Posted on 11 Jun 2010 at 10:10am By GavinoWith all eyes on South Africa for the planet’s biggest and most popular sporting event, the big question is who will win the World Cup.
Followers of these columns will know that we have a fair record of predicting soccer outcomes (and a less distinguished one when it comes to baseball). Barcelona and Inter Milan both won their league titles, while Manchester United came a close second to Chelsea. Two of the three English clubs predicted for relegation duly succumbed.
Romantics may be dreaming of an African breakthrough but none of the continent’s teams are good enough to win the ultimate competition. There are only seven countries that can win in South Africa: Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Holland and England.
Africa is crazy for soccer
Each of these teams is solid, experienced and disciplined and will be difficult to beat in regulation time. Extra time and penalties can, of course, lead to less predictable outcomes.
Of these seven, Argentina, Germany, Italy and Holland are fielding teams that, while very good, are not comparable to their best teams of the past. Argentina, with Lionel Messi on the field and Diego Maradona on the sidelines, are the wild card here.
This is not only the best Spanish team to play in the World Cup, it is also a proven winner having triumphed in the European Championships in 2008. It is no wonder they are so many people’s favorites. But while they have the ability to destroy many of the teams in South Africa, these columns believe that Spain’s defense is a weakness that other strong teams can exploit. And Spain has underperformed many times in the past.
With the World Cup set to be played in Brazil in 2014, a win in South Africa would put the competition’s most successful team in a dominant position in world soccer. Brazil will entertain as usual but we think they will be upset by a lesser team. Which will it be?
South Africa’s climate will suit England’s style of play more than many recent venues. For once, England will be able to field a team with top class players in almost every position, with the weakest links being at right back and in goal. The loss of captain Rio Ferdinand is a blow and the defense looks a little short of pace but the side has good balance and every outfield player is capable of scoring. England has a top class coach in Fabio Capello. The key will be to maximize the playing time of star goal scorer Wayne Rooney. If he avoids injury and discipline problems, England will be able to win its first World Cup since 1966.
South Africa is buzzing with excitement and, whoever wins the tournament, this is sure to be a wonderful event!
Well Done to the American team, played some good stuff last night against England. That’s one spill we’ve made that you won’t mind us making!!! That constant crowd noise from that stupid instrument is extremely irritating, like a wasp, and drowns out the chanting and crowd reaction, all part of the ‘beautuiful game’. Sort it out Gavino! Cheers
Well Argentina won and without being the best team in Argentine history. Or is it that the other teams are preoccupied with their respective economies?
Green has played his last game for England! Are they calling him BP, Paul? What happened to English goalie greats like Banks, Clemence and Shilton? Green wouldn’t have been 6th choice in 1970 or 1980. I think Capello will go with young Joe Hart in goal in the next 2 games, both of which England will win. Argentina is certain to make it into the next stage and will have great confidence going forward. Not sure how Maradona would do as president, though…!