World Cup 2014 Teams: Qualifying Squads with Chance to Make Noise in Brazil

Cristiano Ronaldo proved again why he's one of the world's best players. In a classic and epic head-to-head matchup with Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden, CR7 produced a hat trick to spur Portugal to a win and a World Cup berth at Friends Arena in Sweden.

Portugal needed every one of Ronaldo's goals as Ibrahimovic scored two of his own in the 3-2 thriller. Ronaldo's final goal came in the 79th minute of the match. It was his fourth goal in two matches against Sweden in the second round of the UEFA World Cup qualifications.

With Ronaldo firing on all cylinders, Portugal is going to be a tough out in the World Cup. 

Portugal wasn't the only country to punch their ticket to Brazil on Tuesday. Here's a look at two other squads that could make some noise at the World Cup in 2014.

France

Intestinal fortitude can't be overstated. France showed their collective guts in overcoming a two-goal deficit from the first leg to knock off the Ukraine and qualify for the World Cup. After losing 2-0 in the first match, France needed a big win on Tuesday. Thanks to Mamadou Sakho, they got it.

Sakho scored two of France's three goals as they shut out the Ukraine and edged them 3-2 in aggregate scoring. Though he's a defender, Sakho showed his all-around game on Tuesday. He also played a major role in holding the Ukrainians scoreless on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old is one of the biggest and brightest hopes for the French to improve upon their abysmal showing at the 2010 World Cup. In three matches in Group A, France didn't win one game and scored just one goal.

Things are looking up for the French in 2014 with Sakho coming of age and establishing himself as a clutch performer. Add to that the great defensive performance turned in by the French, and there is cause for excitement amongst their fans.

Croatia

Veterans Darijo Sma and Mario Mandzukic supplied the offense as Croatia defeated Iceland 2-0 to qualify for the World Cup. The team did not make the field in 2010, and they haven't really had a positive showing since 1998 when they finished third.

Don't expect the Croatians to advance that far this year, but don't be surprised to see them grab a win either.

Mandzukic has really come into his own over the last few years. The 27-year-old striker will be key to the Blazers' success. He's aggressive when in attacking range and doesn't usually waste opportunities. In 12 games, he's fired 26 shots and scored eight goals for Bayern Munich in 2013.

It'll be interesting to see who advances from a group that includes Portugal, France, Croatia and Greece.

World Cup references per ESPN FC.