FIFA Worldcup 2010 – A Preview

Football as a sport has captured the imagination of people around the world for decades. For the first time in history, grand carnival of football – FIFA Worldcup is set to be staged in the African continent bringing hope and happiness to people of Africa.

In this article I would like to offer my insights on 32 teams vying to lift the much coveted trophy at the Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg.

Group A (South Africa, Uruguay, Mexico, France)

My prediction – France, Mexico

No host nation has ever failed to reach the knock out rounds of this competition. South Africa would have to do much better than their recent past performances to avoid being the first host nation to be eleminated in the group stages. French team are the favourites to top the group even though the tactics and decisions made by Domenech are not convincing. Uruguay has a  potent strike partnership of Forlan and Suarez. Mexico has been on the rise since Javier Aguirre has taken over the mantle and will compete neck to neck with Uruguay for second spot.

Group B (Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic,  Greece)

My prediction – Argentina, Nigeria

Argentina with a strike force of Higuain, Milito, Tevez, Messi and Aguero, managed by inspirational Diego Maradona has the ability to beat any team on their day. However their inconsistent performance in qualifying rounds, questionable decision to drop efficient Cambiasso and ever green Zanetti etc demonstrate Maradona’s naivety as a manager. Korean teamwork, defensive discipline of Greece and Nigeria with their colourful support ensures interesting battle for second place. 

Group C (England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia)

My prediction – England, United States

Even with all the injury worries, it would be a massive surprise if Capello‘s pupils couldn’t top this group. Key players like Rooney and Lampard are peaking at the right moment for them. US has the potential for an upset as they demonstrated against Spain in Confederations cup. Algeria and Slovenia will have to do exceptionally well to reach the knock out round.  

 

Group D (Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana)

My prediction – Germany, Serbia

People who relish physical battle rather than flair will find this group as the ultimate showcase of grit and strength. Mannschaft over the years has performed consistently in big tournaments and are the favourites to top the group. Defensive rocks such as Vidic and Ivanovic of Serbia will have their hands full dealing with hard running midfielders of Ghana such as Essien and Muntari. I expect Serbians to come out on top as they look more like a unit and played exceptionally well in the qualifying rounds. Socceroos most probably will fall short.

Group E (Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon)

My prediction – Netherlands, Cameroon

Netherlands had an amazing qualifying campaign and boasts of attacking talents such as Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder and Kuyt. They are one of the dark horses to win the tournament. Cameroon will have to battle it out with the Danes for second place. Form of their strikers Samuel Eto’o and Nicklas Bendtner in the tournament could be crucial in determining who will reach the knock out rounds. Japan will look up to their inspirational set piece specialist Shunsuke Nakamura to work a magic.

Group F (Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia)

My prediction – Italy, Paraguay

Reigning world Champions under Marcelo Lippi has rebuilt the side with some new faces. A lot is expected from their key striker Gilardino. Paraguay had a decent qualifying campaign and will come second. Dashing youngster Marek Hamsik is central to the hopes of Slovakia progressing to next round. New Zealand will need a miracle to get to the next round.

Group G (Brazil, Korea DPR, Cote d’Ivoire, Portugal)

My prediction – Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire

Brazil is the most successful and only country to win world cups in every continent played so far. Relatively cautious approach of Dunga has added resilience and toughness to the brazilian flair. Cote d’Ivoire is the strongest team from Africa with their Attack spear headed by Didier Drogba. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal will consider this tournament as an ideal platform to showcase his wide array of tricks and flicks. Korea DPR is a mystery team with little known about them to outside world. This group is righly termed as ‘Group of Death’ as three way battle between Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire and Portugal promises an exciting contest.

Group H (Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile)

My prediction – Spain, Chile

Spain along with Brazil has to be the favourites to win the tournament. They have the strongest squad with atleast two world class players in each position. Swiss topped their qualifying group despite losing at home to Luxembourg. Their inconsistencies may prove costly when they face a well disciplined Chile side in a match which could potentially decide second place in the group. Honduras are the underdogs in this group which has a trio of spanish speaking nations along with the Swiss.

 

It’s all about me now….

• Team I Support: Brazil
• Who will win?: Brazil
• Favourite Player: Wayne Rooney
• 5 lesser known youngsters who could become stars: Marko Marin (Germany), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Marek Hamsik  (Slovakia), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
• Random prediction: An African team will reach quarter finals