15 Bold Predictions for World Football in 2015
Football is a wily and ever-changing mistress, among the most unpredictable sports in the world, but that doesn't stop us from casting our premonitions year upon year.
And 2015 will be no different, as clubs and nations big and small prepare for a calendar comprising a number of major international tournaments, along with those annual events one always awaits with grand expectations.
Getting the predictions right in every nook and cranny is a nigh impossible task, but ahead is a selection of some bold assertions as to how some of the high-profile events unfolding across the next 12 months will turn out.
It may only be January, but we're already opening ourselves up for humiliation as we attempt to foretell some of 2015's biggest spectacles to the tee.
1. Manuel Neuer's Stellar 2014 Earns Ballon d'Or Glory
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Lev Yashin remains the only goalkeeper ever to have won a Ballon d'Or award, but Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer stands a great chance of ending a 51-year drought for the unheralded stoppers this month.
Next week will see attention descend upon Zurich, where the 2014 World Cup winner will find out if he has managed to top title defender Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the hunt to be named 2014's finest.
Joachim Low's roaming No. 1 has quite simply revolutionised the role of a goalkeeper, displaying a number of dominant displays in Brazil last summer which aided Die Mannschaft in their run to the world crown.
On top of that, Der FCB's reliable guardian helped Bayern to another Bundesliga win in record time, tying up a domestic double with the DFB-Pokal, claiming L'Equipe's Player of the Year award and winning the World Cup's Golden Glove.
As sensational as Ronaldo has been in particular, it's impossible to ignore the sensational manner in which Neuer has gone about his job, and it's far easier for a goalkeeper to be noticed than an outfielder.
The world is more than likely to have taken notice, and Neuer will be rewarded with the greatest individual accolade known to the sport.
2. Ghana Overcome 33-Year Hoodoo to Win Africa Cup of Nations
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Over the last decade and more, Ghana have been regarded among the top contenders to triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations but have fallen short when it comes to the big stage.
The Black Stars last won their continental trophy in 1982, but a team led by the talents of Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, Jonathan Mensah, Mubarak Wakaso and others has the means to make it out of a daunting group and right past wrongs.
Avram Grant has taken control of a team packed with untapped potential, and his technical know-how promises to put the team in good working order if he can seamlessly adapt to the role.
South Africa, Algeria and Senegal make for a terrific test at the group stage, but if Grant's side can make it past that examination, they stand a great chance of bettering their fourth-place finishes in the past two tournaments.
3. South Korea Take First Asian Cup in More Than 50 Years
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The African Cup of Nations isn't the only international tournament taking place in January, however, as South Korea hope to prove their credentials in the Asian Cup this month.
Australia host the 2015 edition of the contest, and after taking the bronze medal in each of the last two tournaments, Uli Stielike is another new manager looking to evolve in this tournament.
The quality of players such as Son Heung-min, Ki Sung-yueng and Koo Ja-cheol will likely make the Asian representatives a major threat once again, but much depends on how the team fare in their Group A clash with the Socceroos.
South Korea have the ability to win that tie and in turn top their pool, paving the way for a run at the final, where the team will be motivated to avoid disappointment in recent years and go all the way.
4. Luis Enrique Doesn't Make It Past March in Barca Hot Seat
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The hype surrounding Luis Enrique's appointment at Barcelona was tangible last summer following his success with Celta Vigo, but the former Blaugrana midfielder has largely failed to impress.
It doesn't seem as though the Spaniard has the full confidence of his squad, while the 2015 transfer ban and recent controversies among the club's board has made for a dour mood at Camp Nou.
All in all, it's a bitter scene for Barcelona at present, having already lost a less-than-morale-boosting three La Liga fixtures, including a recent defeat to Real Sociedad, which could have sent Barca to Spain's summit had they won.
A front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez has all the calling cards of an attack which could be the finest in the world, but blame has to be aimed at Enrique for failing to get that trinity clicking perfectly.
With so much change currently unfolding among the hierarchy—sports director Andoni Zubizarreta was fired this week, and Carles Puyol resigned—it's unlikely Enrique will last the season.
In fact, the prediction is that Manchester City will overcome Barca in their Champions League round-of-16 collision, the straw that breaks the camel's back for Enrique.
5. Coupe De France Reprieve Sees Marseille Take Ligue 1 Crown
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On paper, Marseille's recent Coupe de France exit at the hands of fourth-tier Grenoble may seem a harrowing result to accept, but the departure could ultimately come to work in Marcelo Bielsa's favour.
Ligue 1 should rightly be considered the tactician's priority at present and Bielsa has so far done a magnificent job of taking his team to the summit of the standings.
Midway through the campaign, Marseille hold a most slender lead over the likes of Lyon and giants Paris Saint-Germain, the latter in particular possessing a depth that makes them such a real threat across the course of a whole season.
However, now being able to concentrate their efforts solely on Ligue 1 promises to put the Marseille squad at further risk and help Bielsa's men live up to their early-season expectations, which have now been built so high.
