New Year 2014: Top 6 Sporting Events This Year

2014 is going to be a major year in sports around the world. From international sporting events like the World Cup and the Winter Olympics to annual international tournaments like the UEFA Champions League final as well as localized major championship finals like Super Bowl XLIII and the NBA Finals, sports fans will have a lot to look forward to in 2014. Here are the Top 6 Sporting Events of 2014.

1. World Cup Brazil 2014: Anticipation for this year's World Cup could not be higher. With soccer gods Brazil hosting and players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo competing, it is sure to be an incredible two weeks. From 12 June to 13 July 2014, the world's attention will be firmly fixated on the soccer stadiums of Rio de Janeiro. Predictions for a winner have been swirling: our money is on hosts Brazil to take the tournament.

2. The Sochi Winter Olympics are set to take place from the 6th to 23rd February 2014 in Sochi, Russia. Controversy has surrounded the games already with Russia's anit-gay laws prompting protests around the world and inciting President Obama to send openly gay tennis player Billie Jean King as the US representative. Security fears are also high following a number of terrorist attacks. However, despite these issues it is always thrilling to watch the greatest athletes from around the world compete for glory.

3. Super Bowl XLIII: With the NFL down to just 12 teams, anticipation for Super Bowl XLIII is heating up. Odds are favoring the Saints, the Broncos, the 49ers and surprisingly the Panthers. Whoever makes it through, it's going to be an exciting match in New York and New Jersey.

4. UEFA Champions League Final: The UEFA final is always a thrilling event, but with the World Cup just around the corner, the stakes couldn't be higher for players looking to Brazil. This year, the match will take place on May 24th in Lisbon, Portugal.

5. Balon D'Or Announcement: 2014 is all about soccer and the world's biggest soccer prize starts off the year. The Ballon D'Or or Golden Ball will be awarded January 14th in Zurich, Switzerland. With the World Cup looming, will Argentina or Portugal have a crowned soccer prince?

6. NBA Finals: Despite soccer fans turning towards Brazil, basketball will also be taking centre stage in June. The NBA finals kick off on June 5th. The Miami Heat is hotly predicted to take the title, however, the Spurs, the Pacers and the Bulls are all in contention.

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