World Cup 2014: Dark Horses Prepared to Make a Deep Run in Brazil

The field for the 2014 World Cup is almost set, which makes it time to start thinking about which teams can actually be successful at the prestigious tournament. 

While there are some obvious answers, as Spain especially will look to defend their 2010 title, Germany and Netherlands will also be among the top teams from Europe, while South American teams Brazil and Argentina each have elite talent and will be tough to beat.

However, there are other squads who are currently being overlooked that have a chance to make a deep run next summer. Here is a look at teams who will surprise a lot of people in Brazil with strong showings.

Belgium

Throughout the qualifying process, Belgium have continued to show that they are among the best teams in the world. However, many still do not take them seriously after failing to qualify for the last two World Cup finals.

The good news is that they will have a chance to prove these doubters wrong in 2014 after going unbeaten in qualifying.

Belgium's roster features a great mix of young stars and veterans, as well as talent everywhere on the pitch. Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Daniel van Buyten provide loads of high-level experience after years of Champions League play for each.

On the attack, players like Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard have all proven themselves in the English Premier League and are each capable of scoring at any time.

From top to bottom, this squad matches up with any in the world. If Belgium can play to their potential, they have a chance of winning this entire tournament.

Portugal

Due to some struggles in the group stage, Portugal are still yet to qualify for the World Cup. In fact, they still have a difficult route to Brazil with a playoff against Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sweden.

If they are successful in this two-legged battle, they should be able to get back on track for a strong performance in the summer.

Portugal have run into some unfortunate scheduling at the past couple of major championships. They were knocked out by Spain with a 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup, which was followed by a loss to the same team in the semifinals of Euro 2012.

That second loss to Spain ended 0-0 in regulation before going to penalty kicks. Cristiano Ronaldo never got a chance to shoot and Portugal was sent home.

Still, Ronaldo gives this squad a chance to win against any team in the world. With Nani and Pepe also contributing on the attack, the group can come together with a run to the semifinals or better.

United States

It is easy to overlook the United States considering their lack of success at the international level in the past. Not counting the 1930 inaugural World Cup, they have only one quarterfinal appearance and have not gone further than that.

However, the current squad looks prepared to go as far as any American team has gone before.

The team has won an incredible 15 of its last 16 matches to move up to No. 13 in the FIFA World Rankings. While most of these have come against weaker CONCACAF opponents, the performances have been dominant.

Jozy Altidore is becoming a force up front in international play, while midfielders Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley do a great job of creating opportunities around the net for teammates. 

Most importantly, the United States now have confidence after such a strong run through qualifying. They are not afraid of anyone in the world, and that could be enough to go at least to the quarterfinals and possibly further.

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