipper Makoto Hasebe (right) fights for the ball with Kevin Mirallas of Belgium
Vital statistic Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki (8) was the top scorer in the whole of the AFC qualification process for World Cup 2014.
Coral odds to win: 80/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5
Watch out for: Keisuke Honda: Forgive the pun, but the driving force of CSKA Moscow’s attack is a target for AC Milan. Creative passing, and brilliant free kick taker.
Talking tactics: Japan were always more of a freewheeling side but under Zaccheroni they’ve developed an Italian defensive mentality. After a difficult start the change has worked and they are tough to beat.
Most likely to: Have hordes of their fans outside the team hotel all night waiting for pictures.
Saintly performance: Southampton star Maya Yoshida is a crucial presence for Japan
Korea Republic
Population: 50 million
National dish: Kimchee – pickled or fermented vegetables
National anthem: Aegukga, or 'Patriotic Song'
Best World Cup finish: Fourth place in 2002.
Premier League pedigree: Ki Sung-Yueng, Ji Dong-Won (both Sunderland); Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff); Park Chu-Young (Arsenal).
Star man: Korea and Bolton's tricky winger Lee Chung-Yong glides past Croatia's Darijo Srna (right)
MAGIC MOMENT
Lee Woon-Jae’s save against Joaquin that knocked out Spain on penalties in 2002 to take Guus Hiddink’s side into the semi-finals in front of their own fans.
Meet the coach: Hong Myung-Bo. Won 136 caps and played in four World Cups – nominated by Pele in his list of the 125 greatest players of world football. Age just 44, he’s worked through the Korean FA structure before taking over the top job in June this year.
Meet the captain: Lee Chung-Yong. English fans will know the silky skilled winger from his time at Bolton. Now fully recovered from serious injuries that have hampered his progress there.
Star man: Kim Shin-Wook. South Korea’s answer to Peter Crouch, the 6ft 6ins striker is an effective target man for the smaller, nippier forwards to work round.
Watch out for: Son Heung-Min: Just 21, he’s made a big impact in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen since a £9million club record move from Hamburg. Six feet tall, quick, and a shot in both feet.
Key player: Son Heung-Min has made a big impact for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga
Vital statistic South Korea won their third stage group, before qualifying in second place behind Iran in stage four.
Coral odds to win: 250/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5
Talking tactics: Mix the game up, playing short stuff in midfield and using wingers but then not afraid to go long to Kim Shin-Wook at times too.
Most likely to: Get upset if the stadium PA plays the North Korean anthem by mistake.
High five: Shinwook Kim of South Korea celebrates with his coach Myung Bo Hong
Mexico
Population: 120.8 million
National dish: Mole Poblano de Guajalote – turkey with sauce
National anthem: Himno Nacional Mexicano
Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals - 1970 and 1986
Premier League pedigree: Javier Hernandez (Man Utd)
Group hug: Oribe Peralta celebrates after scoring with Javier Hernandez (left) and Javier Aquino (right)
MAGIC MOMENT
So near but so far – holding Germany to a 0-0 draw in a thrilling 1986 quarter-final in front of 41,000 passionate home fans in Monterrey, only for the Germans to win on penalties (no surprise there!)
Meet the coach: Miguel Herrera. A 45-year-old with a good record in Mexican club football, he bossed the 2012 Olympics side and then was parachuted in for the senior team’s qualifying play-off after Jose Manuel de la Torre was sacked. Shocked the country by selecting only home based players, but the policy was proved right.
Meet the captain: Rafael Marquez Alvarez. Former Barcelona defender is 34 and has slipped out of top flight club football after a brief spell at New York Red Bulls. Experience from 116 caps will guide him through Brazil, though.
Star man: Javier Hernandez. The Manchester United striker gets less quality of service from his national side but his instinctive finishing skills remain crucial.
Old head: Mexico's skipper Rafael Marquez brings a wealth of knowledge from 116 caps
Vital statistic They collected just 11 points and two wins from their 10 games in the fourth round stage and only qualified for the playoff against New Zealand on the final day of CONCACAF qualification.
Coral odds to win: 100/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5
Watch out for: Raul Jimenez: Giant striker was one of the stars of London 2012 and Herrera is keen to use his height as a focal point for the senior team.
Talking tactics: Quick passing style, but not afraid to vary it and go long to Jimenez from time to time. Good at set pieces.
Most likely to: Bring huge support to Brazil from passionate fans.
