The 2014 FIFA World Cup guide for everyone

WHO are the best players? Who’s the dark horse? Do the Aussies even stand a chance? Meet our favourite WAG. All the big questions answered ahead of the World Cup.

THE 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 6am EST on Friday when host Brazil takes on Croatia in Sao Paulo.

For a month thereafter it will be the most talked about event on the planet.

Are you ready to join the conversation?

With our World Cup guide, you’re on your way.

TOP 3 PLAYERS

1. LIONEL MESSI, ARGENTINA

Don’t be fooled by the fact he will probably be the smallest guy on the field. The Barcelona superstar has drawn comparisons with one of the greatest footballers of all time, Diego Maradona, throughout his career – and with good reason. Messi is a genius.

Lionel Messi is a magician with the ball at his feet.

2. CRISTIANO RONALDO, PORTUGAL

Arrogant? Yeah. But he’s allowed to be. The goal-scoring machine took Real Madrid to Champions League glory this year, picking up the FIFA Ballon d’Or for world player of the year for his efforts.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the perfect combination of size and skill.

3. LUIS SUAREZ, URUGUAY

The English Premier League’s player of the year after a stunning season with Liverpool, the controversial striker will become public enemy No. 1 in the Old Dart once again as Uruguay meets England in the group stage.

Can Luis Suarez take the Poms out of the World Cup?

MORE: Why Argentina doesn’t like Lionel Messi

MORE: The diversity of Australia’s World Cup squad

WHEN DO THE SOCCEROOS PLAY?

Saturday, June 14 at 8am v Chile

Thursday, June 19 at 2am v Netherlands

Tuesday, June 24 at 2am v Spain

All times Eastern Standard Time

ARE THE SOCCEROOS ANY CHANCE AT ALL?

Sadly, no. Put it this way: the 2010 World Cup final featured Spain and the Netherlands – two teams in Australia’s group this time around. Spain is the No. 1-ranked team in the world. The Netherlands come in at 15 and the third team in the group, Chile, is No. 14. Australia is No. 62 – the lowest ranked team at the World Cup.

The lower your expectations of the Socceroos in Brazil, the better.

TOP 3 MATCHES

SPAIN v NETHERLANDS

Saturday, June 14, 5am (EST)

A rematch of the 2010 World Cup final and a mouth-watering entrée to Australia’s opening match against Chile later that same morning.

ENGLAND v ITALY

Sunday, June 15, 8am (EST)

Australia isn’t the only team in a group of death. Group D features England, Italy and Uruguay and this opening match is crucial.

GERMANY v PORTUGAL

Tuesday, June 17, 2am (EST)

Not a good time for Aussie fans, but this is the pick of the matches in the group stage. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal against a bona fide World Cup giant.

Things get ugly in the 2010 World Cup final between Netherlands and Spain.

WHO’S THE DARKHORSE?

A lot of pundits are talking up Belgium’s chances. Glittered with stars from football’s biggest teams, this is a side capable of taking down anyone.

Belgium and Chelsea star Eden Hazard on the ball.

WHEN IS THE FINAL?

Monday, July 14 at 5am. It could be worse.

TOP AD

It’s more like a short feature film, but this effort from Beats takes the prize.

TOP WAG

IRINA SHAYK

The Russian supermodel has walked the runways for some of the world’s biggest brands including Victoria’s Secret and has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. She’s also dating Cristiano Ronaldo.

Queen WAG, Irina Shayk.