FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013: Teams Most Likely to Win Tournament

The 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is finally here, and defending champions Russia are the favorites to win the tournament.

Over the next 11 days, teams from all around the world will compete in Tahiti for the chance to be win a championship.

Fans shouldn't be surprised by any team on this list. These teams are extremely talented, and they will be tough outs this year.

Here are a list of the groups along with the favorites to win the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Russia 

Like any tournament, the defending champions enter as the favorites until some team unseats them. Russia won the title in a shootout, and they should be ready to go this time around.

Ilya Leonov led the way with seven goals in the tournament, including two in the final. Andrey Bukhlitskiy was named the tournament's top goalkeeper. Both players are on the squad, so the talent and experience those two bring put Russia as the favorites.

Egor Shaykov scored eight goals in the tournament but was overshadowed by Leonov.

Russia scored 44 goals and allowed only 25 in six games. They were easily the top offense in the tournament and got solid play out of their goalie.

The 2011 title was Russia's first, and they had never even placed in the top four before. There will be a lot of pressure on them to follow up a championship with a strong performance, but they have the talent to once again challenge for the title. 

Brazil

Russia may be the favorites, but Brazil aren't far behind. Having been beaten by Russia in the 2011 final, redemption will be on the minds of the Brazilians.

Andre scored 14 goals in the last tournament, which was the most score by anyone. Unfortunately he never got much help from his teammates, and he couldn't keep up with Russia.

Brazil have dominated this event. They have won 13 titles and had won four consecutive entering the 2011 Beach World Cup. They have never finished worse than fourth and haven't finished worse than second since 2005.

After a disappointing loss in the final last time out, Brazil will be looking to redeem themselves. That extra motivation and their history in the event makes them a really tough out. 

El Salvador

The tournament has its two favorites, but El Salvador could be the dark horse to win the 2013 FIFA Beach World Cup.

They finished fourth in the last tournament and have a young star who can lead the way. Frank Velasquez finished third in the tournament with nine goals, so he has the ability to put the team on his back. The 23-year-old is a prolific scorer, as the numbers show.

El Salvador will need more than just one player to score if they are going to knock off Brazil or Russia in this year's tournament.

*All information is courtesy of FIFA's official website