With the USA out of World Cup 2014, some of you may still be feeling the effects of the crushing defeat. Maybe you can’t fathom rooting for another nation. But, on the other hand, you’ve gotten really into fútbol and you’re searching for a new bandwagon to hop on for the rest of the World Cup.
Not to fear, ladies and gentleman. We here at The18 have created a profile for each team to tell you where your new loyalties should lie.
The Favorite: Brazil
Ah, the easy choice if you’ve gone through all the heartbreak your body can take. The host nation squeaked out of their Round of 16 match, beating Chile in penalties, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of winning the World Cup. Being on home soil, the atmosphere at their games has been electric and, with the likes of Neymar leading the way, it won’t be hard to jump on the yellow and green bandwagon. Also, if you’re scared or feel bad for an entire country going into depression and riots, then root for the Brasileros.
Neymar was emotional following Brazil's penalty shootout win, saying, "At the end of the game, I cried because we were so close to losing. They were tears of joy." (Photo: @niherd09 | Twitter)
The Other Favorite: Argentina
Maybe it isn’t your style to go with the favorite. In your NCAA bracket, you don’t take the number 1 overall seed to win the tournament, but you pick another number 1 seed or a 2 seed. Argentina is the team for you. The Albiceleste haven’t shown what they are truly capable of at this tournament yet, but with the magical Lionel Messi leading the way this is another easy bandwagon to hop on. The quiet, reserved, non flopping soccer genius has torn it up in this World Cup, and he has a spot in everyone’s heart. His pure brilliance has saved Argentina multiple times during this World Cup and his character is tough to hate. Another player with the entire weight on his back, Lionel Messi is a safe bet to get to the final. Wine and meat lovers can also find a home cheering for the Albieleste.
Messi Magic has taken over the World Cup. The Barca man has 4 goals and one crucial assist through 4 games. (Photo: @HTSportsNews | Twitter)
The Underdogs: Costa Rica
We all love a good underdog story. The closest country to the United States still alive in the World Cup is Costa Rica. Not to mention the fact that a country of only 4.8 million people is easily the smallest of the remaining nations. If you have ever been on vacation to Costa Rica, this is an easy choice. After all, isn't it in vogue to plan a vacation to Costa Rica and then tell all your friends how cheap and awesome it was? (We get it, hipsters. You can stop telling us about it.) The Ticos made a splash this World Cup, beating defending champions Spain, 4th place 2010 finishers Uruguay and tying England. They beat Greece in penalties to get to their first ever quarterfinals and were +400000 to win the tournament on June 11th. If you’re into standing up for the little guy and have some CONCACAF allegiance, root for The Ticos.
The Ticos are this World Cup's Cinderella story. (Photo:@FIFAworldcup | Twitter)
The Choreographers: Columbia
It has been a joy to watch the Colombian's planned celebrations following goals. Unlike in the NFL, in futbol you can actually do choreographed group celebrations and not get in trouble. As a result, the Colombians have been perhaps the most entertaining to watch during the tournament. Led by 22 year-old goal scorer James Rodriguez (pronounced Ha-mez, if he needed to be any cooler) the Colombians have yet to lose or tie a match this tournament. Complete with a sweet nickname, Los Cafeteros have a tough match against fellow South American country, Brazil, which will surely be a battle. But, if you are feeling happy and go-lucky, go with the Colombians - because we all know they know how to have a good time.
The Bad Guy Actors: Holland
If you’re into the whole bad guy look, then Holland is the team for you. Whether it’s kicking someone in the chest (Nigil De Jong 2010 Final) or flopping their way to the trophy, the Dutch will do whatever it takes to earn a victory. An entertaining style, with the likes of Arjen “the flop” Robben and Robin van Persie, the Dutch are seasoned in the art of acting. The two can cover all the major rolls. Hero, villain or damsel in distress. All you thespians out there, this is your squad. Also, for those who have identity issues, the flying Dutchmen can alternately be called "the Netherlands," "Holland," or "the Dutch." They don't care, as long as you don't call them "losers."
Arjen Robben was criticized for flopping in the waning minutes of their match with Mexico, which earned the Dutch a game winning penalty kick. (Photo: @USATODAY | Twitter)
Beer Drinkers: Germany
You’ll have to make a decision on your own here. But if you are an avid beer drinker, best go with Germany. Jurgen Klinsmann is probably rooting for his home country and friend Joachim Löw, so might as well follow his lead right? Germany did beat the U.S., which may not resonate with you, but the high pressure the Germans play with is fun to watch. Just be sure to make your World Cup party BYOB.
Too Cool For School: The French
Now, we know what you are thinking, but let us make France look more appealing. Our pals from Europe did help us defeat Germany in WW2 and maybe they could do the same to the team that beat us 1-0 in the Group Stage. Along with the likes of some sweet names (Blaise Matuidi, Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, etc., etc.) and some even sweeter haircuts, the French have looked like the most consistent team thus far. They haven’t had the best competition, but the French have a lot of speed and attack in any way possible. Along with some pretty cool kits, the French are for those who don’t care what people think and really like to create their own path. Hipsters, this is you.
Paul Pogba could have the haircut of the tournament. (Photo: Bkreamey |Twitter)
Expats: Belgium
Do you find yourself saying, "I'm glad the Americans lost. We win too much. We need to be more humble." Well, then Belgium is for you. You may also want to consider moving to Brussels and wearing lots of scarves. (We're pretty sure you already wear lots of scarves, so just move to Belgium.) Seriously, if you're going to root for the team that knocked the USA out of the tournament and you live in the USA, you must love waffles or hate things that are totally awesome. Like Tim Howard. You show us someone who can look at this and still root for Belgium, we'll show you someone who steals candy from babies.
