Are you one of the lucky ones who’ll be traveling to Brazil this summer for the FIFA World Cup 2014? If so, are you prepared for the ambush of different cultures that’s about to descend upon you?
If not, lucky for you we’ve prepared this handy guide to the World Cup that’ll help you ease into any situation, whoever you’re with. Pierre from France asks you for a drink but you’re scared you won’t know what to say? FEAR NOT! Follow our handy guide to how to talk about countries when you haven’t been and you’ll be just fine.
Algeria
Photo by Patrick Hamilton
Chances of winning the World Cup: Ehhh… Pretty slim, to say the least. William Hill have them at 1000/1.
Star Player: Islam Slimani scored 5 goals in the qualifying rounds and has impressed this season with Sporting Lisbon.
Capital City: Algiers
Top Destination: Tassili n’Ajjer is a beautiful mountain range in the Sahara Desert notable for its incredible prehistoric art
Do say: Anything football, Algerians love football.
Don’t say: Oooh, Algeria, I love Albert Camus.
Argentina
Iguazu Falls.
Chances of winning the World Cup: They’re close to home and altogether pretty great, so William Hill has them at 9/2.
Star Player: It has to be Messi, but Aguero will undoubtedly have a say.
Capital City: Buenos Aires
Top Destination: Hip Buenos Aires is buzzing 24 hours a day and is one of South America’s most exciting cities.
Do say: Che! There’s nothing better than an asado and a glass of Malbec in the evening, right?
Don’t say: But Argentinian pizza is a bit… awful, isn’t it?
Australia
Photo by Pedro Szekely.
Chances of winning the World Cup: 750/1 is what they’re saying. Those love-able Soccer-roos probably won’t have the best luck according to William Hill.
Star Player: Midfield powerhouse and Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak will be hoping to send Australia to World Cup glory.(….!?)
Capital City: Canberra
Top Destination: Famed for the impeccable Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday group of islands, located just off the northwest coast of Queensland, offer incredible spots for diving and all-round water activities in general.
Do say: ‘Ow ya garn?
Don’t say: Do you like Fosters?
Belgium
Photo by Bert Kaufmann.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Belgium are the dark horses of the tournament and are fancied at 14/1.
Star Player: Lots of stars currently emerging from Belgium but Eden Hazard has to top the rest.
Capital City: Brussels
Top Destination: Bruges is awash with fairytale charm. Meander around its cobblestone streets, peruse its charming markets and soak up a city that will perpetually boast the atmosphere of a small village.
Do say: Toots Tielemans is such a legend. A real shame he retired recently, eh?
Don’t say: So… you guys speak French?
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar, Bosnia
Chances of winning the World Cup: It doesn’t look too good. 150/1 are the odds they have, and it’d take something pretty special for Bosnia to produce something unexpected.
Star Player: Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko is the undoubted star and with 10 goals from 10 qualifying games this man is on fire.
Capital City: Sarajevo
Top Destination: Mostar is a charming little town with a rich history. It’s a great area to visit to understand Bosnia’s history, and makes for a great, relaxing weekend break.
Do say: Bosnia is the friendliest country in the Balkans.
Don’t say: So, are you guys actually from Yugoslavia?
Brazil
Photo by Otávio Nogueira.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Brazil stroll into most World Cups fancied among the favorites, and with this World Cup being in their backyard, who wouldn’t put them as favorites? William Hill certainly do: 3/1.
Star Player: Neymar is certainly the most exciting but Thiago Silva is their rock in defence
Capital City: Brazilia
Top Destination: Few places capture the imagination like Rio de Janeiro, with its mixture of breathtaking scenery, incredible nightlife and awesome beaches.
Do say: It’s Brazil’s year!
Don’t say: Ah, eres de Brasil! Genial! De que parte eres?
Cameroon
Photo by jbdodane.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Not looking too good at 750/1.
Star Player: Eto’o has been the main star of Cameroonian football for quite some time now, and now he’s plying his trade at Chelsea his confidence is sky high.
Capital City: Yaoundé
Top Destination: Limbe boasts the spectacular geographical location of having the Atlantic coast one side and the atmospheric foothills of Mt.Cameroon to the other.
Do say: Eto’o is much better than Drogba.
Don’t say: That’s in East Africa, right?
Chile
Photo by Fernando Valenzuela.
Chances of winning the World Cup: About as slim as the country itself. 50/1.
Star Player: Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez is having a tremendous season.
