The four year wait is finally over and the 2010 World Cup is upon us. Yes, it would be all the sweeter if Ireland were involved and it is a bitter pill to swallow but there is little we can do now except sit back and enjoy all the quality football that will be on offer. Sporting events don’t get much bigger than this as the world waits with baited breath for the drama to commence.
The first World Cup to be staged in Africa will boast some truly class players and the anticipation to see someone like Messi on this stage is palpable. But which side will make a lasting impact and ultimately prevail?
The usual contenders are being touted around and mostly with just cause. However, surprises are most definitely in store as this is the World Cup after all. No one fancied an Italy- France final the last time around and what about South Korea in 2002?
Spain and Brazil lead the way in the bookies and Spain in particular look well placed to have a good run. Even Brazil would envy the talent available to the Spanish and the creative capabilities of their midfield are frightening. Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Xabi Alonso are all classy footballers with the ability to pick a pass and hold onto the ball at will. David Villa is as clinical a finisher as they come and we all know what Torres is capable of if they can get him fit. They have an embarrassment of riches in the goal keeping department with Reina and Valdes in reserve to Casillas. Defensively, they look sound with the likes of Pique and Puyol but overall this is probably their weakest area.
They should stroll through their group and from there; they will be tough to beat. Dunga has Brazil playing in a style that is not synonymous with their culture but they have been effective under him nonetheless, going through their qualifying campaign undefeated. It’s probably their best defence in an age and they are not exactly devoid of goals with the likes of Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano in their side.
Argentina will be an entertaining side to follow due to the inevitable passion they will bring, the dazzling players they possess and Maradona’s general dementia. It will be interesting to see how Messi performs and if it is to his potential, watch out world. You get the feeling that Maradona’s erratic and frequently bizarre behaviour could prevent them from going the whole way.
And so, we move on to England; the perennial World Cup underachievers. The hype surrounding them, as ever, is massive and the tabloid journalists have their poisoned pens at the ready. But what are their realistic chances? Undoubtedly they have some outstanding players such as Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard but can they finally deliver on this stage?? They will need Gerard to finally step up and be counted on the international stage and they will also rely heavily on Rooney. On his day, Rooney is superb and if he gets an early goal in the tournament and his confidence soars, he could lift England to plains they haven’t reached before.
Another string to their bow is that Capello is their manager. The Sven-lead England of 2006 became a WAG circus and there is no chance Capello would let anything of the sort occur this time. He will bring discipline and organisation; something England have categorically lacked in recent tournaments. All said, England still don’t look to have enough to win the tournament outright. Their squad is a little thin and positions like goalkeeper, centre half and Rooney’s strike partner all look like weak points. A quarter or potentially semi-final exit looks likely and let’s face it, probably on penalties.
The Italians and Germans have been written off pre-tournament but in truth it would be no surprise if both of them had a good run. Winning the competition looks beyond both sides but we said the same thing in 2006. These are tournament teams and are capable of winning when they really have to, although the loss of Ballack is a blow for the Germans.
The Dutch lead the way of the dark horse category, which would contain the likes of Portugal, Ivory Coast and France. Raymond Domenach looks intent of sabotaging the French bid although the Irish will hardly shed a tear on their behalf. The Dutch have genuinely quality footballers in the mould of Sneijder and Van Persie but whether they can produce seven top quality performances remains to be seen.
Spain must go in as favourites with Brazil leading the chasing pack but no one really knows what will unfold in the next four weeks and that is the beauty of the World Cup. There will be drama, suspense, penalties, dodgy celebrations, goals galore and red cards. And this is just the tip of the ice berg. After a four year wait…. It’s finally upon us. Let the battle commence.
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