Who can win the 2010 World Cup?
In just over 6 months… 32 teams from around the globe will compete in the greatest sporting tournament in the world. In the summer of 2010, South Africa will come to life as it hosts the World Cup.
On December 4th the draw was made for the group stages of the tournament and it gave us a little bit of a clearer idea as to who might progress and lift the Jules Rimet trophy. Many of you will no doubt be have a bet on who will win the World Cup, so we have looked at the key teams and players to help you decide where you should be putting your money (all betting odds supplied by bwin.com – the online betting specialists).
Argentina – 10/1
With the world’s great footballer, Lionel Messi, at their disposal Argentina can not be overlooked as contenders for the World Cup. However there are so many factors against them this time around. A poor perform during qualifying for the FIFA World Cup saw them rely on winning their last fixture to qualify. Add to that the fact that they have not figured beyond the quarter-final stage of the tournament since 1986, when Maradonna’s infamous hand-ball against England, and you can just about safely rule out Argentina as a major threat.
Germany – 10/1
Germany were unbeaten in qualifying as group winners and stumbled to draws only twice. This along with their World Cup record has to keep them in mind when betting on the World Cup. Germany have won the World Cup three times and finished runner’s up on four occasions making them one of the most successful international footballing sides. While their side of today may not have the greatest strength in depth, it still possess some of the world’s greatest players in Michael Ballack and Lukas Podolski, with the latter having one of the best goal scoring records in all of international football (a strike rate of 0.7 per game).
England – 7/1
On paper England have one of the strongest 11 line-ups in the world. With world-class players gracing every part of the pitch there is nothing to suggest England can’t go all the way in 2010. With a group that includes Algeria and Slovenia you would certainly expect England to go on to win their group but beyond that is where the trouble lies. Since 1966 England has always played the supporting role and in all likely-hood will find themselves stumbling at the final hurdle once more. With a second round fixture against either Germany or Australia on the cards, England will be stretched as soon as they hit in the knock-out stages and at odds of 7/1 should be avoided.
Brazil – 6/1
As the 2nd highest ranked side in the world according to FIFA, it should come as no surprise that Brazil are 2nd favourites to lift the World Cup in 2010. Indeed, until the draw was made for the group stages Brazil were in fact joint favourites along with Spain. However, a tough group phase against Portugal and Ivory Coast lies ahead… in addition to a tricky tie against North Korea. But with the likes of Robinho and Kaka Brazil should certainly have sufficient flair to cruise through to the knock-out stages.
Spain – Favourites – 5/1
Spain aim to follow up their Euro 2008 victory with a World Cup success in South Africa. When it comes to the World Cup, however, Spain are always stumbling… and it’s usually at the first hurdle. Spain haven’t gone past the Quarter Finals since 1950 (the only year they ever reached the Semi-Finals) and failed to get past the 2nd knock-out phase in 2006. But their squad still boasts almost all of the stars from the side which won the Euro’s the summer before last which makes them not only favourites with the betting sites, but also favourites with us.
Best chance England will ever have. Only team I worry about is Spain and if all goes well we wont meet them until the final (yeah I’m that confident)
Them odds are very fair i’d say.
I don’t think Germany are going to make it to the finals though, they seem to do well beating the small teams, but against class opposition, lack any real world class players to step up to the plate.
I can see a England vs. Spain final with Spain winning. Capello can take England to the final, if we stay on track, injury free. We NEED Gerrard or Rooney to get there, so lets hope we go injury free!
Agree that England have best chances but dont forget Portugal. I think this team also could make impact beside the stronger Spaniard. Do you remember germany 2006? Maybe this coming World Cup is for Europe team.
Who ever written this page got it wrong regarding Argentina not going beyond the quarter final stage since 1986. They made the final in Italia 90 where they lost to West Germany.
my favorite is argentina . But they arent better than Spain now may be in cup there is chance for ARG
id say england would have more chances despite loosing beckham….perhaps they would not rely on crosses this time…..but depend of fast wings that threathen infield area…….
Very superficial analysis. First off, you mention such facts as the fact that “Spain always stumble” or that Argentina has not made it past quarterfinal since 1986, as if it will have some kind of influence on the results. How many quarterfinals has France been to, before they won in 1998? Historical performance matters only insofar it shows which countries tend to produce good players. By your method, you should leave out all European teams, since none have won a World Cup when it happens outside of Europe. But of course we can’t do that, because Europe has some damn strong teams.
In writing of Argentina, you make no mention of the atrocious coaching of Maradona. In writing about England, you make no mention of excellent coaching of Fabio Capello.
You mostly leave out any discussion of actual players and talents.
