How are the main contenders for success in Brazil shaping up? Our World Cup panel of writers give us the inside track on the progress of Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Co

By Kit Holden and Laure James and Adam Digby and James Young and Dan Colasimone and Peter Mcvitie and Goncalo Lopes and Dermot Corrigan

Published: 07:12 EDT, 6 March 2014 | Updated: 06:44 EDT, 28 April 2014

The World Cup in Brazil is looming into view, and the rumblings can already be heard in the distance. Possibly dump trucks furiously trying to finish off stadiums before the tournament starts.

And it might seem an eternity to those looking forward to watching the tournament on TV or in person, the respective nations are already well into their methodical planning before kick-off in mid June.

But how do expectation levels compare among the main contenders? Which teams are in form? And which players are most likely to shine in Brazil?

Champions: Spain captain Iker Cassillas lifts the World Cup trophy in South Africa in 2010

We've selected a crack squad of specialist writers from the nations most likely to make a big impact (excluding England, we've got that well covered) to give us the inside track on Spain, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, France and Holland. And this is what they've got to say.

How are preparations for Brazil going?

Dermot Corrigan: Spain

Corrigan

Dermot is a Madrid-based Irish football writer who has lived in Spain for over five years, covering La Liga and La Roja for ESPN, FOX, When Saturday Comes, the Irish Examiner, Al Jazeera and others.
Follow @dermotcorrigan

Spain: Dermot Corrigan

After the shock of the 3-0 defeat to Brazil in last summer’s Confederations Cup final, and then some stumbles through qualifying, morale around the Spanish camp is pretty high again.The core of the 2010 winning side remains, as does veteran coach Vicente del Bosque, who has cleverly added some new faces to keep things fresh.

Debut: Brazilian born Diego Costa (right) played for Spain for the first time in their 1-0 win over Italy

Italy: Adam Digby

Unlike their usual nail biting manner of qualification, the Italian national team secured their place at the tournament with two Group B games to spare. That marked the first time the Azzurri had confirmed their berth so early, and morale is high among the talented squad at Cesare Prandelli’s disposal. Since taking over in 2010, the coach has instilled a much more exciting brand of football in his players who will be looking to build on their Euro 2012 success.

Kit Holden: Germany

Holden

Kit is a freelance journalist based in Berlin. Aside from regular coverage of German football for the Mail Online, Kit also works as a writer and online editor for the Berlin daily newspaper Der Tagesspiegel.
Follow @KitHolden

Germany: Kit Holden

The DFB’s World Cup slogan is 'More ready than ever', but the reality is the opposite. Germany’s general manager Oliver Bierhoff described the team this week as a '12 cylinder engine, with some not firing'. There are major injury issues, with Sami Khedira and Ilkay Gundogan serious doubts for Brazil. Coach Joachim Löw has demanded his players to be in top shape for the difficult climate, but many big players such as Sven Bender, Mario Gomez and Mats Hummels have missed a lot of the season through injury. Not only that, but the extravagant tournament HQ Campo Bahia is also behind schedule.

Walkover: Neymar scored a hat-trick in Brazil's comfortable friendly win over South Africa this week

Brazil: James Young

Bolstered by last year’s Confederations Cup title, Brazil’s management team of Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlos Alberto Parreira, both former World Cup winning coaches, have established an air of calm and solidarity around the squad – the famed familia Scolari. After years of unimpressive form and aching self-doubt, Brazil have rediscovered their self-belief, and have a formation that works. Their comprehensive midweek dismantling of South Africa was testament to this.

