Ten players to watch out for at Football World Cup 2014

With just eight days to go for the Football World Cup 2014, IBNLive Sports takes a look at the ten players to watch out for at the mega event in Brazil.

Eden Hazard (Belgium): Belgium are considered a "dark-horse" of the 2014 World Cup. The Belgium winger is coming in the tournament after a sensational season for Chelsea in the EPL and will be one of the key men for his country in Brazil. He is generally deployed in a wide role keeping in mind his pace, trickery and good deliveries for the strikers.

Neymar (Brazil): Brazil's newest hero will be expected to shoulder the expectations of millions this summer. Neymar operates in a free role for Brazil and keeping his pace and dribbling in mind he can be handful for the opposition. He will be seen as a match winner for Brazil.

Lionel Messi (Argentina): It's been a struggle to get Lionel Messi to perform for Argentina despite his dominance at club level but this time around things can change. Playing in the turf of arch rivals Brazil, Argentine fans will be hoping that star attacker can be at his best in a month-long tournament. He will be given a free role as a striker by his national coach and that will allow him to dominate the opposition defenders.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 2013 Ballon d'Or winner will be hoping to take the World Cup by storm. He has the ability to help his team win matches single-handedly and keeping in mind his form for Real Madrid - Portugal captain can give nightmares to the opposition defenders. A rasping long shot, pace, astonishing athletic presence and aerial ability make him a complete player in modern-day game.

Marco Reus (Germany): After the recent revolution of young world class German players coming through, Marco Reus is yet another to come through the German production line. A regular in the Borussia Dortmund team, Reus has become one of the German national side's biggest stars. Through his shear pace and eyes for goal, this winger can create havoc in the penalty box.

Luis Suarez (Uruguay): The golden boot winner in the English Premier League Suarez arguably single-handedly helped Liverpool finish second in the Premier League this season. Teamed with Edinson Cavani up front, Uruguay's all-time leading scorer will be crucial if La Celeste hope to improve on their fourth-place finish in 2010. Surely, expect some fireworks and drama from him on the pitch.

Wayne Rooney (England): Rooney led his qualifying group with seven goals and will be the main man for England once again. With England in Group of Death - fans will rely on his all-round ability to help England through. In the past, Rooney has gone into the World Cup with injuries, but this time he has declared himself 100 per cent fit and will be looking to leave his mark on the most elite competition of the beautiful game.

Robin van Persie (Netherlands): The Netherlands were one goal away from winning their first World Cup in 2010, but couldn't get one past the Spanish defence. Van Persie scored just one goal four years ago but has scored 121 for club and country since then and will be counted on. If he stays healthy, the Dutch captain has everything in him to lead them to glory.

Diego Costa (Spain): The hated Brazilian striker who will be playing for Spain in the World Cup. Costa has become the most sought-after center forward in the world on both club and international levels this season. He scored 36 goals in all competitions for Atletico Madrid, leading them to the Champions League final and La Liga title. He will be the main man for Spain and the fans will be hoping that he recovers from injury in time and help them to second consecutive World Cup.

Franck Ribery (France): France sneaked into the tournament by the skin of its teeth, coming back from two goals down in the second leg of their playoff against the Ukraine to advance. Flawless play from Ballon d'Or candidate Frank Ribery will be France's lifeline in order to avoid a consecutive disappointing showing at the World Cup.