Capital City: Santiago de Chile
Top Destination: Valparaiso buzzes with intellectual activity and the cafes are full of would-be philosophers. The city itself is a beautiful hodge-podge of colourful, colonial style buildings.
Do say: I’m not sure what I prefer, the wine or the empanadas from Chile… they’re both just so great!
Don’t say: But isn’t Pisco from Peru?
Colombia
La Guajira, Colombia
Chances of winning the World Cup: A surprise package with 22/1 odds.
Star Player: If he’s fit, it’ll undoubtedly be El Tigre, Radamel Falcao, who is something of a goal machine.
Capital City: Bogota
Top Destination: Tayrona National Park is a world of beautiful beaches, lush jungles and epic mountains. If you’re in Colombia, you can’t miss it.
Do say: Parcero, is it just me or are Hollywood’s depictions of Colombia ridiculously out of touch with reality?!
Don’t say: How exactly do you spell Columbia, anyway?
Costa Rica
Photo by Armando Maynez.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Ahem. 2500/1. Do not bet.
Star Player: Fulham’s Bryan Ruiz is very technically gifted and Costa rica’s best player but be sure to look out for Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell.
Capital City: San Jose
Top Destination: Volcan Arenal is an incredible spectacle that can’t be missed when visiting Costa Rica. An almost perfectly conical volcano, it comes to life at night with eruptions of lava.
Do say: Pura vida, ‘ombe!
Don’t say: The food is a bit overrated, isn’t it?
Cote d’Ivoire
Photo by jbdodane.
Chances of winning the World Cup: A long shot at 150/1.
Star Player: Didier Drogba, of course. Drogba has been one of the most consistently excellent strikers in recent memory.
Capital City: Yamoussoukro
Top Destination: Tai National Park is one of Cote d’Ivoire’s main highlights, and is UNESCO listed thanks to its huge array of flora and fauna.
Do say: Didier Drogba… He’s a bit of a hero on and off the pitch, isn’t he?!
Don’t say: Sorry, where? Oh, you mean Ivory Coast!
Croatia
Photo by Les Haines.
Chances of winning the World Cup: A rather distant hope at 200/1.
Star Player: Luka Modric has been Real madrid’s stand-out player this season and i’m sure his form will continue through to the World Cup.
Capital City: Zagreb
Top Destination: Dubrovnik sparkles with old European charm – one of the best destinations in the old continent.
Do say: Croatia has some of the best seafood I’ve ever tried!
Don’t say: Isn’t Serbian the same as Croatian?
Ecuador
Photo by epsos.de
Chances of winning the World Cup: Ecuador aren’t favorites, let’s put it that way. 150/1.
Star Player: Lightning fast Antonio Valencia (Man Utd) is a constant threat down the right-hand side.
Capital City: Quito
Top Destination: The Galapagos is one of our Earth’s most impressive places. It’s full of raw, untouched wildlife you just can’t see anywhere else.
Do say: Ah, Ecuador! Chevere! I love America.
Don’t say: So you’re like… Mexican?
England
Photo by Alison Christie.
Chances of winning the World Cup: An outside bet at 33/1, although you probably won’t find many Englishmen betting on them.
Star Player: Wayne Rooney is undoubtedly the star but will he finally stand out for the the Three Lions?
Capital City: London
Top Destination: London is one of the world’s most exciting, culturally enriching capitals and shouldn’t be missed.
Do say: Would you like a cup of tea, mate? (NB: Only if you can actually follow up with said tea should you offer this.)
Don’t say: So, what do you think of Piers Morgan/the Queen/Simon Cowell?
France
Photo by A Guy Taking Pictures.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Historically they do very well or collapse… We’ll see. 20/1.
Star Player: Bayern Munich star Frank Ribéry is in the form of his life and possesses real danger.
Capital City: Paris
Top Destination: You couldn’t say anything other than Paris, could you? A city that oozes with charm and embodies romance in every way.
Do say: I absolutely love French cinema. I think it’s possibly the best in the world.
Don’t say: I heard French people are really rude, but you seem ok.
Germany
Photo by Harold Hoyer.
Chances of winning the World Cup:
Star Player: In a team of stand-out players this is a tough choice. Thomas Muller is always a threat and Bastian Schweinsteiger is their consistent midfield machine.
Capital City: Berlin
Top Destination: Berlin not only provides for those interested in history and culture, it provides the perfect playground for your artistic and hedonistic side.
