Spain win 2010 WORLD CUP.

[Park Life 70]

The WC is all about pace. Defoe > Giraffe.

[Happy Face 29]

Canny overview....

 

The FIFA World Cup kicks off in less than three weeks. The excitement is palpable, penalties are getting an unusually high priority in training and after a four year wait and despite the pundits telling us we aren’t getting our hopes up about England’s chances, we are really. Africa’s first time hosting should be an incredible event, with some of the best players ever to play the game in the form of their lives. Here I take a look at some of the competition’s hopefuls.

 

The Front-runners (the Big 5 in South Africa):

 

Of the teams that strike me as better equipped than England to lift the Jules Rimmet trophy on July 11th, the obvious candidates are Spain. With more pound for pound world class talent than I can care to name, a spotless qualification record and a ball retention ability that sometimes makes it seem pointless that the opposition should even bother turning up, it would certainly be unwise to discount the planet’s form team and European champions. Their average team sheet reads like a who’s who of the world’s finest footballers, and it is scary to consider that (on paper at least) they have an even better squad than they did when they won Euro 2008. Since then, Barcelona’s Gerard Pique has developed into one of the continents leading centre backs, while players like Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas have only seen their stock rise. They also have new young talents, such as: Jesus Navas, Juan Mata and Pedro, somewhat unknown quantities outside Iberian borders, eager to dazzle in South Africa if given the opportunity.

 

While they are the unanimous favourites, things can yet go awry for Spain, as is often the case in quick succession knockout football. One bad game and it will all be over for four long years, and the pressure will surely be upon them, should a potential 2nd round tie against Group of Death members Portugal, Brazil or an Africa-backed Ivory Coast arise. They will have to overcome the moniker of serial World Cup bottlers, if they are to exorcise the ghosts of tournaments past and improve on their best ever finish of 4th place. The other salient point to put in the pile marked cons for the Spanish is that they will have no Marcos Senna in this tournament. The Villareal veteran was one one of the players of the tournament at the Euro 2008 and a key component in Spain’s game. It will be interesting to see how they cope without him. It is also worth noting that Fernando Torres, Andres Iniesta and Fabregas (sublime trio that they are) all go into the competition off the back of injuries and may not be fully fit.

 

Five-time winners Brazil are ranked number one in the world, finished comfortable winners of the South America qualifying section and look as formidable as always, but perhaps more functional and less fluidly attacking than previously, under Dunga. The former World Cup winning captain has turned them into a solid (some might even say defensive) unit, less reliant on individual brilliance and star power. Having said that, as always, the Selecao have as many World Class individuals as anyone (except perhaps Spain and Argentina) to choose from. The likes of Maicon, Lucio, Julio Cesar and Dani Alves go into the cup following excellent club seasons while Luis Fabiano may be a good bet for the Golden boot, especially in a group containing unfancied North Korea and the notoriously error-prone African goalkeeping of Ivory Coast.

 

Despite their unmatched World Cup pedigree the current Brazil squad only has three remaining squad members from their last win in 2002 (Lucio, Kleberson and Gilberto Silva). Dunga is often criticised (especially back in Brazil) for his side’s lack of flair ,and it is fair to say that this squad of players is not as good as the group that conquered in Japan and Korea eight years ago under Scolari. Key players such as Felipe Melo and former Ballon D’Or winner Kaka have had uninspiring club seasons, while it remains to be seen whether Gilberto Silva is still good enough for this level of football. The exclusions of AC Milan duo Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato from the 23 man squad could either go down astute judgements or costly errors by the manager.

 

Argentina and the Netherlands are unpredictable, often brilliant but never usually very harmonic. However, I’m backing them both to do well in South Africa. The Dutch had an impressive qualification record, two of the world’s form players in Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben and appear uncharacteristically united ahead of this summer’s games. A fit again Robin Van Persie will also do their chances no harm, while Rafael Van der Vaart may be using the tournament as an audition for possible suitors, as speculation continues to mount over whether he will still be a Real Madrid player next season.

 

Despite only conceding two goals in qualifying question marks have to be raised over the Netherland’s defensive options. The back four is an obvious weak link and they will be lacking the leadership and experience of Edwin Van der Sar for the first time. Pressure is another big factor for the nation yet to win a World Cup in nine attempts.

 

Not since 1986 have Argentina had such a gifted squad (fronted by current world player of the year Lionel Messi) yet they are led by such an untried and erratic coach in Diego Maradona, whose squad selections and results continue to baffle and amuse. The legend and architect of the last Argentinean triumph as a player has the squad (and popularity back home) to do well, yet his qualification record, tactical nous and ‘eccentric’ personality suggest things are just as likely to implode this June.

 

The omissions of Champions League winners Esteban Cambiassso and Javier Zanetti from the selected 23 can be made to prove the point of poor managerial decisions or an unparalleled pool of national talent to choose from. Tactical decisions such as playing with four centre backs and the over reliance of the ageing Juan Sebastian Veron in centre midfield have also raised some serious question marks. Maradona’s reasoning for his choices is allegedly to build a functional experienced team around star Messi - just as the winning 1986 team was built to suit Diego. Fair enough, but that seems to miss the trick of fully utilising Argentina’s other fantastic attacking outlets – Sergio Augero, Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Milito, Carlos Tevez and Angel Di Maria. Notably, even with the focus on Messi in his manager’s former role, Maradona is still to get the best out of the Barcelona man in blue and white stripes.

