WORLD CUP KIT SPECIAL: All the strips your country will be wearing at Brazil 2014



Whether your country breezed through qualifying unbeaten of squeaked in through a late play-off, every World Cup brings new hope of success... along with a new ball and of course, new kits.

Brazil 2014 will be no different, and with 32 countries eager to look like world beaters in South America in the coming summer, many will elect to bring out a new strip in a bid to claim glory on the grandest stage of all.

With many countries releasing their strips in the run up to the tournament, Sportsmail gives its assessment on each team's kits as they are unveiled and which you will see during the World Cup finals.

ALGERIA



HOME KIT

So who remembers Algeria from the last World Cup? Don't be surprised if you don't because there wasn't really much to write home about.

In fact, their biggest contribution to the tournament in South Africa was playing half a role in one of the World Cup's most boring ever games in their 0-0 draw with England (although if we are being honest that's probably more of the Three Lions' fault.)

Maybe their new home strip for the World Cup is a nod to that game which saw them pick up their only point in South Africa, as their all-white home strip with light green trim is ever so slightly on the bland side.

Verdict 6/10

It looks all-white: Algeria's home kit for the World Cup in Brazil will be completely white with green trim



Debut showing: Ferhat Zinnedine (left) wore Algeria's new home strip in the country's 2-0 friendly win over Slovenia on March 5

AWAY KIT

Those of you hoping that Algeria's away kit would spark a bit more creative flow from Puma, prepare to be disappointed.

It's more of the same in the change colours, only that this time the strip is green with white trim.

While the pea green shirt gives the kit just a little bit more depth, it's still not going to grab much attention during the tournament.

Verdict: 6/10



Greener on the other side: Algeria's away strip sees a reverse of the home colours

ARGENTINA



HOME KIT

There is only so much you can do with a striped design, so when in doubt keep it simple.

Luckily that is what exactly Argentina have done with their famous sky blue and white striped shirts, which for the World Cup will be complimented with black trim.

The only change for the summer is likely to be the shorts and socks. Although both black and white versions have been produced, it's the more unfamiliar latter which is set to be used in Brazil.

Depending on if Lionel Messi can improve his international performances - it could become an iconic strip if Argentina lift the World Cup for a third time when they make the short trip across the border.

Verdict: 7/10

Pull your socks up: Lionel Messi will hope he can star in Brazil and lead Argentina to a third World Cup

White over black: Tottenham's Erik Lamela (left) and Real Madrid's Angel di Maria model the Argentina kit with white shorts and socks

Pre-World Cup showing: Sergio Aguero helps take on Bosnia in a friendly wearing Argentina's new strip

AWAY KIT

When considering their away kit, Argentina obviously didn't want to deviate too far from their traditional pale blue and white stripes... but how to make it different?

The simple answer, it seems, was to use a darker shade of blue (similar to the colour used in their 2010 and 2012 away kits) and then turn the stripes from vertical to horizontal to produce something that Conservative Party five-a-side team might wear.

Not especially imaginative, but we'll leave that to the likes of Messi, Sergio Aguero and Co.



Verdict: 6/10

Blue is the colour: Argentina's away strip will not be the most imaginative on show at the World Cup

Fifty shades of blue: The Albiceleste knows what it likes, and sticks with it!

AUSTRALIA



HOME KIT

Are you Brazil in disguise? There is certainly a samba feel to Australia as they travel to South America this summer and it's not just because of the green and gold kit - which is about as standard as Australian sporting attire gets.

What gets us is the ditching of the yellow socks in favour of a white design - which means the Aussies will look remarkably similar to Brazil during this tournament.

Luckily Nike, haven't used the same template for Australia as they did on the Brazil strip, opting for a neat green collar. The flair stops there though and while it's not a fashion disaster, it's not going to make for a memorable kit... well it will for the Australians if they dump England out with it.

Verdict: 6/10



Why the white socks? Australia have maintained a green and gold kit but have switched to white socks

No thrills: The Australia kit sticks to a basic design with a green collar

AWAY KIT

Sticking with the less than memorable template from the home kit, Australia's away strip for the World Cup may raise a few eyebrows down under.

This time though, it's not because of the design but rather the choice of colour. The navy blue (or obsidian) as Nike will have you know, is not a new addition to the away strip.

But it does seem to be a little close to an 'all-black' New Zealand strip - and that's territory a few Aussies want little to do with in a sporting context.

Verdict 6/10



Back in not quite black: Celtic star Tom Rogic (left) Mark Milligan helped unveil Australia's away strip

Flashes of gold: The all-obsidian coloured Australia away strip contains gold trim

Staying simple; The Australia away strip works to the same template as the home kit

BELGIUM



HOME KIT

And you thought that club sides having three kits over the course of one season was ridiculous. Belgium will mark their first World Cup in 12 years by flying to Brazil with THREE different strips.

Burrda may not be one of the more recognisable kit manufactures but they have done a competent enough job with with the home strip, with the badge sitting opposite three stripes representing Belgium's tri-colour, with both sitting above a watermark of the crown from the national crest.

probably the most bizarre aspect of the strip is the advert used to launch it. Tottenham stars Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Nacer Chadli team up with Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen in a rather cheesy promotion for the strip and the route to Brazil. Get ready to cringe.

Verdict: 8/10



Crowning glory: Belgium's World Cup kit features a watermark of the crown taken from the crest

Best of enemies? Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen (left) and Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen model the new Belgium kit

AWAY KIT AND THIRD KIT



Containing a similar theme to the home strip, Belgium's change strips sees them have a kit for each colour of the national flag.

