Germany and Spain the favourites as Japan and Costa Rica face an uphill battle to reach the last 16
Only 19-years-old and in the mould of Andres Iniesta, the Barcelona midfielder shone in the Euros and Enrique appears to trust him enough to make the difference.Aged 36, this could well be Manuel Neuer's last World Cup.
Photograph: Lars Baron/Getty ImagesJapan caught the eye in the last World Cup with a brave defeat to Belgium in the last 16, reaching that round this time will require a herculean effort with Spain and Germany in the group. With a choice of players from good European clubs, the Samurai Blue will give the big dogs something to think about.
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