As the 32 teams make their way to the continent of Africa for its first World Cup, I take a peek into my crystal ball to see who will end up champions.
It seems with every World Cup the form of five time winners Brazil is the yardstick which every other team needs to be measured against. Seasoned observers say beat Brazil and the trophy is yours and their form over the last two years is certainly impressive. Coach Dunga and his men qualified comfortably from their South American group sealing first place, they also won last summer’s Confederations Cup in South Africa defeating a resurgent U.S.A in the final.
Much will depend on the shoulders of midfield creator Kaka, who has not enjoyed a good debut season with Real Madrid following his £68 million move, but has been consistent for his country.
Dunga has shunned the likes of former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho for a more disciplined squad which critics say lacks the flair and panache of previous Brazil teams. They also have been placed in a tough group with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast.
Much fancied Spain, who previously struggled with the tag of favourites going into major tournaments, have also been in superb form ever since they became champions of Europe in 2008. Their qualifying campaign was even more impressive winning every single one of their 10 games. Their squad is perhaps the strongest of all the teams with a midfield to die for. With the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso at manager Vicente del Bosque’s disposal their many not even be a place in the starting line up for Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas. David Villa and Fernando Torres will lead the line in a fearsome attack.
Defending champions Italy have struggled of late and although one can never discount any Italian team, it would be a big shock if they successfully defended the trophy. It looks a tournament too far for their aged squad.
A resurgent England, managed by Fabio Capello, should fare better and they also enjoyed an almost 100 per cent qualifying campaign. England fans will be praying Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney stays fit and can fire his team to glory and end their barren wait for a World Cup win since they beat arch rivals Germany in 1966.
And what of the greatest player in the world Lionel Messi and Argentina? Led by the mad, bad Diego Maradona –they are perhaps the hardest team to predict. If Messi can reproduce his scintillating Barcelona form then they have a great chance, as on paper Maradona certainly has the strikers to score the goals with Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito all included. But the concern is that Maradona does not have the tactical skill to knit all these great players into a winning team.
Germany can never be discounted, as along with Brazil, the 3 time winners are the most consistent at World Cups, but the massive loss of skipper Michael Black due to injury could be terminal and without their talisman it seems highly unlikely they will be able to lift the trophy.
With the tournament being staged in Africa, teams from the continent will also be closely watched but it seems only Ivory Coast with Chelsea’s Didier Drogba spearheading their attack has the strength in depth to worry any of the major teams.
If I had to pick a winner, which is always difficult in any World Cup, I would go for Spain because of their strength in depth as Brazil’s over reliance on Kaka could be their downfall.