The third kit is identical to the home strip with the only change seeing yellow replace red on the kit, but the black away number has a slight modification.

The watermark feature is ditched, with red and yellow stripes going diagonal down the face of the kit to help show off the national flag. Why Belgium need three kits for a few weeks of football is anyone's guess but at least they all fetch up reasonably well. Now Burrda need to sort out their promotional videos...



Away kit verdict: 7/10

Third kit verdict: 8/10

Black out: Belgium's away kit will be black as they prepare to return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years Just in case: Burrda have also launched a third Belgium kit which will be yellow

Ready for Brazil: All three Burrda strips have been unveiled ahead of the World Cup in Brazil

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

HOME KIT

Better late than never I suppose, but with just under a fortnight before the start of the tournament, Bosnia finally released their home and away strips for the World Cup.

But was it worth the wait? Around the same time most teams were releasing their kits, the country at their first World Cup were only just finalising a deal with adidas for their match wear in Brazil.

Unsurprisingly, the home kit isn't too adventurous but neither is it a disaster with an blue strip well complimented by white trim. No complaints here.

Verdict: 7/10

Late show: Bosnia were the last team to release their kits for the World Cup

Standing proud: Bosnia's World Cup team pose in the new home strip before a friendly with Mexico

AWAY KIT

And if you thought there was little time for adidas to add bells and whistles to the home kit, you can only imagine the quick effort put into Bosnia's away strip.

Credit to the German kit supplier for not simply reversing the colours of the home kit (although only just.)

But the thick blue stripe on each sleeve looks a little clumsy on what is otherwise a safe and conservative strip.

Verdict 6/10

Dash of blue: Bosnia's away strip is largely a reverse colour scheme of the home kit

BRAZIL



HOME KIT

No thrills as usual - it's yellow with green trim. They are colours that only Brazil can pull off (with a doff of the cap to Norwich as well) and that's where the flamboyance ends with the hosts in regards to their home strip.

All the glamour is likely to be on the pitch for Brazil, with Neymar, Paulinho and David Luiz helping reveal the kit made by long time suppliers Nike.

It may even be the final occasion we see the famous yellow and green combination. The last time Brazil hosted the World Cup they lost the final and ended up ditching their all-white strip for their current scheme. A precedent has been set...

Verdict: 7/10

Looking sharp: Neymar takes centre stage with David Luiz (centre right) and Thiago Silva (centre left)

Dapper: The Nike kit comes in the classic yellow with green trim and five stars



Time to shine? Luiz Felipe Scolari believes his Brazil team can win a sixth trophy on home soil Flick: Neymar puts the ball past South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (left) for the first of his three goals in Brazil's friendly win over South Africa Change of kit: Neymar celebrates his first-half goal before Brazil changed to their away kit for the second half AWAY STRI P Like the home kit, there are no surprises here with Brazil sticking to their traditional away colours of blue. It's a patterned blue though, with gradient hoops going down the kit which gives the kit much welcomed substance. It has a v-neck collar but that's just about it from Nike in terms of design. However on this occasion the hoops add enough to warrant no further detail. The strip made it' debut during the second half of Brazil's 5-0 friendly win over South Africa on March 5, where Neymar scored a hat-trick. The blue shorts worn were to prevent a clash with South Africa's kit, otherwise the strip will feature white shorts.

Verdict 8/10 Close quarters: South Africa defender Matlaba (right) vies for the ball with Brazil midfielder Willian, wearing the new Brazil away kit

Stripey: Brazil's traditional blue away kit will feature gradient hoops

Brazil blues: The away strip will feature white shorts and blue socks to go with the blue shirt

CAMEROON

HO ME KIT

It wouldn't be Cameroon if they didn't have some sort of wacky kit to be unveiled ahead of a major tournament. Remember the infamous once-piece kit that FIFA quickly put a stop to around 10 years ago?

Well a decade on and the African nation are still not disappointing, having released a new home shirt with watermark print covering the whole of the shirt.

It features the repeated pharse 'Les Lions Indomptables' (Imdomitable Lions) based on the their nickname while also featuring said animal.

With any other country it would look tacky, but Cameroon get a free pass given their history with water-marked kits.

The shirt made its debut in a March 5 friendly in the 5-1 defeat by Portugal.



Verdict 7/10



Pride: Cameroon's home kit is watermarked with the nation's nickname

Show us your tackle: Ronaldo tries to nick the ball from Aurelien Chedjou wearing the new Cameroon home shirt

AWAY KIT

The watermark kit is a winning feature with the Cameroon home strip, but importing the same design on to the away version doesn't quite hit the same heights.

Keeping the same template and watermark pattern should be a case of 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it' but the isn't as profound on the yellow away kit and as a result loses its appeal.

It's not a terrible strip by any means, but suffers from being a poor copy of the home version.

Verdict: 6/10



Poor copy: The watermark effect on the Cameroon home strip doesn't work as well as on the away kit (above)

CHILE

HO ME KIT

If Chile approach this World Cup like they did the previous tournament in South Africa, then be prepared for some bold attacking displays from the South American side.

It will certainly make up for the lack of flair on the strips they will take to Brazil, with Puma opting for a conservative design.

The traditional red strip remains with white and blue trim also featuring, as well as the national flag which features on the reverse of the neck.

Verdict: 7/10

Standing proud: Chile's Marcos Gonzalez models the country's home World Cup strip



Badge of honour: The national flag of Chile features on the home shirts and shorts



AWAY KIT

No major changes in terms of template from Puma in regards to Chile's away kit - but there is slightly better features on the design.

