Soccer
My friend, all you need to know going to the cup is Brazil.There nobody else to watch.Dont waste your time on other teams.
But,quick recap of the World Cup history.First cup was in 1930 in Uruguay and they won.Brazil holds the record for most cups with 5.58,62,70,94,and 2002 are the years they've won.Italy and Germany are next with 3 cups for each.Brazil has had many class players.Pele,Garrincha,Zito,Santos,Socrates,Zico,Romario,Bebeto.Pele holds record for most goals with 1225.
There are other class players from different countries.Cruyff,Maradona,Bekenbour,Stoichkov,Baggio,Uesebio,Rosi,Van Basten,Platin,Yashin and more.
Italy have been known historically for their defense.
Germany for their rough way of play(tackling and breaking legs).
Brazil for unique technic.
Just random thoughts.I'm sure someone else will inform you more.