Just more than three weeks remain before the opening of one of the biggest sporting events on Earth, the World Cup. The 32 team tournament will kick-off June 11 in Johannsburg at 9 a.m MST with host country South Africa taking on Mexico.
It could end up being a very difficult World Cup to predict with so much parody in the world’s game, but I’ll try anyway.
Argentina.
The No. 7 ranked team in the FIFA world ranking, has the most talented team in the tournament, in my opinion. They have four strikers Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Diego Milito, who could start on any team in the world. The team also has the best player in the world, Lionel Messi. On a good day they could score five goals on any team in the world.
England.
The No. 8 ranked team, is another favorite after its impressive showing at the World Cup qualifiers. It is easy to forget that they did not even qualify for the Euro Cup in 2008. Behind talented new coach Fabio Capello this team has finally figured out how to utilize the talent that English fans have been predicting to win the World Cup since 2002. Big name players include Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and John Terry.
Spain.
The world’s No. 2-ranked team, has the most complete squad from top to bottom. There is no way to deliver criticism on any of their 11 starters. Iker Casillas may cement himself as the best goalie in the world with a dominating tournament performance. The backline led by central defender and captain Carlos Puyol are all world-class players. The midfield is highlighted David Silva while David Villa and Fernando Torres are phenomenal goal scorers up top.
Germany.
It is impossible for the No. 6-ranked team going into the World Cup, to be left off my favorite list. The team has advanced to 14 straight quarterfinals and veterans such as Miroslav Klose, Michael Ballack, Philipp Lahm and Lukas Podolski will lead them throughout the tournament.
Other teams to watch during the World Cup are the Netherlands, France, Brazil, Italy and Portugal.
Spoiler picks: The Ivory Coast, No, 27 in the world, and the United States, No. 14 in the world.
Team USA has looked good in preliminary matches, tying tied Italy in the last World Cup, beating Spain in the Confederations Cup, and losing a close match to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final after taking an early lead. Don’t be surprised to see America compete this summer.
The winner: England.
They can finally win a World Cup, which they have been desperately seeking since their last win in 1966. They have finally found the right coach (Capello) to take all the talent they have to the promised land. In addition, if they do win it all they will all be knighted and live the last of their lives’ with the title of Sir. That sounds like pretty good motivation to me.