The collar has been cut from the strip, with a red v-neck line appearing instead on a white strip which is a traditional change colour for the country.

It made its debut against Germany on March 5, but it proved to be a losing one as Chile went down 1-0 to Germany thanks to a Mesut Ozil strike.

On the chase: Chile's Alexis Sanchez chases the ball in the new Chile away kit during their 1-0 loss by Germany in Stuttgart

Basics: Chile's away kit is white, keeping a tradition for the country's change strip colour Proud: As with the home kit, the national flag features on the strip

COLOMBIA

HO ME KIT

It's been a l ong time since we saw Colombia appear at the World Cup - in fact we haven't seen them since David Beckham's free-kick helped dump them out at France '98.

But after a 16 year absence, the South Americans are back and with star forward Radamel Falcao, have a World Cup kit that appears to have 'go faster stripes' - scientifically proven to make cars go faster (not actually proven.)

Sadly for Cololmbia, the stripes are not added to make the players run faster, but are instead a reference to the nation's dynamics and speed (apparently) in what is otherwise a very good effort from maker's adidas.

The back of the neck features a hashtag reading #UnidosPorUnPais which translates as united for a nation.

Verdict: 7/10

Hand on heart: James Rodriguez models the Colombia home shirt along with Abel Aguilar



Full design: The Colombia strip will have white shorts and socks with navy blue and yellow trim

Stripes: Colombia's home shirt features stripes on the front but a plain back with a 'united for a nation' hashtag

AWAY KIT

It's been a while since we saw Colombia at a World Cup finals, but it's been even longer since we saw the South American nation wear red as a kit colour.

But for the first time since the early 1990s, it's back - albeit as an away number rather than the home strip that it previously featured as for nearly 20 years previously.

The design template is slightly outdated and one used by many Premier League clubs this term, but the nostalgia value will be high among fans who can remember the likes of Carlos Valderrama wearing the red strip with pride.

Verdict: 7/10



Away debut: West Ham's Pablo Armero wore the new Colombia away strip in a 1-1 draw against Tunisia on March 5

Nod to the past: Colombia have reverted back to a red strip for the first time since the early 1990s

Message: The strip also features the 'united for a nation' hashtag

In the locker: White shorts with red and blue socks will match with the red away shirt for Colombia

COSTA RICA



HOME KIT

We may not see many Lotto kits, and being one of the minnows we may not see much of Costa Rica neither at the World Cup.

But the duo have paired up for the trip to Brazil and produced a rather interesting set of strips.

It's certainly raised a smile from Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz who helped unveil the strip, although the Costa Rica starman could still just be showing relief that he plays his trade on loan at PSV these days rather than Craven Cottage.

Back on to the kit, the splash of blue on the front of the shirt works for us, with the gold trim marking the occasion of just reaching the World Cup. The shorts will be blue and the socks red.



Verdict: 7/10

Good start: Costa Rica defeated Paraguay 2-1 on March 5 wearing their new home strip

That's your Lotto: Costa Rica's home strip has a blue streak on the front of the shirt Red streak: Costa Rica's away kit borrows the home kit template

AWAY KIT

Lotto's template for the home kit is used for Costa Rica's away strip, with only slight changes to the colour patterns.

The strip will be all-white rather than having different coloured shorts like the home kit, but looks smart enough.

Put into a group with Italy, Uruguay and England though, it's unlikely to see a game at the World Cup finals.

Verdict 7/10



CROATIA



HOME KIT

With a chequered shirt offering many combinations to produce an original strip, it can set a very sneaky trap for kit designers to get caught trying to be too clever with a design.

Those chaps at Nike though have instead gone down the opposite road with the latest Croatia home kit and gone back to basics - and what a job they have done with it.

Modelled on the strip won against USA in their first match as an independent state in 1990, the chequered front is complimented by red sleeves, with blue numbers and logos help breaking up the strip and showing the nation's tri-colour. Simple but ever so effective.

Verdict: 9/10



All smiles: Mario Mandzukic models Croatia's home strip ahead of the World Cup

AWAY KIT

Since giving Germany the blues at the 1998 World Cup, the colour has remained an ever-present as a Croatia away strip and like this year's home kit it's as good as ever.

Sticking to a plain dark blue jersey, the usual red and white chequered pattern features on the shoulder around a round red collar.

Mario Mandzukic models the away strip and in doing so comes across a slight problem in that apart from once inch around the knees the Bayern Munich striker looks like he is dressed as a smurf. Although we are trying to just find flaws in an otherwise excellent design.

Verdict: 8/10

Tradition: Croatia will maintain their blue away kit witch features red and white chequered pattern

ECUADOR



HOME KIT

Often one of the South American teams that fly under the radar, Ecuador have a fair chance of progressing beyond the group stage on their home continent in a group containing France, Switzerland and Honduras.

The good news for Ecuador is if they do reach the last 16 for the second time in their history - they will look good doing it.

Marathon will be making the national side's strip and have found a fair balance between style and simplicity to produce a very tidy home kit.

Inside the collar features the lettering 'Mas Que El Sol Contemplamos Lucir' (is brighter than the shining sun we see) taken from the country's national anthem.

Verdict: 7/10

Cheer we go: Ecuador have high hopes of reaching the knockout stages at Brazil 2014

Bright hope: Ecuador's new home strip is produced by long time kit suppliers Marathon

AWAY KIT

Sticking to neat formula of the home kit, Ecuador's change strip for Brazil 2014 shares the same Marathon template, albeit the main colour is blue - a traditional feature on the kit.

