1. Spain (The Red Fury)
EURO Champs 2008, 1964 & WC Qfinals 2002, 1994, 1986
The Spanish team is in great form and returns the core of their impressive European Championship side of 2008. Their tight passing and possession game works beautifully with their monster striking pair of Fernando Torres and David Villa. With Fabregas, Iniesta, and Xavi manning the midfield, this team is the one to beat. Spain defends well as a team and has a top-notch goalkeeper in Casillas.
By winning EURO 2008, Spain seemed to get the monkey off their backs in terms of a reputation for not performing at the international level. If Spain loses before the semi-finals, it will be an upset.
2. Brazil (The Boys of Brazil)
WC Champs 2002, 1994, 1970, 1962, 1958 & FIFA Confed Cup Champs 2009
With the confidence of a Confederations Cup Championship in 2009, Brazil is feeling confident and ready to win it all again. Although their team is loaded with options, the chemistry seems very good with Kaka working well with Robhino and Fabiano.
Brazi seems to be able to turn it up a level when they need to. However, the need for one or two more quality players may force them to add Ronaldhino, Adriano, or even Ronaldo to the team. If they do, how will that affect team chemistry? Do not be surprised to see them lift the trophy again.
3. Argentina (Albicelestes, Blue sky and white)
WC Champs 1978, 1986 WC Runner Up 1990, 1930 FIFA Confed Cup 1992 champs
Over the last several World Cup's, Argentina have probably the most talent of any team. Their performances have been very good at times; but they are just missing that little something. Maybe having Maradona at coach and Messi starting from the get-go will do the trick.
This current team is still loaded with talent such as Messi, Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano, and maybe even Juan Sebastion Veron. As usual, it will be fun to watch merely to see who starts out of their embarrassment of riches in talent.
4. England (Three Lions)
WC Champs 1966 & WC 4th Place 1990, WC Qfinals 2006, 2002, 1986, 1970
Even though it should not matter, England always seemed jinxed by their inability to live up to their high reputations as an international soccer power. They have reached the quarterfinals several times in the modern era. The Three Lions do not lack for talent and it would surprise no one if they went on a run in 2010 and won it all.
Starting with their defense, England can count on great quality and experience out of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. Their offense will include world-class players such as Gerrard, Lampard, and Rooney. Sometimes, the trouble with England is their inability to figure out a formation that suits Gerrard and Lampard together in midfield. If they can sort it out, watch out for the Three Lions in 2010.
5. France (Les Bleus)
WC Champs 1998, WC Runner Up 2006 & EURO Champs 2000
France was probably the best team at World Cup 2006 and was unlucky to lose to Italy in Final by penalty kicks. They will miss Zidane and it is unclear what kind of form Vieira and Henry will be in.
Still, Les Bleus have plenty of talent and verve with Philippe Mexes, Vieira, both Diarra's, Ribery, Henry, and Benzema. If Ribery, Vieira, and Henry work well together and are on form, this could be the team to beat.
6. Germany (Nationalmannschaft)
WC Champs 1954, 1974, 1990 WC Runner's Up 2002 & EURO Champs 1996, 1980
WC 3rd Place 2006 & EURO 2008 Runner's Up
This team is not the most talented, yet may be the best "team" in the tournament. Known for their resolve and determination, this German team is experienced and has had some international success over the last few years.
The "Nationalmannschaft" seem like a virtual lock to advance to the second round. Once there, they will give anyone a tough fight from there on out. With the likes of Ballack, Podolski, and Schweinstager, Germany is expected to make a nice run at South Africa. Even though Klose is a good scorer, they may be missing some quality up top at striker.
7. Italy (The Azurri)
WC Champs 2006, 1982, 1938, 1934 & EURO Champs 1968, Runner's Up 2000
With a very bad showing at Confederations Cup 2009, the Azurri have a year to get things turned around and figured out. Although they won the 2006 World Cup, the stars of that tournament such as Cannavaro, Zambrotta, and Gattuso are past their prime.
If their younger players such as De Rossi, Chiellini, and Guiseppi Rossi can mold with the veterans such as Buffon, Pirlo, and Luca Toni, they certainly have a chance. Italy may be forced to take some chances and perhaps add some youth or even older veterans such as Del Piero to the mix.
8. Holland (A Clockwork Orange, Netherlands / KNVB)
EURO Champs 1988 & WC Runner Up 1974, 1978 & WC 4th Place 1998
As usual, Holland has great talent and will most likely show up on fire in South Africa. Their issue, like Spain, is remaining on form and finishing a tournament at the same level as the start.
With Arjen Robben, van der Vaart, van Persie, Dirk Kuyt, and Ryan Babel, the Netherlands will match any team on technique and talent. Their exciting style of ball movement and possession football is always fun to watch. If their WC Qualifying form is indicative of things to come, watch out for this team!
9. Ivory Coast (The Elephants, Cote d'Ivoire)
African Nations Cup Champs 1992, 2nd Place 2006, 4th Place 2008
The Elephants finally got their feet wet in the World Cup by qualifying in 2006. Although they did not advance, their talent showed in the "group of death" against Holland, Argentina, and Serbia.
Ivory Coast has players in the best leagues such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea and will have a home field advantage in South Africa. If Drogba is in form, this team will advance to the 2nd round at least.
10. USA (The Stars and Stripes)
WC Qfinals 2002, & FIFA Confed. Cup 2009 Runner's Up
Although the USA had a humbling 2006 World Cup, there is no reason that they cannot advance to the 2nd Round and do some damage in South Africa. The team is a great mixture of youth with several veterans.
The strength of the team is its defense, work rate, and athleticism. The counter-attacking style they used at the Confederations Cup is a great strategy for this team. Even though they only have several players at the top world club teams, a handful of their players easily could make the Best XI of a World Cup to include Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Oguchi Onyewu, and Michael Bradley. This World Cup may be the first in history where the USA team actually expects to advance out of the group stage.
Sources:
www.fifa.comwww.cafonline.comwww.worldcup2010southafrica.comwww.worldcupblog.org/
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