Dan Colasimone: Argentina

Colasimone

Dan is an Australian journalist who recently returned to his homeland after a seven-year stint in Buenos Aires. Specialising in Argentinian football, he has written for various publications online and in print, including The Blizzard, Bleacher Report and The Buenos Aires Herald.
Follow @ArgentinaFW

Argentina: Dan Colasimone

Things could hardly be going better for the Albicelestes in the lead up to the World Cup. In the tactically savvy and pragmatic Alejandro Sabella they have a manager who will ensure the squad is focussed and well prepared for a strong challenge in Brazil, in stark contrast to the chaotic build-up under Diego Maradona last time around. Just as Carlos Bilardo built a solid side around 'El Diego' in Argentina's successful 1986 campaign, Sabella has designed a team to feed the remarkable talents of Lionel Messi. And all the signs thus far indicate that the man they call 'The Sloth' has found the right formula, with Argentina showing intimidating form on their way to topping the South American qualifying table, even if their goalless draw against Romania didn't exactly showcase this.

Mutual respect: Ronaldo (right) and Samuel Eto'o shake hands before Portugal's 5-1 rout of Cameroon

Portugal: Goncalo Lopes

These past few weeks have not been favorable to the national team in terms of injuries. The three forwards Postiga, Hugo Almeida and Eder are out, with Postiga a serious doubt for the World Cup. Apart from these injuries, the team is confident (as the 5-1 thrashing of Camaroon proved), and head coach Paulo Bento has only four or five doubts for the final squad.

Laure James: France

James

Mail Online French football writer, Sky Sports News reporter, and talkSPORT regular. With roots in Montpellier, Laure is a huge fan of La Paillade and loves to provide the hidden stories behind the Gallic game.
Follow @LaureJames

France: Laure James

In terms of his World Cup selection, coach Didier Deschamps has said he may make adjustments based on the side which beat the Netherlands 2-0. This means some players from the '87 crop, including Samir Nasri, Jérémy Ménez and Hatem Ben Arfa, have merely an outside hope, rather than a firm likelihood, of making it to Brazil. In football terms, preparations are expected to be smooth, with home friendies against Norway and Paraguay planned. Deschamps' real priority, however, is ensuring off-field matters remain calm and avoiding repeats of the French implosion in South Africa, in 2010 – and is still uncertain if he will allow players to tweet from this World Cup.

Holland: Peter McVitie

Van Gaal has never decided on his favoured starting XI. His squad for Wednesday’s abysmal friendly loss to France was quite perplexing. There were several key players missing but some uncapped ones included. The Oranje, though, includes some excellent players - even the youngsters are extremely talented, so there are many reasons to be confident this summer.

In full flow: Robin van Persie searches out goalscoring chances during Holland's 2-0 defeat to France

How many of your World Cup squad of 23 can you already name?

Spain: DC

Del Bosque regularly talks [with reason] about the huge competition for places and has given plenty of younger players a chance to impress over the last 18 months. He is now close to making up his mind. Add the injured Gerard Pique to the 22-man squad named for Wednesday’s 1-0 friendly win over Italy in Madrid, and you’ve got the likely panel for Brazil.

Adam Digby: Italy

Digby

Adam is an Italian football writer who lives in Turin, providing coverage on Serie A topics for outlets including FourFourTwo and 8 by 8 Magazine. He is the co-founder of the Anglo Italian Football Podcast and the author of the forthcoming book Juventus: A History in Black & White. 
Follow @Adz77

Italy: AD

Roughly 18. Goalkeepers Gigi Buffon and Salvatore Sirigu are certainties, alongside defenders Ignazio Abate, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Mattia De Sciglio and Christian Maggio. In midfield, Antonio Candreva, Daniele De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio, Riccardo Montolivo, Thiago Motta, Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti should be joined by forwards Mario Balotelli, Alessio Cerci and the hopefully recovered Giuseppe Rossi.

Germany: KH

Bayern and Dortmund will have a strong representation, with the likes of Müller, Lahm, Neuer, Kroos, Götze, Reus and Hummels absolute definites. Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker and Mesut Özil will be on the plane, and Lukas Podolski should join them. The likes of Klose, Schürrle, Schweinsteiger and Gomez are extremely likely picks, but as Phillipp Lahm said on Tuesday: 'nobody is indispensable'.

