The Favourites

The FIFA World Cup starts off today. I just watched the opening ceremony!

And I mentioned how important this World Cup is to Africa, to the participating nations and to the football crazy population of the World. It has a lot at its stake: Italy can equal Brazil's record, Brazil can stretch their lead, and some may get it for the first time, but whatever the result, it

would leave a mark on the footballing history, and no doubt to the pedigree of Africa in football.

But the most important question remains: who will win it?

Let us now look at the favourites.

Spain:Well, they certainly start as my favourite, though Cesc Fabregas thins otherwise. They definitely

have the best midfield in the World, capable of tearing open any kind of defence that they come across.

With Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso marauding their deep midfield, any kind of defence can stutter. Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta, along with Jesus Navas and Juan Manuel Mata, are a force to reckon with. And of Fernando Torres and David Villa, it is said that they appear in the nightmares of defenders, worldwide.

Irrespective of any kind of talent, their form must be daunting in

itself. 35 matches undefeated in a row! My my my! They have lost only once since February 7, 2007! They really are a strong contender.

England:

This England team really looks formidable. Earlier, they never looked much of a team, but a cluster of stars put together, who didn't play much..... together. But this year, after disastrously failing to qualify at all for the Euro, they have really picked up momentum.... and picked a good team.

With Gerrard more effective in the left, and Frank

Lampard playing a Chelsea role, Aaron Lennon with his blitzing speed on the right, they have the second best midfield of the tournament. Not to mention Rooney would indeed amount to Stupidity.

"Roomania" (as they say, not me) is ready to sweep the world, because most of the firepower he possesses comes from a nuclear bomb! He is the key player, and he can potentially unlock the door to the World Cup.

England also possess one of the finest defences of the tournament, with the likes of John Terry, Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson. It is indeed very powerful, and very attacking. Although with Ferdinand, it would have been better, they certainly are good.

Brazil:

JOGA BONITO!

Yep, the Samba Boys are not my most favourite this time. I put them in the third place after England. Not only Brazil bring a little less than powerful squad, not full of the usual Star players that we are accustomed to see. But they are effective, and are hard and organized. Under Dunga, they are a very effective army.

But with Kaka as their only playmaker, I really doubt their ability to overcome England in the Semis, if they should reach it.

Still, no one must underestimate the selecaos. I give them my best wishes.

For me, their key players are not Kaka and Maicon, bu their two forwards, Luis Fabiano and Robinho. Robinho is in great form, and Luis Fabiano ended as the top scorer in the Confederations Cup, and I am sure that they would be the game turners.

ARGENTINA:

Most people are not counting them as anywhere near winning, but this team has a lot of common with the 1986 winning team. Carlos Bilardo, a coach under fire, a hero mistrusted ... well you have it all. Only you must replace the bold Maradona with shy and meek Lionel Messi.

A lot rests on the young lad's head, but he certainly needs to show the world that he can deliver his best when it really matters.

They had a horrible campaign in the World cup Qualifiers; another similarity with the 1986 World Cup squad.

But what I am genuinely worried about is their defence. They don't have one! Or at least i can see too many gaps. They need to gauge it up. But as Maradona is, he might want to score more goals than his opponents!

My key players Lionel Messi, and Javier Mascherano. I generally doubt how good Mascherano is in the midfield.

Germany:
If I have learned anything from watching football over all these years, it is never undersesitmate the germans.

Although they have lost some important player in Traesch, and my key player Michael Ballack, they still have Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Cacau and of course Miroslav Klose. Kroos, Badstuber, Khedira, Muller, and Trochowski, provide the young quotient, in the sqaud.

Only if Phllip Lahm (the captain) can keep his defence tight, they can get to the semi-finals because they face Argentina in the Quarters by the seedings.


Well I guess that should be all for the contenders, although I so wish an African team to win.
So do watch the England vs USA tomorrow!

Ciao!