The omens are good too having got off to a winning start, following a friendly against Australia at Millwall on March 5.

The South American side triumphed 4-3 having come from 3-0 to score a last-minute winner. Fans will already have a soft spot for the strip.

Verdict: 7/10



Comeback Kings: Wearing the new away strip, Ecuador came from 3-0 down to beat Australia 4-3 in a friendly

On the front foot: Antonio Valencia wears the new Ecuador away strip against Australia Feeling blue: Ecuador'a away strip at Brazil 2014 will be blue with yellow trim

ENGLAND



It's been just months since the release of the last England strip, but fans will be happy to know the latest release from Nike this time doesn't look like a carbon copy replica from a West German kit from 1974.

Nevertheless, it's not a completely original new design from the American kit supplier but at least the double dosage of inspiration comes from previous England strips.

The all-white kit is a nod to the design England wore at Mexico 1970, while the collar is remarkably similar to the kit worn in 1954 when the Three Lions travelled to Switzerland. A little bland? Maybe. But it is simple...and it doesn't look like Germany (but it does cost £90).

Home kit verdict: 7/10



Looking all-white: Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Jack Wilshere unveiled the new England strips before the World Cup

Looking pale: Only dashes of blue Nike swooshes break up the all-white kit

Little details: The kit features white pin stripe detail as an accent to the strip

New design: There will be a new font on the reverse of the kit to show names and numbers



AWAY KIT

Out with the new and win with the...erm... slightly newer. England's last away strip was only unveiled 10 months ago, but Nike's first away kit which was red has already been ditched ahead of the World Cup after just two showings.



So fans will be delighted to know that the new kit is... well... also red.

Like the home strip, it is lacking in any trim detail except for accented red pin stripes which are put together with white shorts and red socks.

The only major difference with the home strip is the round-neck collar otherwise it's another conservative design from Nike, if slightly dull. Will it prove to reflect the team in Brazil this summer?

Verdict: 7/10



Red alert: Jack Wilshere, Ross Barkley, Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain revealed the new England away strip

Staying simple: The red Nike shirt is matched with white shorts and red socks

Rounded: Unlike the home strip, the England away kit has a round neck

Faint design: The England away kit features red pin stripes as minor detail

FRANCE



HOME KIT

Do we detect a touch of arrogance from the French? Despite being 2-0 down after the first leg to Ukraine in a play-off tie, plans were already in place to release France's World Cup strip after the return leg in Paris.

Credit to France is due though as they backed up their optimism. While qualification celebrations were in full swing after coming back to defeat Ukraine, Nike unveiled the strip which Didier Deschamps' team will wear in the summer.

It's likely to go down well with traditionalists. A blue shirt is matched with white shorts and red socks to represent the nation's 'tri-colore'

The new France home shirt features a new 1958 crest which reflects players’ feedback of wanting to 'feel the history of our country'.

Verdict: 8/10

Unveiling: Franck Ribery, Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye and Raphael Varane (L-R) model the new France kit for the World Cup Finals

Back to basics: France's kit features an old style crest and colours taken from the 'tri-colore'



AWAY KIT

Not content with producing one classy strip for the French, Nike have pulled out all the stops to give the 1998 World Cup winners an away strip which is just as good - if not better- than the home design.

Taking some national inspiration by using the 'Mariniere', a classic hooped French design motif, the change kit is simplistic with it's double buttoned neck and round collar, and sticks to the retro feel of the home strip.

It's a fine double act from Nike and leaves France with arguably the best set of strips to feature at the tournament - although they would rather settle for a second World Cup trophy.

Verdict: 9/10

Classic: The Mariniere is a major feature on the France away strip

Retro: Like the home strip, the French away kit will feature a retro badge

Looking ready: Raphael Varane, Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba, Mamadou Sakho and Yohan Cabaye unveiled the kit

GERMANY



HOME KIT

Clearly smarting over England stealing their basic template for a national team strip, Germany have done what they do best and have just gone ahead and done something better anyway.

Using the likes of Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller to help model the new kit, adidas have taken a big departure from recent designs by placing a red chevron on the front of the kit which loosely has black and yellow trim to represent the colours of the national flag.

Joachim Low's team are one of the favourites heading into Brazil and whether they win their first World Cup since 1990 or bowl out of the group stage in huge embarrassment they will at least look good doing it

Verdict: 9/10



In control: Arsenal's Mesut Ozil (left) shows off the new Germany kit with Schalke's Julian Draxler

Incoming: Ozil and Draxler combined ball skills in promoting the Germany kit at the Allianz Arena

On the road to Rio: Thomas Muller (centre) Draxler (right) and a Germany fan helped reveal the new strip New design: Germany's strip is a breakaway from previous kits

AWAY KIT

No, Die Nationalmannschaft haven't decided to try their hands at rugby while away in Brazil... but they have chosen an away kit that looks like it would be appreciated by the egg chasers.

From the black and red hooped design to the collared neck, adidas has now gone for something completely different compared to their home kit.

According to Jurgen Rank, Chief Designer for football apparel at adidas, the shirt is ' a strong statement underlining the lifestyle of fashion-conscious young people in Germany, their openness and their unconventional attitude'.

... Or something that Tarquin and the chaps might wear on a night out in Richmond.

Verdict: 7/10

Egg chasing? Germany's away kit wouldn't look out of place on a rugby field... or Clapham wine bar

Hoop dreams: According to adidas, the kit is a statement that reflects the unconventional attitude of Germany's youth

The Treble: Germany's shirts will feature three stars for their number of World Cup wins

GHANA



HOME KIT

Ghana were one of the star teams from the previous World Cup in reaching the quarter-finals, but face an almighty task to repeat the trick in Brazil with a group containing Germany, Portugal and the USA.