Warm up: Bastian Schweinsteiger and his German World Cup contender team-mates beat Chile 1-0 in a friendly

James Young: Brazil

Young

James has lived in Brazil for the last eight years. Based in Belo Horizonte, he writes about the country and its football for The Independent, Sports Illustrated, ESPN and others.
Follow @seeadarkness

Brazil: JY

Around 20. Most of the squad is established by now, and the remaining doubts are generally over the back-up positions – third goalkeeper, reserve full-back and centre-back, an extra midfielder or two.

Argentina: DC

Sabella has had a reasonably settled squad for quite some time, with only a little fine tuning to do before he announces his final 23. A fair prediction of his preferred starting 11 can already be made; Sergio Romero, Pablo Zabaleta, Federico Fernandez, Ezequiel Garay, Marcos Rojo, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Gago, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Messi are all in with a strong chance of running out for Argentina's first game against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Marked man: Lionel Messi had to deal with a laser on him during Argentina's goalless draw in Romania

Goncalo Lopes: Portugal

Lopes

Diario de Notícias sports reporter since 2007, previously for Correio da Manhã and A Bola. Specialist in International football, Benfica and the Portuguese national team.
Follow @_Goncalo Lopes

Portugal: GL

A lot will depend on injuries and whether FIFA will allow Porto's Brazilian midfielder Fernando to represent Portugal. I think at the moment, due to such questions, 17/18 players are certain: Goalkeepers Rui Patrício and Eduardo; defenders Bruno Alves, Coentrão, João Pereira, Pepe and Neto; midfielders Moutinho, Veloso, Meireles, William and Amorim; and forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Varela, Éder and Hugo Almeida.

France: LJ

Quite simply: Goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda; defenders Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna and Raphaël Varane; midfielders Moussa Sissoko, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi; and attackers Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Dimitri Payet, Mathieu Valbuena, Loïc Rémy and Franck Ribéry.

On target: France striker Karim Benzema scored the first goal in his nation's win over Holland

Peter McVitie: Holland

McVitie

Football journalist specialising in the Eredivisie and Dutch national team. Also Dutch editor for BeNeFoot.net, a website dedicated to covering Belgian and Dutch football in English.
Follow @PeterMcVitie

Holland: PM

Jasper Cillessen will be the goalkeeper, while in defence we’ll see Stefan de Vrij, Bruno Martins Indi, Daryl Janmaat, Daley Blind, Jetro Willems, Gregory van der Wiel and Ron Vlaar. The midfield will have Strootman, Nigel de Jong, Sneijder, Stijn Schaars, Jordy Clasie and Van der Vaart. Up front we’ll see Van Persie, Robben and Huntelaar plus Jeremain Lens.

How confident is the nation of success in Brazil?

Spain: DC

Confidence is pretty high, understandable given how this Xavi, Casillas, Iniesta, Fabregas, Busquets etc, generation have swept all before them at international level in recent years, with many 2010 winners still the right side of 30. The biggest concern is a slip in the group against either Chile or Holland could bring a last 16 meeting with the hosts. 

Italy: AD

Poor form in the matches since earning their place in the finals saw the Azzurri slip out of the top eight seeds and into a difficult group, putting somewhat of a damper on supporters’ spirits. The four-time winners will still expect a strong showing, and if they reach the knockout stages, a meeting with one of Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast or Japan awaits. That should see them into the quarter-finals, and from there, their prestige and history could see another tilt at winning the competition.

Germany: KH

A trophy is expected of this side, who have proven their potential on more than enough occasions. Both Löw and Bierhoff have warned about the climate, however, and with recurring defensive issues in qualifying, many are beginning to lose their faith in Löw. They can win it, and should reach the semi-finals, but anything other than reaching the final would be hugely disappointing for the nation.