Thumbs up: Mexico's head coach Miguel Herrera will be hoping his side spring a shock in Brazil
Nigeria
Population: 168.8 million
National dish: Pounded Yam and Egusi soup - Egusi are the seeds from melon and squash plants
National anthem: Arise, O Compatriots
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 - 1994 and 1998
Premier League pedigree: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Victor Moses (Liverpool), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle)
Premier star: Chelsea's John Obi Mikel takes on a more attacking role for Nigeria than at Stamford Bridge
MAGIC MOMENT
Emmanuel Amuneke’s goal to take the lead against Italy in 1994 – Nigeria were two minutes from the quarter-finals then Roberto Baggio equalised.
Meet the coach: Stephen Keshi. In charge since 2011, the 51-year-old former defender is one of only two people to have won the African Cup of Nations as both player and coach.
Meet the captain: Vincent Enyeama. First choice goalkeeper since he made his debut in 2002, the 31-year-old survived a serious car crash in 2004.
Star man: Victor Obinna. Deep lying front man has an eye for a pass – at 26 he is much improved since 2010 on loan at West Ham, and will win his 50th cap in Brazil.
Wing wonder: Liverpool's loan star Victor Moses is a regular for the 'Super Eagles'
Vital statistic They did not lose a single one of their eight qualifiers (W5 D3) overall.
Coral odds to win: 200/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5
Watch out for: Ahmed Musa. Pocket sized midfielder, 21, has been a creative sensation for CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Talking tactics: The side is based around a philosophy of keeping the ball and then hitting from deep positions at speed. Pace of Victor Moses is critical to the plan.
Most likely to: Turn on coach Keshi if they don’t do well. Big expectations as current African champions.
Singing a Toon: Newcastle stalwart Shola Ameobi has been a surprise addition to Nigeria's side
Portugal
Population: 10.53 million
National dish: Bacalhau – salted fish normally served with potatoes
National anthem: A Portuguesa
Best World Cup finish: Third place, 1966.
Premier League pedigree: Nani (Man Utd).
World star: With Cristiano Ronaldo at the helm, don't write off Portugal achieving big at the World Cup
Don't count me out: Manchester United winger Nani also brings flair to Portugal's attack
MAGIC MOMENT
The brilliant Eusebio scoring four goals to overturn North Korea’s 3-0 lead in the quarter-final at Goodison Park in 1966.
Meet the coach: Paulo Bento. Midfield hard man in his playing days, the 44-year-old stepped up from player to manager at Sporting Lisbon before taking the national job in 2010. Led the team to the Euro 2012 semi-final.
Meet the captain: Cristiano Ronaldo. Not so much meet the captain as meet the whole side – the brilliant Real Madrid forward dragged his country to Brazil almost single-handed.
Star man: Bruno Alves. Okay, Ronaldo’s the only true star – but 70- cap veteran former Porto defender Alves, now playing in Turkey with Fenerbahce, is the rock around which the defence is built.
Last of the Mohicans: Ex-Chelsea nad Liverpool star Raul Meireles (left) skips past Sweden's Sebastian Larsson
Rock-solid: Portugal's defence is built around the formidable presence of Bruno Alves
Vital statistic Cristiano Ronaldo scored (8) or assisted (2) 10 of Portugal’s 24 goals in qualification.
Coral odds to win: 25/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5
Watch out for: William Carvalho: High hopes that the tough tackling Angola born midfielder, at 21, is the leader of a new generation. Porto ace won his first senior cap in the play-offs after appearing at every youth level.
Talking tactics: It’s a pure 4-3-3, with the proviso that Ronaldo can roam off his theoretical left wing position to go where he wants. He’ll attract double or triple marking, so the plan is to keep the others in their shape so they automatically find space.
Most likely to: Make sure Ronaldo has everything he wants.
Russia
Population: 143.5 million
National dish: Shchi or Borsch– cabbage or beetroot soup
National anthem: Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii
Best World Cup finish: First round 1994, 2002.
Premier League pedigree: None.
You look familiar: Former England boss Fabio Capello will hope for better luck with Russia
MAGIC MOMENT
Finished fourth in 1966 as the Soviet Union – since then it’s been a struggle. A 2-0 win over Tunisia in 2002 is as good as it gets – losing their next game to Japan caused riots in Moscow.
Meet the coach: Fabio Capello. Haven’t we met somewhere before? Former England boss has bitter memories of how it all went wrong for him and us at the 2010 World Cup and at 67 is still hungry to prove he can translate his astonishing club success to the international stage.
