The Sleeping Giants of Football

The National Student

Then there are those that sometimes surprise us. Chile often do, Iceland recently did. We have a host of nations that also just try, and never seem to succeed (here is where England fit in).

However, there's also another list - a list of nations that are just waiting for their chance. Prepare for some new big-hitters in world football.

Without further ado, the sleeping giants:

Japan

Japan suddenly seem to have realised that it's good to take part in world sport. At the 2015 RWC they fantastically beat South Africa, showing how far their rugby has come. Football could soon follow. With the money and sports science the country has, there's a chance for something great. They already have players like Kagawa and Honda, and are a pleasure to watch. Their league is growing, with Gamba Osaka even featured on the FIFA 17 Demo. There's only space for improvement. (Not to mention, that their kit is insane.) 

South Africa

In 1995, South Africa won the RWC. It was a great moment for a broken nation. However it sadly overshadowed the fact that the following year, they won the Africa Cup of Nations - which was also an incredible, if under-recognised, feat.

South Africa has produced some decent players, such as Benni McCarthy and Stephen Pienaar. The two prominent clubs (Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates) are losing their stranglehold on the PSL. New clubs are forming, such as Cape Town City FC. Schools are getting involved in football. More money is going into the sport.

The natural skill that resides there is without a doubt great; some real diamonds in the rough. Furthermore, people are realising that rugby and cricket aren't the only sports the country can succeed in. I won't be as bold as Pele was, and predict an African nation to win the World Cup. Although I will say that I back South Africa to be in the top 25 in five years time. Consider that they're currently 62nd.

The USA

Probably the most obvious inclusion on this list. The powers that be have realised that sport outside of their US bubble is a thing, and that a Baseball World Series with one nation is not a World Series.

Their rugby sevens is rapidly getting better, and football will follow. The USA's immense and diverse population means talent is not in short supply. Obviously the country is one of the world's richest, and also has technology and science to back the sport.

So with some of the USA's vast resources directed towards football, (or 'soccer' as they see it) success won’t be out of reach. They’ve produced players from Landon Donovan to Tim Howard, yet no true greats (sadly Freddy Adu fell fairly short of claiming that accolade). If every now and then a potential NFL running back chose to follow football and not the other… the potential is absolutely immense. If acted on properly? An era of dominance similar to Spain 2008-2012 could perhaps be seen again. 

Hungary

The nation that once produced the Mighty Magyars - the team that lost one international game between 1950 and 1956. The one that implemented the tactic of “Total Football”, spearheaded by the magnificent Ferenc Puskás. Perhaps the only team more deserving of a WC victory than this was The Netherlands in 1974.

The recent Euros in France was the first time Hungary had qualified for a major tournament in 26 years. They played with raw passion, and showed what it meant to them. Yes, they went out early. It must be considered where they’ve come from though, and how the team was broken apart due to the political situation. Making its way back to the top, the nation rich with football history will soon call for its name to be considered as a football power.

I'm not saying these are certainties- after all, I'm only a football fanatic. It just seems so possible that these nations could rise up the footballing ladder. The constituent parts are there- all they need is their moment and perhaps a little luck. I suppose I'll look back on this in five years and feel like a genius or an idiot... Most likely the latter.