World Cup 2014 Power Rankings: The best fanbases
By Mike Dyce
The 2014 World Cup is almost here and fans from around the world are descending on Brazil to cheer on their teams. So we’ve decided to rank the 10 best fan bases during the World Cup.
It is a subjective list and we’re sure you’ll disagree so let us know what you think in the comments below.
10. Japan
The Japanese aren’t favorites to win the World Cup and have a long shot at any kind of run in the tournament. Still, the fans are loyal and so many Japanese fans applied for tickets that many had to be put on waiting lists. Japanese fans are willing to go no matter the price.
Japan fans celebrating their 3-1 win over Denmark in the 2010 World Cup to advance to the Round of 16.
9. United States
Soccer’s popularity in the United States is on the verge of blowing up in part because of the American Outlaws, the USA’s biggest fan group with more than 18,000 die-hard members. Every major soccer tournament the Americans compete in, the number of fans supporting the team groups.
The fans that do support the team are loyal and enthusiastic. They were even the centerpiece of a World Cup ad from ESPN.
8. Mexico
Mexican fans are rowdy and obsessed. I’ve been to several Mexican national team games in just the United States and it is remarkable to see the turnout they have. Certain groups of fans literally sing throughout the entire game or try to keep a wave going throughout an entire game.
They’ll yell, they’ll boo, they’ll ole and they’ll make the game fun to watch.
7. Spain
Spain’s success has brought a lot of fans on board and they have a lot to cheer about. Their soccer stylings have granted them untold success and the fans love cheering for a winner. They don’t look like they’ll be getting worse anytime soon with a crop of new and young talent coming into the team.
Them celebrating winning the 2010 World Cup:
6. Italy
A dedicated fan base but a but like Miami Heat fans, they ignore the earlier games and show up when Italy starts getting deeper into tournaments. They’re also nuts, so nuts that they’ll heckle their own players.
Here are Italian soccer fans singing their anthem in a public square before the 2006 World Cup final.
http://youtu.be/w6heDoifNnk
5. Argentina
Argentina soccer fans are a lot like their rivals, the Brazilians. They’re fiercely loyal to their team that is filled with some of the best players in the world.
4. Germany
Germany has been a quality team for a while and their fans are loyal. Where ever Germany is playing, their fans will follow.
Here are the German fans celebrating a win over Ghana in the 2010 World Cup at the stadium… an hour after the game ended.
3. England
English fans have bought more than 22,000 tickets to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. They’ll have so many fans there that they’ll outnumber Italian fans by a margin of 12-to-1.
Now this is from a game between two English clubs, but I think it shows the nature of England fans. It is English fans singing and dancing in unison while throwing beer and food up in the air.
If you didn’t like the video above because it was about club teams, here are the international fans singing Oasis’ ‘Wonder Wall’ at the Euro 2012 tournament. English fans like to sing.
2. Netherlands
Fans of Dutch, aka the Oranje, travel well to support their team. No matter where they’re playing, you can expect to see their fans. This is a video showing the Dutch team’s send off to Brazil.
1. Brazil
When you have the sport’s best international team, you have loyal fans. They’re so historically good they’ve gained countless band wagon fans who just want to be part of the trend.
Hosting the World Cup doesn’t hurt either. The fans have high expectations and won’t settle for less than a trophy.