And that is quite a shame because Puma have lined up a very smart home kit for the team known as the 'Black Stars'.

With a plain white strip, there is crazy patterns featuring as trim around the sleeves and around the shoulder and neck to help add style to the kit.

There's enough on the strip to be noticeable, but it's subtle enough to not take over and it's a balance designers Puma have pulled off very well.

Verdict: 8/10

Three is the magic number: Former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan models the new Ghana home strip



Black Stars: The home kit features the national team's nickname on the reverse



AWAY KIT

Ghana's away kit contains subtle hints from the home strip, but this time the design used as trim on the white shirt completely takes over the front of the red change jersey.

Relax though, it's not as bad as it sounds. The design is watermarked into a darker shade of red and it doesn't look too bad, although it does make the strip look like something from the 1994 World Cup.

That's not necessarily a bad thing but it certainly doesn't match the heights of the home strip.

Verdict 7/10

Double duty: Asamoah Gyan helped unveil the new red Ghana away strip



Red alert: The reverse of the strip features a blank canvas for players' lettering and numbeing



GREECE



HOME KIT

It's not especially flashy, it's not even that much in design but Nike have given Greece arguably the smartest kits of the World Cup.

There was usually a bit of substance to the Greece strips under previous designers adidas but a simple white shirt with neat blue trim and standard blue collar, the Euro 2004 winners have a classic football strip for the World Cup.

Eagle eyed Arsenal supporters may notice that the template matches their yellow away kit from the 2013/14 season - and it didn't seem to do the Gunners much harm.

Verdict 7/10



Don't get it muddy! Greece's Alexandros Tziolis wore Greece's new home strip in the 2-0 home defeat by South Korea on March 5

Looking smart: Greece's home and away strips feature a plain design with a standard collar

Stare down: Greece'sstars help model the new World Cup strips

AWAY KIT

And if the home strip design is good enough, why ruin the away number by making something completely different?

It's more of the same with Greece's away kit, only this time the blue and white colours reverse so that the former dominates the strip.

An all-white kit and an all-blue kit may not be the most daring of strips but with smart football collars to match they are good enough for us.

Verdict 7/10



HOLLAND



HOME KIT

One of the biggest teams in Brazil, and it looks like they will have one of the biggest badges, too.

Holland have paraded the 'Dutch Republic Lion' on their new home strip, which has a retro style to it.

The famous orange is of course still vibrant, and with a history of flair on the world stage, it's interesting to see the design itself has been kept simple.

Nike haven't gone too far wrong with any of the released kits, and this classy Dutch effort only maintains their impressive record.



Verdict: 7/10



Vibrant: The famous orange shines bright for the Netherlands, as does the Dutch Republic Lion on the badge

Keep it simple: Gregory van der Wiel models the new Holland kit which has white shorts and orange socks



On the volley: Kevin Strootman models the new Holland kit

AWAY KIT



It's been a while since we have seen Holland wear dark blue as a change strip, but it sure has been worth the wait.

Not since 1998 have the Dutch wore blue as an away kit at a World Cup, and it seemed to work well back then with Guus Hiddink's side going on to reach the semi-finals in France.

They went one step closer in South Africa last time by reaching the final, but they will shine either way in South America with the blue strip and orange trim nicely complimented by faint chevrons going down the front of the kit.

Verdict 9/10



Back to the 1990s: Holland will wear dark blue as a change coulour at a World Cup for the first time since 1998

HONDURAS

HOME KIT



The 2014 World Cup will be a case of third time lucky for Honduras who during their previous two tournaments in 1982 and 2010, failed to win a single game.

While a group containing France, Ecuador and Switzerland offers a respectable chance of gaining that victory, they won't be doing it in a strip that catches the imagination.

There's nothing wrong with the home kit for the World Cup, but Joma's offering of a white shirt with two shades of blue trim sides on conservative for a team unlikely to stick around for very long.

On the inner side of the shirt features a special lettering to support the player, which summarize the spirit of Honduras: 'Honduras, Fe, Respeto, Valentía, Honestidad, Actitud' (Honduras, Faith, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Attitude)



Verdict 6/10



Staying simple: Honduras' home kit is all-white and features the colours of the national flag

Winning start: Honduras Romell Quito (right) takes on Venezuela's Edgar Jiminez while wearing the new home kit during his side's 2-1 win friendly win on March 5

AWAY KIT

There isn't too much difference with the Honduras away strip, which like the home version sticks to a plain simple design.

The azure colour (to match the national flag) is a very smart one though and is complimented by lighter blue and white trim.

It is set to make an appearance at the World Cup, with Honduras set to take on Ecuador in the blue strip. Seeing as that match is second after a game against France, it could depend on them staying in the tournament...



The blues: Honduras' change strip is set to feature in a group match against Ecuador

IRAN

HOME KIT AND AWAY KIT

Don't expect to see Iran progressing far in the tournament, but even if the team fails to progress beyond the group stage, at least they will be wearing classy kits.

Made by German manufacture Uhlsport, the home and away strips were jointly unveiled at the Olympic Hotel in Tehran and display a unique touch with an image of an Iranian cheetah stitched into the front of the kit.

We haven't seen something like that since the 1990s but it looks great. It's a shame Uhlsport are only supplying Iran for the World Cup, as this unique touch is certainly welcome.