Do say: Let’s meet in 37 minutes (and actually meet in 37 minutes).
Don’t say: Anything war related. Come on, it’s boring now.
Ghana
Photo by Stig Nygaard.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Not great, basically. 200/1.
Star Player: Juventus left-sided player Kwandwo Asamoah has been awarded Ghanaian footballer of the year two years running and is the current star player.
Capital City: Accra
Top Destination: The Atlantic Coast of Ghana is full of beautiful, secluded beaches and old European ruins.
Do say: Azonto is such a great Ghanaian dance.
Don’t say: What’s the national language?
Greece
Photo by Pedro Szekely.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Greece aren’t among the favorites. 250/1.
Star Player: Old-timer Giorgos Karagounis is the rock of the national team but Fulham youngster Konstantinos Mitroglou is a hot prospect.
Capital City: Athens
Top Destination: The island of Santorini is simply stunning.
Do say: Greek. Food. Is. Amazing.
Don’t say: You know, that famous Greek guy, Theodore Pholopodopolopodopolopolis…
Honduras
Honduras
Chances of winning the World Cup: Let’s just say they’re not particularly fancied… 2500/1.
Star Player: Celtic star Emilio Izaguirre will be excited for the World Cup challenge.
Capital City: Tegucigalpa
Top Destination: Parque Nacional Montaña de Celaque is an area rich in natural beauty, with Honduras’s highest peak looming large over the horizon.
Do say: You have the best beaches in the world!
Don’t say: So, how about President Zelaya?!
Iran
Photo by Jeanne Menj.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Very few (sane) people will be rushing to the bookies. 750/1.
Star Player: Iranian captain Javad Nekounam plays the hero but look out for young rising star, Reza Ghoochannejhad.
Capital City: Tehran
Top Destination: Esfahan is Iran’s most popular tourist destination, and it’s little wonder why. The traditional Islamic buildings are visually stunning, and the grandeur of the city is undeniable.
Do say: Do you have any Persian recipes for me to learn?
Don’t say: Anything about politics. We’re here to have fun, people.
Italy
Photo by Xavi.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Not a bad bet by any means… 25/1.
Star Player: Still one of their older midfield maestros, whether it’s precise Pirlo or determined Daniele De Rossi. If Francesco Totti makes a comeback then he still has the ability to destroy teams.
Capital City: Rome
Top Destination: Pompeii (Naples). Once a thriving commercial center, now a ghost city, Pompeii still beckons millions of tourists per year to scan its spectacular ruins.
Do say: I like the food from (enter country here), but I prefer the food from Italy.
Don’t say: I like Italian food, but I prefer the food from (enter country here).
Japan
Photo by Kevin Dooley.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Not looking too hot over in Japan. 200/1 (which seems generous).
Star Player: The creative midfield duo of Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda are equally talented.
Capital City: Tokyo
Top Destination: Tokyo is endlessly fascinating, and one of the world’s most culturally rich countries.
Do say: Sorry.
Don’t say: Yehsmmmnngghh I tomnnmgghhyyrrrl getfghyhghhh (swallow) your point. Sorry, I was eating. (Don’t talk with your mouth full).
Korea Republic
Photo by Bridget Coila.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Another of the teams at 250/1.
Star Player: Bayer Leverkusen striker Son Heung-Min is one of Asia’s finest footballers and this could be his platform to shine.
Capital City: Seoul
Top Destination: Seoul offers the very best of South Korea with its incredible architecture, vibrant cultural scene and unforgettable nightlife.
Do say: I love Samsung. It might just be the best company on earth.
Don’t say: SORRY WHAT WAS THAT, I COULDN’T HEAR YOU?
Mexico
Photo by Steve Bridger.
Chances of winning the World Cup: They have a chance to make it into the finals… but not much more. 150/1.
Star Player: Javier Hernandez isn’t having the greatest run of luck at Manchester United but the ‘little pea’ is one of the most clinical strikers in the world.
Capital City: Mexico City
Top Destination: Mexico boasts an array of great places to visit, but to get the heart of the country the best place to visit is unquestionably the diverse, textured capital, Mexico City.
Do say: Do you know any good banda groups?
Don’t say: Mexico? I love South America!
Netherlands
Photo by Bert Kaufmann.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Surprisingly the Dutch aren’t fancied too highly. 28/1.
Star Player: Based on this season you would have to say Arjen Robben but if Van Persie is on form then nothing can stop that goal machine.