6. United States Capitalise on Canadian Soil to Win Women's World Cup
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It may not be classified as a home tournament, but the United States will certainly benefit from the 2015 Women's World Cup being played in Canadian territory.
One can bet the Stars and Stripes will have an almighty support behind them, which promises to only add to their revered squad talent on the pitch.
Jillian Ellis leads a group of quality players into the global tournament, and once again the USA will be among those top sides, with Sweden their main obstacle in Group D.
The United States have never finished lower than third at a World Cup but have now gone 16 years since claiming their last title and are once again coming upon a batch of stellar talent.
The likes of Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux and evergreen leader Abby Wambach will be among their most precious stars, but the depth in this squad runs deep and will be expected to contend all the way to the end.
7. Martin Odegaard Chooses Arsenal
7 of 15It seems like a game of roulette in regards to which club Martin Odegaard will join this winter, but Arsenal seems an understandable choice for the prodigy looking to combine elite football with first-team chances.
Norwegian paper VG (h/t Inside Spanish Football) reported this week that a move to Real Madrid is close, but after training with just about every major European power over the past month, it's not the first time one team has been said to be closing in.
Los Merengues may be far and away from the Gunners in terms of title prospects in recent years, but at just 16 years of age, Odegaard needs more regular football than what Real can offer.
Arsene Wenger is a known fan of youth promotion, and while the Norwegian starlet may not remain in north London for all his days, we predict Odegaard will notice the allure of the Emirates and call the Premier League his next home.
8. Didier Drogba Repeats History, Retires with Chelsea Champions League Glory
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It was largely accepted that Didier Drogba made the right decision in bowing out of Stamford Bridge following the Champions League triumph of 2012, but it may not be the only time he does so, oddly enough.
Chelsea have looked unstoppable at times this season, and despite some recent slip-ups pulling them within reach of their Premier League peers, Jose Mourinho still has an almighty crew of players at his command.
Drogba won't be a key figure in leading the Blues in Europe—that right is reserved for the more youthful likes of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard—but his cover from the bench is nonetheless appreciated by Mourinho.
In fact, the Portuguese has already spoken to Sky Sports this season regarding Drogba's post-career options in west London, saying:
"It's remarkable. I was expecting exactly this. The important thing is that he's here and he's going to finish his career with Chelsea.
It looks, for me, that he's going to stay doing other things when he finishes his career. It will be his decision when he decides when to stop as a player. It will be something personal.
"
Turning 37 in March, it seems only likely that this contract will be Drogba's last as a player, but a second Champions League success would be a fateful way in which to call it a day.
Chelsea take on PSG in the round of 16 over the coming months but possess a squad capable of beating any other in Europe on their day and a manager who's been there and back, with 2015 set to bring their second trophy in four years.
9. Portugal Starlets Seal Top Spot in European Under-21 Championship
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Thanks to a 7-4 playoff victory over the Netherlands during qualification, Portugal remain one of the most offensively promising sides heading into this year's European Under-21 Championship.
There, Rui Jorge's men find themselves up against England, Italy and Sweden in Group B, avoiding some of the major threats in a pool which they could very realistically top.
Germany stand to be favourites in the Czech Republic, with the likes of France and Spain having failed to make it into the finals.
However, Portugal were the only side to make it through qualifying with a 100-percent winning record, albeit playing just eight games, two games fewer than most other teams.
After failing to qualify for the past three tournaments, there's a new generation of bright young talent emerging for the team funded largely by the giants of the Primeira Liga, Porto and Sporting Lisbon.
Ruben Neves, Ricardo, Ivan Cavaleiro and Sergio Oliveira are among those leading their crusade, with youth glory set to be their reward come June.
10. Arsenal Miss Out on Champions League for First Time in 17 Years
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Despite a lack of trophies at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger has held on to his Champions League qualification record as a more positive achievement at Arsenal, making it into every tournament since 1998.
However, the Premier League's upper echelon is a bigger and fiercer battleground than ever, one which will see the Gunners fail to qualify in 2015.
In recent years, the likes of Tottenham and Everton have become top-four contenders in England's top flight, but now Southampton, West Ham and Swansea City are showing a knack for stripping points off the giants.
Nobody is afraid of anybody in the Premier League anymore, and unfortunately for Wenger, his side are probably the least daunting of any "superpower" in the division.
The north Londoners currently lie in sixth, are just a couple of points off the top four and, granted, can usually pick up form to seal their European berths, but we see this as being the campaign their struggle proves fruitless.
11. Louis van Gaal's Manchester United Defy the Odds to Seal Premier League
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It all started so uncertainly for Manchester United this season, but after finding his feet at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal has shown that silverware isn't out of the question just yet.
His Red Devils have a massive nine-point deficit to overturn if they're to hound down Chelsea and Manchester City, but with the Blues dropping points over the last month, anything is looking possible.
