It might help if I compare some of the main players to their cricketing equivalents. Any offence caused is entirely deliberate...
Brazil are like The West Indies from 1975-1996 - i.e. back when they were good. For Calypso Cricket read Samba Soccer; like the Windies the Brazilians play with a style and a rhythm all of their own. Beautiful to watch but they can seriously **** you over too. Everyone's second favourite team.
Germany are like Australia - Traditional rivals of the English with the rivalry more keenly felt on the English side. Have generally had the better of things v the poms/Englanders (for Australia from 1989-2005 read Germany from 1966-2000) but have suffered a few losses to Albion of late. Don't have the greatest team in their proud history currently but only a fool would write them off.
The Netherlands are like Pakistan - Produce as many or more lavishly talented players as anyone else, but seem to spend almost as much time fighting themselves as the opposition. Pioneered revolutionary techniques (total football and reverse swing) much copied but other countries, but seldom equalled. Their best team in their histories (for Pakistan in the 1980s see Holland in the 1970s) couldn't quite become the best in the world.
Portugal are like Sri Lanka - A talented side but the size of their home nation means they'll probably always face an uphill struggle to become #1. Both almost certainly have a player called Da Silva somewhere in their squad. Their star performers talented but divisive figures who spent many years playing their home games at Old Trafford.
Spain are like India - The sleeping giants possibly finally awakening. Given the talent at their disposal and the passion for the sport in the country it's amazing it's taken this long to mount a serious challenge to the top spot. If things go **** up now the various regions will all blame each other.
England are like England - Have a long history of underperforming but are slowly being lead back to respectability by wily foreigners after ruinous tenures by hapless native coaches. Have only ever once been briefly the top dogs since WW2 (1966 & 1953) and their star performers are tattooed chavs with daft accents who're under injury clouds currently. Guaranteed to lose gallantly against decent oppostion away from Enlish shores.
), but have to pick other teams too.
Sensational stuff Brumby.
