It’s arrived.
The 2014 World Cup kicks off in Brazil this weekend and although it has been shrouded in controversy off the pitch, there is no doubt we’re set to witness one of the greatest sporting shows on earth over the coming four weeks.
There are so many questions to be answered. Can Brazil cope with the pressure of their home crowd and go all the way? Can Lionel Messi lead Argentina to World Cup glory? Will a young and revitalized England side make a deep run? Or will we see a new winner crowned – someone like long-time bridesmaids the Netherlands or a dangerous looking Belgium?
The World Cup kicks off Friday morning our time with Brazil hosting Croatia while other highlights over the opening weekend include Spain against the Netherlands and England v Italy. The Asian contingent is also in action with Japan playing the Ivory Coast and Australia up against Chile.
This weekend also sees the second golf major of the year as players head to TPC Sawgrass for the US Open. This is the first major since the injured Tiger Woods lost his world number one ranking and the group of players now bunched together above him will all be keen to make a statement. Australia’s Adam Scott, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and Masters champion Bubba Watson are all jostling for that top spot and a high finish this week could be the difference between being hailed as the world’s finest or having to work their way back.
In badminton, the Superseries heads to Tokyo for the Japan Open this week and all eyes will be on the return of China’s Olympic champion Lin Dan following his seven-month break from the sport. Lin has impressed of late, winning the Asian Championship and the China Masters in April, but this will be his first Superseries event since his comeback with Malaysia’s world number one Lee Chong Wei looking to make a statement against his old rival.
And the countdown is on for the second State of Origin game in Australia with NSW on the verge of ending Queensland’s eight-year dominance of the interstate series. The Blues haven’t won an Origin series since 2005 but after coming awfully close last year, they lead this year’s 1-0 and can wrap up a memorable victory with another win at home next week. With Queensland suffering an injury crisis, we’re tipping the Blues to get the job done!
Good luck and good punting.