Add to that the fact United are unbeaten in 10 league matches and appear to have found some momentum with a four-man back line, and prospects look even more fruitful.
After spending £150 million last summer, winter reinforcements aren't unlikely, and if Van Gaal can overcome the injury curse that's so far plagued his tenure, the Red Devils seem only ready to prosper from some fitness fortune.
Van Gaal may be a new addition, but fighting spirit is an attribute which has long been evident at the Theatre of Dreams and looks to be returning.
As long as those below them continue to strip points off Chelsea and City, United are out of the Premier League hunt just yet and will only evolve further as the manager gets to grips with his team.
This is what bold predictions are all about: United's reversal of recent disappointments to beat the bookies and take home this season's Premier League.
12. Real Madrid and Atletico Exchange La Liga, Copa Del Rey Trophies
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Last season's Champions League finalists are once again going toe-to-toe in the hunt for La Liga control, with Real Madrid and reigning champions Atletico Madrid separated by just a point at the summit.
The pair clash this week in the Copa del Rey's round of 16, a trophy which Real are hoping to defend, but Diego Simeone's side are facing Carlo Ancelotti's counterparts at the opportune moment.
Real just saw their 22-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of Valencia and may be suffering from fatigue, while Los Rojiblancos are a banded outfit once again excelling in defence.
Simeone's side may not be able to stop the Real monolith over the course of an entire league campaign, but as they showed in Europe last term, summoning their best performances in cup competition can be a forte of theirs.
Spain's current title holders will exchange silverware this season with Barcelona not the same world-beaters under Enrique that they once were. We will likely see the major accolades remain in the nation's capital.
13. Chile Seal Maiden Copa America Crown on Home Soil
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Football hipsters worldwide were delighted to see Chile make it past the World Cup group stage last year at Spain's expense, where they showcased their potential to duke it out with the sport's elite.
Just a year after that contest, La Roja play host to this year's Copa America and can look to take the title from Uruguay's grasp after displaying great development under Jorge Sampaoli.
The tactical mastermind may not have been able to get past the likes of the Netherlands or hosts Brazil last year (just), but a tournament on home ground looks a tantalising opportunity for Chile to strut their stuff.
Mexico, Ecuador and Bolivia will each put up a fight in Group A, but the hosts will look upon that field of teams with high hopes and have no reason to be afraid of Argentina, Brazil and Co.
As long as their first-string stars are fit—Alexis Sanchez will be a pivotal inclusion—Chile can bank on title contention, with their defensive stature in particular promising to confound their foes.
14. Sao Paulo's Rogerio Ceni Hangs Up Boots with Copa Libertadores Victory
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Staying in South America, 2015 will more than likely see Rogerio Ceni, one of football's longer-serving bastions among the elite, take his leave of the sport.
The Sao Paulo icon turns 42 later this month and recently shelved retirement plans in order to compete in one last Copa Libertadores with the club, where he'll yet again be a critical component of their cause.
With 123 goals to his name, the goalscoring goalkeeper will be a sorely missed rarity in Brazilian football, but what a wonder it would be to see the veteran end his playing days with a victory of such significance.
Making their way into the 2015 tournament alongside fellow Brazilian sides Cruzeiro, Internacional, Atletico Mineiro and possibly playoff hopefuls Corinthians, Sao Paulo are currently outsiders to claim the spoils.
However, Muricy Ramalho has a host of superb talents on his hands. Along with Ceni, Paulo Henrique Ganso, and Luis Fabiano will be key, but if the likes of Alexandre Pato, Michel Bastos, Alvaro Pereira and Denilson can summon their best, there's a lot of danger in this side.
December will see Ceni's contract at the club come to an end, and if San Lorenzo can be bypassed in the group stage, Sao Paulo can expect to go far, giving the stopper his dream send-off.
15. Steven Gerrard Helps LA Galaxy to Fourth MLS Cup in Five Years
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After a quarter of a century, Steven Gerrard's Liverpool career is nearing its end, with Los Angeles looking likely to be the Merseyside legend's next destination.
BBC Sport's Ben Smith reported this week the midfielder is poised to pen an 18-month deal with LA Galaxy, a move which only further strengthens their ranks after winning the 2014 MLS Cup.
Former Reds team-mate Robbie Keane will be happy to see Gerrard arrive in Major League Soccer, fully aware of the class he can still bring to the American elite despite entering his twilight years at the age of 34.
Juninho and Marcelo Sarvas have been arguably the finest midfield partnership in MLS competition of late, but the addition of Gerrard gives the club's engine room an altogether more elite tinge.
The Galaxy fought back to reclaim their MLS title in 2014, spending just a year without it since claiming back-to-back trophies in 2011 and 2012.
With Gerrard among their ranks, Keane will again prosper from a grand supply of ammunition, and Gerrard's arrival promises to have a David Beckham-esque effect, earning the franchise instant 2015 glory from their fourth crown in five seasons.