Verdict (both kits): 9/10



Round of applause: Members of the Iran team clap at the unveiling of their World Cup kits

On display: Meysam Joudaki (left) and Mohammad Reza Bazaj hold up the Iran home shirt

Away version: Meysam Joudaki (left) and Mohammad Reza Bazaj hold up the Iran away shirt

ITALY



HOME KIT

They broke the mould when they made this one. Puma's latest strip for the Italian team is certainly original, but have they pressed one too many buttons with it?

It's a very busy collar, with three buttons around the neck area, and a thin strip which goes down to the chest - the latter detail much like England's kit post World Cup 2010 and pre-Euro 2012.

It's complimented by Italy's tri-colour on the sleeves as well as two thin white stripes on the sides towards the front of the shirt.

It's going to take some getting used to - but this could grow on you depending on if Italy can stay in the tournament long enough (hopefully not at England's expense.)

Verdict: 7/10

Super Mario: Balotelli models Italy's new home strip ahead of the World Cup



AWAY KIT

A little more conventional from Puma, and Italy's white away strip certainly looks smart in a large departure away from the design of the home kit.

A blue v-neck with no outlandish collar looks more in touch with a football strip, and the pin stripes down the front of the kit help add some sharpness to a white strip.

With blue trim on the sleeves and the Italian tri-colour on the front of the side panels this will certainly be one of the better away strips at this year's World Cup.

Verdict: 7/10

Conventional: Italy have a simpler collar on the away strip which will be accompanied by blue shorts



IVORY COAST



HOME KIT

When it comes to football kits, you sometimes see strips which display as much colour in as many crazy designs as possible. Think Germany's USA '94 kit or something Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos wore in the mid-1990s.

Well, Ivory Coast's World Cup strips are the complete opposite of those.

But, damn they look good. In a kit that is completely orange, only the Puma logo and the kit number rebel from the primary colour with white markings. But it's not complete void of design, with the shoulder and under-arm areas showing two-tone pattern.

Our only complaint is that the arm-detail may look like you have been sweating just wearing it...



Verdict: 7/10

All smiles: Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure helped reveal Ivory Coast's home strip for the World Cup

The future's bright... Ivory Coast's home World Cup kit is completely orange

AWAY KIT

After designing the home strip, it probably didn't take the Puma stylists all afternoon to figure out which direction the away kit would take.

Or to put it simply, do the home strip again and paint it green - a traditional change kit colour for Ivory Coast.

Because of this, it still has the 'under-arm' problem as mentioned above, but it seems to have installed a comeback feature in the team.

It's debut in a friendly with Belgium on March 5 saw the Elephants come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with fellow their World Cup qualifiers.

Verdict: 7/10

Veteran: Didier Drogba (centre) scored Ivory Coast's first goal in a 2-2 draw with Belgium

Green light: Ivory Coast's World Cup away strip borrows the template from the home kit

JAPAN



HOME KIT

Apart from the hosts, Japan were the first side to qualify for Brazil 2014 back in June so they have had enough time to prepare a half-decent kit for their fifth successive World Cup.

Don't be fooled by the glum look of Shinji Kagawa, who helped unveil the strip, as this is a very decent effort from adidas who have kept the shirt neat and tidy but added unique touches too.

With a country also known as the 'land of the rising sun', it's a nice touch to have the badge having an effect that has a light-like glow emitting from it.

Verdict: 8/10



Cheer up, Shinji! Japan's kit was modelled by Shinji Kagawa, who looked less than pleased with the strip



AWAY KIT

Here's one team that will be impossible to miss if they wear their away kit at the World Cup.



Bucking the trend of looking at past glories for inspiration, adidas have gone to the other extreme by releasing an away kit for Japan with a colour they brand as 'electricity'.



It will be a bit over the top for some, especially as the shorts and socks get the same 'shocking' treatment - and is designed as a nod to the younger Japanese generation.



We don't think it actually looks bad at all - but you may need your sunglasses while watching Japan play in it.



Verdict: 8/10



Electrifying: Japan's away kit has been given the colour 'electricity' by adidas

Bright future: The shirts, shorts and socks contain the electric colour in Japan's away kit

MEXICO



HOME KIT

One of the last teams to qualify for the World Cup but also one of the first to wear their new strip ahead of the tournament.

Mexico were still trying to qualify for Brazil 2014 when they defeated Panama 2-1 in October. After stumbling through qualification, they may now have a strip which has at least provided a positive omen for the team.

It's just as well it is getting results too as the actual design is not one of adidas' best. The two tone green is a little clumsy while the white and red zig-zag lines would have been out-of-date at USA '94.

Verdict: 5/10

Star man: Manchester United's Javier Hernandez wears Mexico's new World Cup kit and the Central Americans will hope the Manchester United striker can spearhead their Brazil 2014 campaign

AWAY KIT

The zig-zags continue for Mexico, and while they look slightly better on the away strip, the move to make the national badge black only seems to dull the kit - quite an achievement given it's bursting in orange.

If it's a kit that is designed to grow on you the more you see it, Mexico need to improve on recent World Cup showings as they have gone out at the last 16 stage at every World Cup since 1994.

Verdict: 6/10



Orange crush: Mexico's away kit continues with a zig-zag pattern as well as the country name on the back



NIGERIA



HOME KIT

When it comes to Nigeria, it's a given that the strip will be green - but can you have too much of the colour?

Adidas have unveiled a home strip for the African country that will see them display two tones of green with side panels and arms showing a darker shade than the main body - which is split by pin stripes.

If that sounds like too much that's because it is - especially when the white adidas logos are also squeezed on. It's hardly a source of inspiration for a country who haven't won a World Cup game since 1998.