Capital City: The Hague
Top Destination: Amsterdam reigns tall in the Netherlands. It’s the cultural capital of the country, and easily the favorite among travelers.
Do say: So, tell me about your bike?
Don’t say: I love Holland!
Nigeria
Photo by shawnleishman.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Nigeria aren’t fancied highly by the bookies. 250/1.
Star Player: Chelsea’s Mikel is the rock in their squad but look out for Liverpool’s Victor Moses to shine.
Capital City: Abuja
Top Destination: Don’t miss the beautiful and fascinating Yankari National Park, which is full of natural wonders.
Do say: A lot about football. Try to slip in Jay-Jay Okocha somewhere into the chat.
Don’t say: Anything about corruption.
Portugal
Photo by Francisco Antunes.
Chances of winning the World Cup: A pretty good outside bet, especially with Ronaldo on the form he’s in at the moment. 33/1.
Star Player: Who other than the almighty Cristiano Ronaldo. Performing miracles for Real Madrid this season, last years Ballon d’Or winner will be ready to step up another gear for the World Cup.
Capital City: Lisbon
Top Destination: Romantic Porto, set along the beautiful River Duoro, is the ultimate Portuguese experience.
Do say: Anything Ronaldo, anything Fado related and anything about their exquisite seafood cuisine, particularly Cataplana.
Don’t say: Oh, so you’re basically Spanish?
Russia
Photo by Maarten Takens.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Russia have a good chance of progressing, but not so much of winning. 66/1.
Star Player: Russia’s goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has proved to be one of the worlds greatest goal-stopper.
Capital City: Moscow
Top Destination: Russia’s cultural capital of St. Petersburg is Russia’s quintessential visit. The scintillating network of canals and baroque and neoclassical architecture give the city a beautiful European flavor.
Do say: Sochi was a great success, I really enjoyed it!
Don’t say: Just steer clear of politics. You’re in Brazil at a World Cup, it should be fun!
Spain
Photo by Bert Kaufmann.
Chances of winning the World Cup: A sultry 7/1.
Star Player: Andres Iniesta and Xavi typify the Spanish flow and ingenuity and are the reason behind Spain battling for a 3rd successive trophy (first ever), however it could be young gun Thiago Alcantara or newcomer Diego Costa that could propel Spain into the history books.
Capital City: Madrid
Top Destination: Vibrant Barcelona receives millions of tourists all-year-round and for good reason. From the quirky Gaudi architecture to the beach-front tapas bars, Barcelona is a laid-back, eccentric bundle of fun.
Do say: Ah you’re from Spain, which region of Spain, exactly?
Don’t say: That Catalans are from Spain, they’re from Catalonia and proud.
Switzerland
Photo by Tamas.
Chances of winning the World Cup: A nice round number, but pretty distant. 100/1.
Star Player: Gökhan Inler is a star for Italian outfit, Napoli but eyes will be on Bayern Munich’s young star, Xherdan Shaqiri who will be looking to shine on the big stage.
Capital City: Bern
Top Destination: The breath-taking scenery of Zermatt and the unrivaled ski-slopes with which it is famous for are the Swiss Alps at their finest.
Do say: Anything in any language and they’ll probably understand you.
Don’t say: But… but… the EU?!
Uruguay
Photo by Vince Alongi.
Chances of winning the World Cup: Uruguay could be the surprise package of the year. 28/1.
Star Player: Luis Suarez is having one of those seasons where nothing can go wrong, or can it? The controversial Liverpool striker will be out to prove that his footballing ability prevails over his irreverent habits.
Capital City: Montevideo
Top Destination: Anywhere along the coast really, but the charming beach towns of Cabo Polonio and Punta del Diablo stand-out from the rest. Hitch-hike there and then camp, fish and eat and drink until your hearts content.
Do say: Fancy some mate?
Don’t say: That mate is from Argentina.
USA
Photo by OliBac.
Chances of winning the World Cup: It’s not looking good for those tenacious soccer lovers State-side. 150/1.
Star Player: Tim Howard is an incredible keeper and Michael Bradley is having a good season in the U.S.
Capital City: Washington D.C.
Top Destination: New York City. The Big Apple never sleeps and you will never want to sleep when you’re there
Do say: Oh, you must be super excited about how much soccer is growing back in the States?
Don’t say: I’m pretty sure you’re from the States, not Irish/Italian/Polish/German/Latin (and so on).
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