 

As Maradona (along with Dunga) seeks to become one of only three people to win the World Cup as a player and a manager, Maradona will live and die by his decisions but rest assured he will not go quietly. A recent away win against Germany suggests form has improved since Martin Palermo’s solitary goal against Uruguay guaranteed the last automatic South American qualification spot.

 

England do go into the tournament looking promising. World class manager? Check. World class striker, fit and in form? Check. Good qualification record? Check. The core of the team is (almost) as good as any other, and squad discipline and organisation seems at a 20 year high. The seemingly unstoppable Wayne Rooney along with key figures Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and James Milner go into the tournament following terrific club seasons. While Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand might not have had the most memorable year domestically, they are both highly influential, world class players and former Champions League winners.

 

However, that said there are better squads out there and the much revered Fabio Capello still seems unsure over his best eleven or tactical system, as he has also been forced to deviate somewhat from his initial policy of only selecting those fit and in form. As with previous tournaments, the cracks in the foundations appear covered by St. George’s flags on occasions. The climate will definitely suit the English in South Africa but will the altitude – none more so than should they reach the dizzying heights of a semi-final, something not achieved by the Three Lions for 20 years, and it will be interesting to see how they deal with real pressure for the first time under the Italian regime. The prospect of actually winning the World Cup might just seem a step too far, especially considering England under Capello have already lost to Spain, France and Brazil (albeit in friendlies).

 

Potential to disappoint:

 

Italy, despite entering the tournament as World Champions, seem rank outsiders to retain their crown (as they did in 1938). They still have many talneted players but many of the protagonists of their success in Germany look a little past their sell by date and haven’t played particularly well domestically or internationally since 2006, yet are still relied on by Marcelo Lippi. The fact that they also have Brazil and Spain in their half of the draw means optimism is a little muted in some Italian quarters.

 

As for the best of rest, France and Portugal are not short on talent but don’t seem to equal the sum of their expensive parts. Both are guided by unpopular and unsuccessful coaches, while team spirit and form are lacking. A difficult run to the semis for Portugal means they are unlikely to equal their best ever finish of 4th place at a World Cup (yet Cristiano Ronaldo on song could still change all that). Traditional slow-starters France’s easier run and a last tournament for boss Raymond Domenech could see them do better than expected – especially if Thierry Henry has a ‘hand’ in things.

 

The over-used clichés surrounding the German national team might not ring true this time around. While you can’t write anyone off, the squad isn’t as good as when they hosted the games four years ago, or even when they reached the final in 2002. They will also be Michael Ballack free this time around, and despite Bayern Munich reaching this season’s Champions League final, they often fielded a predominantly foreign team.

 

The surprisingly young team, does contain some potential stars though – none currently shining brighter than Werder Bremen’s Mesut Ozil, who could see his summer price tag sky-rocket if he has a few decent games in a playmaker role.

 

Possible Over-achievers:

 

Potential dark horses include Serbia who appear a lot stronger and better organised than when they lost 6-0 to Argentina in 2006. Although, it is unfair to give them total blame for that defeat as they did have Montenegro with them back then. As feasible 2nd round opponents for England, it will be interesting to see how the Serbians shape up in the early stages of a difficult group.

 

Chile qualified in style for the games and play attacking, free-flowing football under manager Marcelo Bielsa. They could be another nation to watch for entertainment, though they will most likely come undone, especially playing three at the back, should they reach the knockout stages.

 

USA impressed at the Confederations Cup and have been steadily improving over the tournaments (of which they have qualified for the last six). The likes of Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey have Premier League experience and they will be difficult first opponents for England on June 12th .

 

Pele once famously backed an African country to win the World Cup before the year 2000. An obviously fruitless prediction and (although this could be their best chance in some time) it seems the continent will have to wait a while longer for a realistic chance of success. None of the sides seem to have enough creativity, especially in midfield, and are often susceptible defensively. On top of that, surprisingly low ticket sales within the continent (due to pricing and reliance on the internet) mean there will perhaps not be the genuine crowd factor many people were expecting.

 

The likes of South Africa and Algeria would do well to progress from any group, but unfortunately for Africa’s strongest side – Ivory Coast, they have been landed in the harsh group of both Brazil and Portugal. The first match against Portugal (an attractive prospect of Didier Drogba versus Cristiano Ronaldo) will surely be key for the Elephants. Should they win that, they will fancy their chances of qualification even if they lose to Brazil, as their final game will be North Korea.

 

Cameroon have 2nd round (or even quarter-final) potential but could just as easily fall at the group stages. Manager Paul Le Guen did well to turn around the nation’s qualification bid but did poorly at the African cup of Nations in January. An over-reliance on three time Champions League winner Samuel Eto’o may be their downfall.