Verdict: 4/10



Green Day: Nigeria's home strip will display two tones of green



AWAY KIT

Now for something a bit more simple from adidas in Nigeria's away strip - although this time the kit looks much neater than the home version.

With a little less green colour combinations and dodgy pin stripes in sight, it's certainly an improvement.

However, there is still one spoiler and that's the tacky large stripe across the shoulder which seems entirely needless.

Verdict 6/10



Hands off: Emmanuel Emenike (left) wore Nigeria's new away strip in a 0-0 draw with Mexico at the start of March

Ditch the stripes: Unlike the home strip Nigeria's away kit is mostly white with heavy green trim

PORTUGAL



HOME KIT

Cristiano Ronaldo is sure to have a busy World Cup ahead of him, and it seems Nike haven't done him much favours to limit his workload.

As well as being given the (unofficial) task of dragging his Portugal side to World Cup glory single-handed, the World Player of the Year also has to manage this by wearing one of the tournament's slightly dodgier kits.

Don't adjust your TV sets folks, there really is two reds trying to mix like oil and water in the Portugal home strip but if anyone can make it look good come the end of the tournament, Ronaldo can.

In fact, the Real Madrid forward has already started, scoring twice in a 5-1 win over Cameroon as Portugal wore the new kit.



Verdict 6/10

In motion: Cristiano Ronaldo helped unveal the new Portugal home strip

Hitting 100: The World Cup comes in the same year as the Portuguese Football Federation marks its century



Winning start: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the new home strip as Portugal defeated Cameroon 5-1 on March 5

AWAY KIT

It's not like international sides to copy England when it comes to the global competition, but it appears the Portuguese have done just that in an attempt to win the World Cup.

Sadly though, it's not inspired tactics or training sessions Cristiano Ronaldo and friends are pinching, but a previous kit design, with Portugal's away kit for the tournament looking similar to a previous England number.

The plain white design, the long faux-button neck - it's strikingly similar to England's home strip from 2010-2012. The only major difference is that the Three Lions didn't have a strange small blue collar.

Verdict 6/10



Similar style: Portugal's away World Cup strip shares similarities with England's home kit from 2010-2012

All white on the night: Cristiano Ronaldo models the new Portugal away kit

RUSSIA



HOME KIT

One problem of keeping nearly kit every basic with strict guidelines is you begin to find some countries having kits looking very similar to that of their rivals at the tournament.

It's been hard to keep up with Russia over the years as they have gone from white to light red and now a shade of maroon as their home strip for the World Cup.

The only trouble is that with the gold trim, Russia are going to look very much like Spain during the tournament - although the home strip does feature Moscow’s Kosmonauts Museum on the front in a darker shade of maroon.

It may be the only time Fabio Capello's side look like world beaters judging by the Italian's last attempt at World Cup glory with a certain England side back in South Africa in 2010.

Verdict: 8/10

Similar to Spain? Russia's World Cup kit shares many traits with that of Spain

AWAY KIT



While Russia's home kit appears to have been taken from the claret school of thought that has also educated the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa, their away strip has returned to a more traditional white.

Every kit man's worst nightmare when it comes to washing, has been contrasted with a blue colour wave that gradually fades below the shoulders - leaving it slightly resembling an unsuccessful tie-dye experiment.

Some red piping complete the design , but it's a bit wishy-washy when compared to the bold statement made by the home incarnation.



Verdict: 6/10

All white on the night: Russia's away kit has returned to the colour of traditional their home strip

Wishy washy: The fading blue colour wave does look a little like a tie-dye experiment gone wrong

Get shorty: White may look pristine in the line-ups but the kit man won't be pleased when it comes to washing

SOUTH KOREA



HOME KIT

It was a case of who's who when South Korea launched their home strip for the World Cup, with the three players chosen to model the strip all part of the national team's Under 20 side.

It could have simply been a case that none of the existing members of the full side wanted to help launch of one of Nike's poorer efforts for this tournament - highlighted by a ridiculous collar which sticks up with the exception of a hole at the front of the neck.



A plain red shirt complimented by blue hoops hardly saves the strip, with the Asian side at least having a consolation that their team should fare better in the tournament rather than in the fashion stakes.



Verdict 5/10

Meaning business: Three members of South Korea Under 20s team model the country's home kit

Out of proportion: South Korea players model the strip on a small mock up of a football pitch

Under the lights: South Korea boss Hong Myeong-bo speaks during the kit unveiling

AWAY KIT

Sticking with the template from the home kit, South Korea had a little more faith to let a few of their first-team stars unveil their away strip.

Despite looking similar in design to the home number, the all-white away kit is a step up as stars including Sunderland's Ki Sung-yueng were on hand to unveil Nike's change kit.

Although it still features that really odd collar, the inclusion of the South Korea red and blue as trim works well to reflect the national flag.

Verdict: 6/10



We're No 1: Sunderland's on loan star from Swansea Ki Sung-yueng poses with team mates in the new South Korea away strip

Reflecting the flag: South Korea's white strip features red and blue trim



Unorthodox: The South Korea away strip contains the same odd collar as the home kit

SPAIN



HOME KIT

Will this kit be the one that sees Spain become double world champions, or just a team that turned up in Brazil looking more like Turkey?

Gone are the navy blue shorts and socks and in comes an all-red number for Spain as they break from a traditional design in an attempt to defend their world crown.

Rivals will be hoping that the team's skill and talent will have been disposed of along with the secondary navy colour but Spain are still going to look the part in Brazil - and that goes for kit design as well as having world class players.

