The World Cup is the grandest of stages. Established players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and others are looking to supplant their legacy at this major international tournament as they have already done at club level. There is also a select crop of the next generation who could well launch themselves to the next level with strong performances this summer. We take a look at five rising stars looking to put their stamp on Brazil.

Eden Hazard - MF - Belgium

Arguably considered one of the best young players all the world thanks to his exploits for club side Chelsea, Eden Hazard will look to follow up his in-form English campaign by bringing his skills to new heights for Belgium. Leading a talented midfield core for his country this summer, Hazard can score as well as create with the best of them. As much a duel-threat as anyone in the world right now, Hazard will likely feature on the wing for manager Marc Wilmots, and this will afford him plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net or create chances for teammate Romelu Lukakuin the final third of the attack.

Paul Pogba - MF - France

This dynamic star has surfaced as one of the most targeted players in the world, with all major clubs having shown interest in looking to draw him away from Turin, Italy. Pogba has been one of the main reasons Juventus is in line to win the Scudetto yet again, and his play will surely be the talk of Brazil if France are to make the run their talent suggests they are capable of. Pogba's skills are not limited to finishing and finding the back of the net as his creative playmaking, especially from long-range, are world-class. Pogba, with his strong frame, possesses the ability to strike both from distance or get physical in the box.

Thibaut Courtois - GK - Belgium

Despite waiting for his chance to play for Chelsea, Courtois has stapled his name at the top of the board of best goalkeepers in the world while on loan at Atletico Madrid. His stalwart efforts between the net are some of the biggest reasons behind Atletico's top defense and success this season. Having blossomed into a world-class keeper, this summer the best strikers in the world will look to find a way past the form of Courtois, who has kept 18 clean sheets out of 33 matches, conceding only 22 total goals. His success is as important as anyone for Belgium if they are to reach their fullest potential in Brazil.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain -Winger - England

Although his place in the squad has not yet been determined, it would be a foolish to leave off the English winger who possesses such pace and a finishing quality that has opened eyes in London as well as throughout the rest of England in the Premier League for club team Arsenal. The Ox is able to play the entire field, and this speed merchant has every quality in him to not only to make this squad but also to play a vital part of England's starting XI. His strong ball possession and ability to drive past any defense along the flanks will make him a threat to English opposition this summer.

James Rodriguez -MF - Colombia

Remember this name when summer hits in Brazil. This current European season has seen Rodriguez help lift Monaco to a possible place in the Champions League in the French top flight. At only 22, he has scored double-digits in goals and assists in his debut season for Monaco. Rodriguez's game is about setting up teammates as well as finishing for himself. He is one of the most crucial pieces to his country's hopes and dreams, and given the unknown of Falcao's injury, he is likely Colombia's best hope. If Colombia can advance and make a run this summer, consider James Rodriguez as a dark horse for Golden Boot at the World Cup.

Strike Point Sports has established themselves as one of the top soccer handicappers with their success on the big tournament stage. From the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, SPS earned $100 clients over $8,200 in profit from these four major events. This summer's World Cup is going to be another moneymaking opportunity, and they are looking forward to their soccer selections and another winning tournament.

Visit Doc's Sports for coverage of the 2014 World Cup and more articles leading up to this summer's major soccer tournament.