Meet the captain: Igor Denisov: Hard man midfielder spent 11 years leading home city club Zenit St Petersburg before chasing a payday when Anzhi were giving out the big bucks. Has since moved on to Dynamo Moscow.
Star man: Aleksander Kerzhakov. Russia’s answer to Alan Shearer, the 31-year-old has just smashed the domestic scoring record with his 208th career goal. Top scorer with five in qualifying, if Capello can keep him fit to play every game he’ll be a danger man.
Skipper: Russia's captain Igor Denisov (right) chases Northern Ireland's Jamie Ward
Vital statistic Only three sides (Spain 3, England 4 & Belgium 4) conceded fewer goals than Russia (5) in the UEFA qualifiers.
Coral odds to win: 80/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5
Watch out for: Denis Cheryshev: The only member of the squad not playing his club football in Russia, the 22-year-old silky skilled winger grew up in Spain where his dad Dmitri played for Sporting Gijon. Now on Real Madrid’s books and turning in star performances on loan at Seville.
Talking tactics: Capello kept the 4-3-3 system used by predecessor Guus Hiddink, but has made it more defensive – they let in just five goals in the qualifying campaign. Rigid tactics, you go with his plan or you go out.
Most likely to: Read a lot of books because they aren’t allowed to leave the hotel.
Hitman: Aleksandr Kerzhakov has scored 208 goals in the Russian League - he's their main threat
Spain
Population: 47.27 million
National dish: Paella
National anthem: The Marcha Real
Best World Cup finish: Winners 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Cesar Azpilicueata (Chelsea), Jesus Navas Alvaro Negredo, David Silva, Javi Garcia(Man City), David De Gea (Man Utd), Roberto Soldado (Spurs), Michu (Swansea
Pass master: The relentless tiki-taka style of Spanish players like Andres Iniesta makes them a joy to watch
Breathtaking: Xavi will link up with club team-mate Iniesta to produce one of the most formidable midfields
MAGIC MOMENT
Andres Iniesta’s extra time winning goal in the South Africa 2010 final ended years of underachievement by Spain – and meant the beautiful game triumphed over Holland’s attempts to kick them off the park.
Meet the coach: Vicente del Bosque. The 62-year-old genius who found a way to end the traditional feuds between players from Barcelona and Real Madrid and get all the talents pulling in the same direction. Only man to win three major tournaments in a row.
Meet the captain: Iker Casillas. Now has an incredible 152 caps but still aged only 32 so could go on to get 200. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper has been his country’s first choice for nearly 14 years.
Star man: Andres Iniesta. Pass, pass, and pass again. Barcelona’s midfield man will torment any side making them chase all day for possession – and then chase some more.
Watch out for: Cristian Tello. Latest forward off the Barcelona youth production line, the 22-year-old could get his chance if Fernando Torres keeps struggling for form.
Starlet: Keep an eye on Christian Tello, who may be one of Spain's unsung heroes
Familiar sight: Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas will be between the sticks for Spain yet again in Brazil
Vital statistic Spain averaged the highest possession figure of any European nation in qualifying (74.3%) and also had the highest passes per game average (849 per game).
Coral odds to win: 6/1
Draw danger rating: 5/5
Talking tactics: Just keep the ball. Del Bosque’s great achievement has been to get the rest of the team to buy into the Barcelona way of Tiki-taka.
Most likely to: Be top of all the Opta stats for number of completed passes.
Switzerland
Population: 7.9 million
National dish: Cervelas – a smoked sausage made of beef or pork
National anthem: The Swiss Psalm
Best World Cup finish: Quarter finals - 1934, 1938, 1954.
Premier League pedigree: Philippe Senderos, Patjim Kasami (Fulham)
Young gun: Midfielder Granit Xhaka has lit up the Bundesliga and will want to do the same for Switzerland
MAGIC MOMENT
Opening the 2010 tournament with a 1-0 win over European champions and eventual World Cup winners Spain. Sadly that was as good as it got as they finished their group third.
Meet the coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld. Prolific striker in his playing days, and two times a European Cup winner as a club manager in Germany, the 64-year-old has been in charge of the Swiss side since 2008.
Meet the captain: Gokhan Inler. Napoli paid Udinese £11.5million in 2011 for the elegant midfield man, now aged 29, who was born in Switzerland from a Turkish family.
Star man: Diego Benaglio. Wolfsburg’s towering goalkeeper – he’s 6ft 4ins – has 52 caps. Agile for his size and a good shot stopper, his main strength is using his giant frame to dominate his area
Watch out for: Granit Xhaka. Family escaped from Kosovo when he was young, Hitzfeld has dubbed the 21-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach striker the ‘young Schweinsteiger’.