No mention of Holland (loaded with talent), Ivory Coast (loaded with talent), or South Africa (home team, so was France).
You guys better step it up your analysis when the World Cup actually comes around.
Im so sick and tired of hearing England is “favourites”. They’ve been favourites now for the last 30 years and have done absolutely nothing. They finally qualify under an Italian coach, (after failing to qualify for the Euro 2 years prior) and they’re favourites???? Leanrn your football, If Maradonna has his tactica right, Argentina will win it all. Another “favourite” that should be here and is not, is Holland.
for me is SPAIN , pls la dont la every WC brazil , aregentina ???
and why the hell new zealand can reach to the WC , new zealand is a 1 star country
I think the final is going to be Lionel Messi and Argentina against Fernando Torres and Spain but the Spanish will take the cup home with them. I do have to say lionel Argentina is stacked with players especialy the forwards Leo Messi
and Carlos Tevez but Spain has got people like Fernando Torres, David Villa,Xavi i can go all day but there number 1 priority is one of the best keepers in the game Casias
I think England wont make it to the finals because they have no experiance since 1966 and i dont think that anybody on the english squad played in 1966 they r kinda in a slup also rooney 4 life man he iz da best
1. brasil
2.italy
3.spain
4.england
who ever wrote the argintins column does not know a lot about there football history. they got to the world cup final in 1990 and was runner up to germany!!!!!!!
what about Holland?? idiots
You guys are completely missing Mexico and Holland. Mexico will at least make qyarters and Holland is more than capable of beating any team, easy. But USA takes it all.
Italy arent even there lol what a laugh considering italy have won the world cup 4 times and england ones and more than spain and yet u have spain as fav haha the english ppl really are up the spanish @sses lol italy all the way
I think germany will win …
I think Brazil or Netherlands will win this World Cup.
i’m giving it to spain cos i want lionel messi to emerge another world best and surpass the likes of Maradona, Pele and Zidane
argentina diago will hold the cup again he did it before as a player
I don’t think Germany are going to make it to the finals though, they seem to do well beating the small teams, but against class opposition, lack any real world class players to step up to the plate.
+1
unbelievable!! i cant get over some of the statements I’m reading on this site. ENGLAND to win the world cup,ENGLAND to get to the final! sure Gordon brown will be the next president of America! England r not good enough, FACT! crash and burn.PS i hope use r practising your pens! lol
Spain, for sure.
What happen to Italy and France they could win the world cup but i think spain is going to the winner.
I know all eyes are on Ivory coast and Ghana as far as africa is concerned.But you guys havew to understand that there are certain countries which know how to play certain tournaments.
Cameroon is the most experienced in africa when it comes to world cup tournaments.Watch out if they make it to the second round,man be sure of surprises in football history.I see them playing the finals with brasil.
Christ, none of you can hardly spell let alone talk football!!! I feel embarrassed for all of you!!! Learn the English language or write something accurate and constructive at least. Poor English plus lack of football knowledge = silly c*nt!! Any of the 32 teams in this final has the chance of winning, although it is highly unlikely Japan, USA, Mexico, etc will be lifting the World Cup come July 11th. Personally I hope England will smash it and make all you wan*ers eat your retarded words, because no matter what you all think, the truth of the matter is the English Premiership is the hardest and most competitive football league in the world – fact fact fact, fuc*ing fact!!!. La Liga the most beautiful. And Seri A the most negative and boring league. These are the only 3 leagues worth mentioning, as that’s where the best footballers on the planet ply their trade. France on paper look amazing along with Holland, Spain, England and Argentina. Italy and Germany can suck my balls and shouldnt even be listed here but when lady luck is on your side, what you gonna do?!! I suggest you draw straws for any of the following to win – Spain, England, Argentina, Brazil, France, any African team, any South American team, any Australasian team, and any team left I have not mentioned (Except Italy and Germany, who are just Jank!!!). What am I even doing responding to this rubbish?
hi guys`
in my opinion with some resonable proof , just 4teams can win wc2010
please pull out spain`germany` italy` france` cause : spain `if you just look at the former wc they don`t have big self-confidence for wc as you saw in confederation cup that they lost to usa`france has suffering in all positions`germany is lazy team` italy same as gemany is not favorable`
just 4 team can win this wcup ( of course in my opinion): brazil ` neitherland` argentina and one team from africa
but i think argentina can win easily world cup 2010
with respect to all comments
Spain will win the world cup.
Oo Lah Lah England Lah !!
respect the loyalty of most England fans, i suppose you’ve got to have blind faith and believe to win a major tournament,i just don’t think the players have the same, individually there are good players, collectively there are shocking, watching the game against Japan, you would not believe that, players of that standard could have that many errors in there game, not good enough to win it, will struggle in the group stages, for that reason.
