Tell a passive soccer fan about the World Cup

[Dhurr]

I have barely followed the game in the last four years. The last game I watched was the UEFA cup or Champions Cup Final a few days ago where the Spanish team won. As you can tell, I don't know much about what is going on in the game now. There are other people like me who are interested in the game now because of the World Cup. This is the thread where you avid soccer fans tell us non-avid followers about the game.

What are the must-see games in the first round?

Which teams are the favorites to win?

Which teams might cause upsets?

Who are the superstars? Who are the rising stars?

Who are some of the big name coaches?

Who is your favorite team? Who is your favorite player? Favorite coach?