Double act: The Brazilian public expect Luiz Felipe Scolari (left) and Carlos Alberto Parreira can land the big one

Brazil: JY

Argentina: DC

Despite consistently boasting some of the world's finest footballers, the Albicelestes have not won a major tournament since the 1993 Copa America. This trophy drought is, understandably, the cause of great angst in Argentina, but fans are hopeful that playing in South America this time around, as well as the presence of a certain diminutive number 10, will give their side the extra edge they need to claim the prize.

Talent: Argentina boast a frightening array of attacking power, which coach Sabela is expected to harness

Portugal: GL

The Portuguese nation trusts in a great World Cup from Portugal, but for us reaching the semi-finals will be already a 'great World Cup'. Of course we all dream of victory, but the Portuguese are aware that there are better and stronger teams than Portugal. Therefore, a semi-final will be excellent.

France: LJ

The French squad is a desirable blend of experience, youth and revitalised 20-somethings, with a World Cup-winning manager, methodically steering toward a composed unity. Rewarding positive attitudes as well as good form, he will labour over his selection. Grouped with Ecuador, Honduras and Switzerland, reaching the quarter-finals is the country's minimum requirement. Prediction: Finalists.

Pivotal: If Holland are to star at the World Cup in Brazil then Arjen Robben will need to be on top form

Holland: PM

There is no easy game in Group B. Spain are favourites, so while the Dutch will target first place, they might be forced to settle for second. That could set up a clash with Brazil and if they can get beyond that, they can aim for the final, but there would be no shame in bowing out at the semi-final.

Which player will be you country’s star in Brazil? 

Spain: DC

Despite a mediocre debut against Italy, Brazil-born Diego Costa will be in the spotlight, for sure. Del Bosque wants the bustling Atletico Madrid frontman to add an extra aggressive edge to Spain’s typical tiki-taka approach. He is also sure a hot reception from Brazil fans should the countries meet.

Italy: AD

Who else but Mario Balotelli? The striker has, despite Milan’s poor form, been irrepressible since leaving Manchester City, netting 22 Serie A goals in 31 appearances for the Rossoneri. He was excellent in the European Championships, carrying the Azzurri past a strong Germany side in the semi-finals and always seems to deliver his best for the national team. His relationship with Prandelli is excellent, the coach connecting better with the 23-year-old than perhaps even Roberto Mancini ever did.

Driving force: Mario Balotelli is expected to be the man to fire the Italians to glory in Brazil this summer

Germany: KH

Phillipp Lahm. This Germany side has more attacking talent than any other, but arguably lacks mentality and defensive stability. Whether at full back or in defensive midfield, the captain will bring both. With Bayern’s Champions League win, he now knows what it takes to win an international trophy, and he is also in top shape. 

Brazil: JY

Unquestionably Neymar. The Barcelona forward brings a mixture of balletic grace, blistering pace and a creativity that recalls the ragamuffin improvisational skills of some of the greats of Brazil’s past. He has put the petulance and penchant for going to ground too easily of his youth behind him (or at least reduced it) and the World Cup is his chance to join the greats of the global game.

Argentina: DC

Messi has been in sensational form for Argentina since Sabella took over as coach and appointed him captain in August, 2011. If he can produce something close to his best at Brazil 2014, and recent evidence suggests he can, his side are capable of beating any team at the tournament.

Portugal: GL

Obviously Cristiano Ronaldo will be the Portuguese star in the World Cup. More than ever, especially after winning the title of Ballon d'Or, CR7 is very confident and believes he will be at his best in June. And the Portugueses are hoping for that.

The route to success: While Karim Benzema will take most of the headlines, Blaise Matuidi's form will be key

France: LJ

The headline-winner will be Karim Benzema, who is in the form of his career, but I can't look past PSG's fiercely combative central-midfielder, Blaise Matuidi. His ball interception is remarkable and he also makes a notable contribution to defence.

Holland: PM

Arjen Robben. His performances over the last two years have been on a completely different level from what we’ve seen from him in years before and he’s required to carry that on to the national team again. With Robben and Van Persie, the Dutch have an impeccable attack and will cause massive problems for any team they come up against.