Stalwart: Ottmar Hitzfeld will lend his experienced hand to attempting to cause an upset in Brazil
Vital statistic Their goals per game average of 1.70 goals per game was the lowest of all sides to top a UEFA qualification group.
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5
Talking tactics: Hitzfeld has a maths degree and likes to work the numbers – he uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the wide midfield men encouraged to help out defending, to flood midfield and get possession of the ball.
Most likely to: Spring a surprise in the opening game but then get knocked out – like they did in 2010.
Uruguay
Population: 3.4 million
National dish: Chivito – a sandwich of steak, mozzarella, bacon, olives and a fried egg.
National anthem: Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba
Best World Cup finish: Winners - 1930 and 1950
Premier League pedigree: Luis Suarez, Sebastian Coates(Liverpool), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Diego Lugano (WBA)
Kop idol: And controversial striker Luis Suarez is just as crucial to Uruguay's success as he is to Liverpool's
MAGIC MOMENT
Alcides Ghiggia hitting the winning goal 11 minutes from the end of the 1950 final to complete a comeback from a goal down against hosts Brazil in the Maracana. Still considered one of the greatest shock results in World Cup history.
Meet the coach: Oscar Tabarez: Modest playing career in Argentina and Mexico, but the 66-year-old is known as El Maestro for his management career. Been in charge of Uruguay since 2006, finishing fourth in South Africa and winning the 2011 Copa America.
Meet the captain: Diego Lugano. Not much playing time for West Brom since he moved there from PSG in the summer, but the 33-yeaar-old centre back has 91 caps and is a legend in Turkey after a brilliant spell with Fenerbahce
Star man: Luis Suarez: Who else? The talisman for his county in exactly the same way as for his club, was the leading scorer in the South American qualifiers with 11 goals.
Watch out for: Abel Hernandez: Overcame heart problems that needed surgery as a teenager, the Palermo striker, 23, has been scouted by all Europe’s top clubs. Scored four goals in one game during the 2013 Confederations Cup.
Making a point: Diego Lugano is the rock-solid defender who will lead his Uruguay team-mates
Vital statistic Luis Suárez was top-scorer in CONMEBOL qualification having scored 11 goals from 14 appearances (excluding play-offs).
Coral odds to win: 28/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5
Talking tactics: Tabarez has tamed the brutal side of his country’s tough tackling without compromising their aggression. Flexible coach who likes a 4-4-2 but is just as likely to go with three defenders if it is right for the opposition.
Most likely to: Say: ‘Definitely there was some contact before Suarez went over.’
On strike: Diego Forlan will hope to roll back the years and contribute to Uruguay's success
USA
Population: 313.9 million
National dish: Big Mac and Fries
National anthem: The Star Spangled Banner
Best World Cup finish: Third place in 1930.
Premier League pedigree: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea, Maurice Edu (Stoke), Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Cody Cropper (Southampton)
Wheeling away: Former Fulham and Spurs star Clint Dempsey is still at the heart of the USA side
MAGIC MOMENT
Bert Patenaude is credited by FIFA with scoring all three goals in the 1930 win over Paraguay, thus making him the first player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup finals.
Meet the coach: Jurgen Klinsmann. Brilliant German who got 38 goals in 80 internationals commuted from his home in California when he led his own country’ s 2006 World Cup team. Has been in charge of the States since 2011 he’s rebuilt an exciting, attacking team.
Meet the captain: Clint Dempsey. Attacking midfielder never quite settled at Spurs, but at previous club Fulham he’s remembered fondly for scoring 50 goals in a five year career there. Now playing for Seattle Sounders.
Star man: Michael Bradley. Son of former USA coach Bob, the 26-year-old midfielder has blossomed since a £3.5million move to Roma. Creative passer with 82 caps.
Midfield general: Michael Bradley, son of former boss Bob, will be integral to the United States side
Vital statistic Clint Dempsey was their top scoring in qualifying, netting eight goals.
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5
Watch out for: John Brooks. Towering defender is the son of an American serviceman based in Germany and at 20 has made a huge impression for Hertha Berlin.
Talking tactics: Klinsmann brings the flair that marked his playing days to his coaching philosophy, changing tactics to suit the opposition but always looking to be positive.
Most likely to: Be the group of players who sing their national anthem the loudest.
The gaffer: Spurs and Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann is at the helm for the USA