Who Will Win 2014 World Cup? Cristiano Ronaldo Makes Predictions, Says Brazil, Germany And Spain Are Favorites

Cristiano Ronaldo is putting together an impressive 2013-2014 campaign on multiple levels, leaving no doubt that he is easily one of the best players in professional soccer. Pacing Real Madrid to the third place spot in the current Spanish Premier League table, the 29-year-old Portuguese native remains a dynamic offensive player capable of taking over any game he plays in. Registering 17 goals in 14 matches for the Bernabeu club has certainly been outstanding, but CR7's dominance was never more evident than when he completely took control of Portugal's recent World Cup Qualifying Playoff against Sweden.

With the Portuguese National squad owning a slim 1-0 advantage following the First Leg of the playoff, Cristiano Ronaldo knew it would take a big effort to seal the deal against a very talented Sweden club. The lone goal in the opener belonged to Ronaldo but his performance in the closing leg will be remembered for years to come. Notching his first goal of the game five minutes into the second half, CR7 provided Portugal with a 2-0 aggregate lead. Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic would fire back with two goals at the 68 and 72-minute marks but it would not be enough to hold of Ronaldo. Answering back with two goals to close out the contest, Cristiano Ronaldo's hat trick and four-goal playoff performance proved enough to send Portugal to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Despite his team reaching the World Cup with loads of confidence, Ronaldo still recognizes that the Portuguese won't be viewed as title contenders. A total of 32 teams enter the World Cup field but only one will bring home the title of tournament champion. Despite the inclusion of some of the world's best, Ronaldo feels that three teams should be placed in a group of their own since they've been among the most dominant teams around the globe and serve as international powers no one will want to face.

"The candidates to win the World Cup are Brazil, Spain and Germany," Ronaldo said. "Maybe this is not a good moment for us to face them, but we have not thought about that yet. We are going to see what the draw brings us. We have confidence, we are in good form and we achieved our objective of reaching Brazil. I hope we do not get one of the strongest teams at the start."

Asked if he thought the 2014 World Cup in Brazil could prove to be a shining moment for the superstar, Ronaldo said he hasn't given much thought to his third finals appearance other than the fact that he'd like to guide Portugal as far as possible.

"It could be, although that depends on many things, how the season goes, and that everyone feels good," he said. "There are many factors. I am feeling good at the moment, so what is important is to keep like this until the end of the league and then play a very good World Cup. That is what I want most."

RELATED: Pepsi Apologizes After Cristiano Ronaldo Voo Doo Doll Images Are Posted Online