Being a big fan of Soccer, I have watched every World Cup live from 1986 onwards. I had the privilege of watching Maradona's Goal of the Century live on TV, we recorded it in Video, and played it so many times again and again. I watched history being made when France won the World Cup in 1998, and also Ronaldo's brilliant performance in 2002 World Cup. I also witnessed Germany's heart break in the 2006 World Cup, when it lost to Italy in extra time.
This is the first time the World Cup is being organized in the African continent, and its a historic occasion. Many years backPele predicted that an African country would soon lift the World Cup, would it happen this time, let us see. As of now from what I see, this World Cup is the most open of all. None of the teams are clear favorites, but if we take a look at the 32 teams, we can classify them as follows.
The Contenders
These are the teams which are favorites to win the title, the top seeded teams in their groups.
France- The 1998 Winner, just about made it to the Finals this time, thanks to a controversial decision, about a hand goal. They have to face the hosts, Mexico and Uruguay in their Group A, and could make it to Round 2. After which it is any one's game.
Argentina-Another former World Champion, that just managed to get in at the last minute. This time it is being coached by the legendary Diego Maradona, who aims to be only the 3rd player, to win the World Cup both as a coach and a player. Maradonna's arrogance and his whimsical decisions however could backfire. But then Argentina have a certain Lionel Messi, one of the best players in the world. Pitted against Nigeria, S.Korea and Greece in Group B they should make it to Round 2.
England- Will England be able to win the title again after 1966? Somehow the English soccer team reminds me a lot of the Indian cricket team, lot of talented players, a rich domestic league, lot of glamor, media hype, but somehow always under performing at the big stage. Most of the time England has flattered to deceive, and their star players rarely rise to the occasion. They have a very easy Group C, which has US, Algeria and Slovenia, should make it Round 2. It is however their performance in the knockout stage that has to be seen.
Germany- They last won the World Cup in 1990, and made it to the finals in 2002, and this is a team that can never be counted out. What they lack in flair or glamor, they make it up with sheer determination and grit. They have a never say die attitude, refusing to give up till the last minute and are the toughest competitors. Sadly one of their best players Ballack is out this time. They have a tough Group D, with Serbia, Australia and Ghana, all strong teams, but they should make it to Round 2.
Holland- The Oranjes have the talent, they have the flair, they play some of the most attractive football, but again they have this tendency to choke. Also they have one of the worst defences in the tournament, and that could prove to be dangerous. InGroup E with Japan,Cameroon and Denmark, they can make it to Round 2.
Italy- Never the best of starters, and their game is quite often boring, too defensive, physical. But again like the Germans, they have a never say die attitude, and they won in 2006, as they overcame their traditional weakness of penalty kicks. The World Champions, are in Group F, with Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand, and should cruise to the 2nd round.
Brazil- The 5 time world champion, and one of the best soccer teams, this time finds itself in a Group of Death, G. While N.Korea can be counted out, both Ivory Coast and Portugal, are highly dangerous. The clash between Brazil and Portugal would be worth a watch, pitting Christiano Ranaldo against Kaka. Can they again take the title?
Spain- Again another team like Holland, that has everything, talent, flair, brilliant attacking football, and the Spanish league is one of the richest. But Spain to date has never done justice, its performance has always been underwhelming. While they play brilliantly in the league stages, they choke during the Knock Out stages. Can Spain overcome their bad habit, and do justice to their talent?