The gold trim looks excellent on the all-red strip - as does the golden badge to mark them as world champions.

Verdict 9/10

All together now: The Spain team show off their new kit at Compac Theatre in Madrid

Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Pedro Rodriguez (left) and Sergio Ramos (front) and Jesus Navas (right)



Line-up: (top row, left-right) Santi Cazorla, Navas, Jose Reina, Victor Valdes, Iniesta and Pedro. (bottom row, left-right) Alberto Moreno, Ramos, Iker Casillas, David Villa and Alonso.

The shirt fits: Spain's new kit features a traditional red shirt, but has ditched the usual blue shorts and socks

AWAY KIT

Like Spain's new home kit, the reigning World Cup champion's away version has largely ignored any semblance of tradition - especially since one of the colours has been named 'electricity' by an enthusiastic adidas marketing executive somewhere.

And, it's predominantly black - which may have been the colour most wanted by every one of Reservoir Dogs' gangsters, but might not be so comfortable absorbing the Brazilian heat.

We can only assume that the colour of 'electricity is neon green and the two do compliment each other, although the fluorescent strip running across the chest of the shirt does conjure images of roadside workers or keen cyclists.



Verdict: 8/10



The dark side: Spain have opted for a predominantly black away kit, despite it not being the most sunshine friendly colour

Bright spark: The contrasting neon green colour has been called 'Electricity' by some mad men in marketing

Men at work? The fluorescent strip across the front of shirt does resemble a worker's safety gear

SWITZERLAND



HOME KIT

There isn't too much going on with Switzerland's home kit - at least not in design anyway.

Instead it's more of a competition to see how many badges you can cram on to the front of one shirt - with the Puma logo, the Swiss national flag and the national team crest all featuring above where the player's designated number on the front of the strip is.

The collar with a slight cut in the middle raises a few eyebrows too, but it got off to an encouraging start following a 2-2 draw with Croatia on March 5.

Verdict: 6/10

Among the goals: Switzerland forward Josip Drmic (third left) celebrates scoring during a 2-2 friendly against Croatia wearing the new home strip

Italian base: Juventus full back Stephan Lichsteiner helped unveil the Switzerland home kit

AWAY KIT



No prizes for guessing the thinking behind the Switzerland away kit - mainly see home strip and reverse the colours.



With the same template and even the same colours, it's a simply a role reversal (the Swiss roll gag doesn't work well here) with a traditional white playing the dominant colour in the strip and complimented by the red.



Unlike the home kit, there appears to be no faint outline of the Swiss cross on the national flag but otherwise it's very much the same kit - except the collar is still red (minor details, folks.)



Verdict: 6/10



Role reversal: Switzerland's away kit switches the red and white colours of the home strip

National colours: The white away shirt is matched with red shorts and white socks

UNITED STATES



HOME KIT

An early subtle sign of submission from the United States? Put into a nightmare group containing those ever reliable Germans and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, the North American outfit have already shown signs of waving the white flag by releasing an all-white strip.

All jokes aside it's a rather lazy attempt from Nike, with the strip, helped launched by Clint Dempsey, looking more like a standard polo shirt.

Don't write off the American's just yet, though. After all, they topped England's group at the last World Cup. Maybe bland can be better.

Verdict: 6/10



Looks all-white: United States will have an all-white kit at the World Cup Plain: Faint stripes going across the shirt feature on the back of the US strip

Leading Uncle Sam's charge: Clint Dempsey (8) helped launch the new United States strip

AWAY KIT

And here is the latest away strip which France will be wear... hang on, that's the United States!

Okay we get it, the red, white and blue are colours of the American flag too, but Nike's unveiling of the US away shirt prompted critics to slam the kit, saying it looked more like a French design.

You can see the argument. Without a star in sight (and just one white stripe) , it does seem to resemble the 'tri-colore' as opposed to something Uncle Sam would wear.

Maybe a similar idea which resulted in a quite horrendous 1994 World Cup shirt put Nike off a design containing stars, but they look to have scored an own goal with this particular kit which from the chest down is completely red.

Verdict: 4/10

Standing tall, but proud? Clint Dempsey models the new US away strip

No looking back: The back of the US kit sees the red streak continue to the back of the neck

Women can play too: Sydney Leroux, a star for the US women's national team, also shows off the kit

Cheer on: Former US defender Alexi Lalas poses with the new away kit and the Stars and Stripes

URUGUAY

HOME KIT



If you thought England's wait to lift the World Cup again was a long time, then spare a thought for Uruguay who have to go back to 1950 for the last time they tasted gold in the competition.

And past glories seem to reflect on the Uruguay home strip, which retains its baby blue colours and keeps its gold trim to remind them of past glories - including the 2011 Copa America.

Mind you the World Cup was in Brazil the last time Uruguay won the tournament, but the debut for the new strip left much to be desired as they stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Austria on March 5.

Verdict: 8/10

Stalemate start: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez (left) featured for Uruguay in the 1-1 draw with Austria

Gold: Uruguay's home strip features gold trim to reflect on past World Cup and Copa America success

AWAY KIT

Uruguay's away strip borrows the same template as the home version, but without the gold trim lacks the same sort of impact - despite still being a very admirable kit.

Admittedly it has a more conservative collar than the ripped effect of the home strip and the all-white kit still looks smart with its dashes of baby blue.

Puma have mainly stuck to 'simplicity' regarding the design of their World Cup kits, but Uruguay's respective strips show that going 'back to basics' can be a good thing.

Verdict: 7/10

Spanish substance: Atletico Madrid winger Cristian Rodriguez helped release the Uruguay away strip