Young Players to set the 2014 World Cup alight from Group A

Brazil

Bernard
Age	21
Club	Shakhtar Donetsk
Position	Winger
Int. Caps	10
Int. Goals	1

 

While the duo of Neymar and Oscar are the young and established members of the Brazilian national team, 21-year old Bernard is arguably the next sensation who will stake a claim in the Seleção first team.

Although Bernard is not a certain starter in the ridiculously talented Brazilian side, the winger will surely feature for the Seleção in some capacity at the World Cup, with manager Luiz Felipe Scolari usually deploying the young man as an impact player in latter stages of matches.

A diminutive player who is very exciting on the ball and can deliver the final product as well, Bernard can certainly make a huge contribution in Brazil’s hopes of claiming the World title on their home soil.

Cameroon

Joël Matip
Age	22
Club	Schalke
Position	Defender
Int. Caps	19
Int. Goals	0

 

Despite his young age, Joël Matip has already gained a reputation as one of the finest defenders plying their trade in Europe after having amassed over 150 appearances for his club side Schalke and has now also established himself as an integral part of the Cameroonian national team.

A quick and intelligent player, Matip is a very capable defender and will probably partner Nicolas N’Koulou at the heart the defence for Cameroon at the World Cup. With such a strong combination at the centre back, teams will surely find it difficult to break down the Cameroonian side in Brazil.

Croatia

Mateo Kovačić
Age	20
Club	Inter
Position	Midfielder
Int. Caps	9
Int. Goals	0

 

Another young player who has already established himself as a regular for one of Europe’s top clubs – Inter Milan, Mateo Kovačić is surely a star in the making.

The 20-year old enjoyed a fine campaign at club level and will be looking to play a starring role for Croatia at the World Cup as well.

Although not a certain starter, manager Niko Kovac has used the young man in midfield ahead of experienced campaigner Ognjen Vukojević in recent times and there is every possibility that Kovačić will also start against Brazil in the opening game of the World Cup in a few days’ time.

A midfielder with a strong temperament and a bags of energy, Kovačić will certainly do a good job for Croatia if given an opportunity to shine.

Mexico

Alan Pulido
Age	23
Club	Olympiacos
Position	Striker
Int. Caps	6
Int. Goals	4

 

With the likes of Javier Hernandez, Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Perlata in the Mexican side, it seems unlikely that young Alan Pulido will be handed a start in Brazil.

However, there is no doubting that the 23-year old will be used as an important player from the bench by manager Miguel Herrera.

Pulido is a predator in front of goal and a testament to this fact was his glorious hattrick against South Korea on his debut recently. While he may not be afforded too many minutes on the pitch, the young man can prove to be game changer if things are not going according to plan for Mexico.