P.S
Teams that win the world cup most of the time, team retains the worlds best players.
No European team has won outside of Europe.
stats point to Argentina to win
Mark says:
English Premiership is the hardest and most competitive football league in the world – fact fact fact, fuc*ing fact!!!.
Yes and all the players in the English premiership are English, arnt they?
o yeah doh
hmmmmmmmm
the good ones are argentina, spain, brazil, and the netherlands tooooo!!
i hope the netherlands its nice for those people, that little cute country!
xoxoxo
Mark…. spot on. No further questions. Apart from how much are you looking forward to dumping stupid yanks out of the only sport which matters?
France will win.
Gosh I know knothing about football, but here take note, how many (now favourites) go on to win the world cup? I think you’ll find it is a low figure, and how many so called very good teams, go on to win, again there are shock surprises, my money is spread on Holland, Netherlands, Brazil and England, If England are to win, they’ve never had a better oportunity as this time. Talksport Junior.
If all the English players give 100% effort, then we shall win the world cup no doubt.
Alright ladies calm down, i can see your all getting a little heated in this debate. Mark A* for your english mate, well done son. Anyway were here for predictions and my predictions are…… drum roll …. England or Spain to lift the cup ahhh sod it put Ivory Coast in there too, being a hot climate African teams will do well they have the 3 s’s strength stamina sweat to cope with the weather. I might be wrong but then again i might be right time will tell!!
Peace Dr Wright
All of you guys have high hopes for your countryman. I am from brazil, and i used to be a referee for 28 years. i have seen teams, world cups, and other tournaments played for along time. i can say one thing for sure football is not the same as it was before. all the strong European teams, are always a threat, but there is a team that i have been observing for last 7 years. that team is Serbia. most of you will start thinking is this guy for real. if any of you have chance take a closer look at type of players Serbia ex Yugoslavia has produced. this world cup i really do not see Serbia winning the world cup, but at least with some luck, second place or maybe they will fight for 3rd or 4th. Serbian star players: vidic, stankovic, kolarov, krasic, jovanovic, zigic, ivanovic, pantelic, andthe head coach Radomir Antic. please do not post disrespecting comments about what i wrote, just do some research,and see for yourself.
thank you,
Marcello
Oh boy, i read almost every post that you guys put. last one marcello, was interesting, specially because he mentioned Serbia. for a moment, i had to think who is Serbia???
i went online and i was impressed, qualifying stage Serbia destroyed well known world team Romania 5-0. with France they played 1-1. if any one wants to see how they play just you-tube -it.
this is going to be a team to watch on this world cup.
go portugalllllllllllllllllllllllll :)))))))))))
hi guys good luck to everyone. but you really gonna have a shock of your life when you see Algerian winning the world cup 2010 against Argentina 3-2
Thinks Mark is a hyporcrite regarding language skills! Chav profanity is poor English.
When “analyzing” Argentina’s chances you say: “Add to that the fact that they have not figured beyond the quarter-final stage of the tournament since 1986″, I guess making it to the finals in 1990 doesn’t count…do your homework people!
Never Mind the Portuguese Team: Ronaldo, Nani, Deco, Bruno Alves, Meireles, Coentrão, Eduardo, Pedro Mendes, Simão, Ricardo Carvalho, Hugo Almeida, Eduardo and others… With a coach who are playing almost at home (Queiros), and with the local suport of lots of fans.
i say that spain or argentina or brazil will win the cup i hope its one of those three countries! wow im really excited for june,11.2010 in south africa! :)
come down its only a discusion,
i think Ghana should win but am nt very sure hhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhaaaaaaaaaa. england hasnt got good goalkeepers, so i think spain will win
England have no chance sure they have some of the best players in the world but they just cant perform compared to spain they look like the Scotland team.
I think there are many candidates for the world cup .., I’m from Holland and it seems to be that we are starting this tournament as an outsider… and thast fine by me .. but you’re surely mistaken .. the dutch have often had a good team en played great football, but now we have a truly awesome team .. you’ll see
unbelievable blather coming from an obviously stunted England supporter – England might just make it out of the first round – as far as supperior leagues, just look to Serie A – been the best and continues to be the best – i like teams with heart, Italy, Argentina, Germany, Holland and an outside chance with Mexico
the only reason i wrote this is because of the quite ignorant post before me – cheers…
GERMANY FOR THE WORLD CUP 2010 SOUTH AFRICA!!!!
go to hell engayland
Mexico is scoot infested