 

It is fun to speculate and predict but until the tournament actually starts everything said is just conjecture. So many factors come into quick succession knock-out football; key injuries, weather/altitude, squad fall-outs, freak results and penalty shoot-outs can throw up a tournament very few expected. The only guarantee is that you wouldn’t want to miss it!

 

 

Andrew’s Predictions:

 

Winner: Spain

 

England’s performance: No further than semis

 

Golden Boot: Luis Fabiano (Brazil)

 

Player(s) of the tournament: Gerard Pique, Xavi (Spain)/ Wayne Rooney (England)/Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)

 

Young Player(s) of the tournament: Mesut Ozil (Germany)/Alexis Sanchez (Chile)/ Angel Di Maria (Argentina)/Yoann Gourcuff (France)

 

Group game to watch: Portugal vs Ivory Coast

 

http://www.aboutaball.co.uk/general/fifa-w...up-2010-preview

 

He was spot on with his PL predictions last year (apart from Ancelotti like)...

 

1. Mark Hughes and/or Ancelotti not to make the full season

2. Arsenal to be a lot better than most people expect

3. Owen’s season to be largely uneventful, spent mostly on the bench or injury table

4. Real Madrid to go out in Champions League semi finals or before

5. The winners of the Premier League to have lowest points total for many years

6. And of course, all my predictions to be completely and utterly wrong...

 

Posted by Andrew Headspeath on Wednesday, 12th August 2009

[Park Life 70]

Capello being with us at a huge tournament will make a huge differance and narrow the gap with the top 2/3.

 

 

My prediction

 

Spain v England final.

[khay 8]

Going for Brazil this time.

 

Picked Italy last time but can't see them doing much.

[JonGoodwyn 1]

Got Italy in a sweepstake, I can't see them winning it though.

[acrossthepond 707]

Spain for me I'd say.

[ChezGiven 0]

Capello being with us at a huge tournament will make a huge differance and narrow the gap with the top 2/3.

 

 

My prediction

 

Spain v England final.

 

Who said this today to CNN International?

 

"I think that right now, the strongest sides going into the World Cup are Spain, England and Brazil,"

[Craig 6308]

Capello being with us at a huge tournament will make a huge differance and narrow the gap with the top 2/3.

 

 

My prediction

 

Spain v England final.

 

Who said this today to CNN International?

 

"I think that right now, the strongest sides going into the World Cup are Spain, England and Brazil,"

 

I genuinely believe one of those three win it.... and I genuinely believe it won't be England.

 

Be ecstatic to be proven wrong though

[Andrew 4226]

Capello being with us at a huge tournament will make a huge differance and narrow the gap with the top 2/3.

 

 

My prediction

 

Spain v England final.

 

Who said this today to CNN International?

 

"I think that right now, the strongest sides going into the World Cup are Spain, England and Brazil,"

 

I genuinely believe one of those three win it.... and I genuinely believe it won't be England.

 

Be ecstatic to be proven wrong though

 

Same here

 

I keep getting stick from people who are confusing me not thinking England will win it for a lack of suppport/passion or a desire to see us win it

[Monroe Transfer 0]

Surprised to see Lovenkrands not getting a recall into the Danish squad.

[Andrew 4226]

Surprised to see Lovenkrands not getting a recall into the Danish squad.

 

think it was mentioned earlier in the thread, long story short he withdrew himself to give himself time to grieve his father fair dos when you consider 2 days after the event he was back playing for us

[Holden McGroin 4892]

Marca world cup chart

 

good linky.

[ohhh_yeah 2783]

 

Here is the rest of them:

 

http://wc2010.liveziz.net/171/poster-32-do...p-2010/?lang=en

[JonGoodwyn 1]

Marca world cup chart

 

good linky.

[ewerk 26441]

Carrick in, Walcott out according to some sources.

[ewerk 26441]

Also, Bent out 'according to sources'.

[Guest Barrack Road]

So pleased Walcott has been omitted.

[ewerk 26441]

Johnson out, SWP in.

[ewerk 26441]

King out, Dawson in. Allegedly.

[Guest alex]

The players not picked have probably spat their dummies out and gone straight to the press.

[Holden McGroin 4892]

Walcott was a shock although i wouldnt take him. I'd rather take Johnson over SWP though as Lennon is too like for like for me.

[ewerk 26441]

King out, Dawson in. Allegedly.

 

Looks like that was bollocks.

[Sima 0]

Mackem toys completely out of the Pram on RTG

[Happy Face 29]

BBC sports news correspondent Dan Roan reckons the inclusion of Ledley King means an omission for his Tottenham team-mate Michael Dawson.

 

Can't believe they've got a live rumour-mill on the BBC

 

We have just heard the rumour flying around that it will be announced 1500 BST

 

 

[Happy Face 29]

Walcott was a shock although i wouldnt take him. I'd rather take Johnson over SWP though as Lennon is too like for like for me.

 

 

henrywinter on Twitter: "Capello's been odd recently... the Index, the contract... but Walcott decision is correct. It'll grab the headlines but no criticism here."