Spain

Fernando Torres, David Villa, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Iker Casillas, Cesc Fabregas. The Spanish team is list of who’s-who at the top of European football currently. They showed in Euro 2008 they could play as a team without imploding in the knockout stages. They even won a penalty shootout. The favourites in South Africa, Spain will want to match Brazil’s position in the group stages to avoid meeting as early as the second round. Both are expected to win their groups. Vicente Del Bosque is finding life easy as an international manager; winning 25 out of 26 games as Spain manager, finishing their World Cup warm up with a 6-0 drubbing of Poland on Wednesday.

David Villa is the favourite to win the Golden Shoe, having been the top scorer in Euro 2008. All 4 of his goals in that competition came in the first two matches. Golden Shoe’s can be won at the group stage, so look out for Villa to get his name on the scoresheet a few times again in 2010. Fernando Torres is another contender for that award. If the Liverpool striker remains fit he will likely have a big say in Spain’s World Cup campaign. He scored the only goal in the Euro 2008 final. Their midfield contains a number of inteliigent and technically gifted players who are capable of keeping possession and opening defences up. Arguably the best midfield unit in this year’s competition. Defensively there are a few question marks, but if their opponents can’t get hold of the ball, the defence won’t be called into duty very often. In goal is the experienced and talented Iker Casillas to call upon. Rightfully the favourites in 2010.

Switzerland

Ottmar Hitzfeld lead Switzerland into the World Cup after a slow start to their qualifying campaign. He’s made the team well-organised and difficult to beat. If they’re to progress from the group, they need to aim to beat Chile. This nation doesn’t create many goalscoring opportunities, but if they do they should aim for their all time top goalscorer Alexander Frei up front.

A defence that includes Philippe Senderos, Switzerland are vulnerable to the odd lapse of concentration from their unit, that Spain will thrive upon if is the case in their opening group game. Far from being the most exciting team in the tournament, Switzerland don’t create many chances. Gokhan Inler in their midfield possesses a great shot from long range, but there won’t be too much to write home about regarding Switzerland.

Chile

With more victories than Brazil and finishing 2nd in the CONMEBOL qualification table, Chile have every reason to be optimistic heading into the World Cup. Although an earthquake disrupted their build up, Marcelo Bielsa has put together a goalscoring unit. 32 goals in qualification, the team is capable of creating chances all over the park and has a lot of pacey players.

One of those quick players is former Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez. Failed to make a mark at the Reds, don’t be surprised to see the winger burn a few full backs this summer. Humberto Suazo will be the man in the middle up front, if fit. A regular goalscorer domestically and through qualifying, this will be his first time to prove his worth at a World Cup. Defensively is where Chile are weak, but they should have enough to keep Honduras and Switzerland’s goals to a minimum, while using their pace on the counter attack to score goals of their own.

Honduras

A candidate for the weakest team in the tournament, Honduras struggled through a weak qualification. Congratulations on them making it to the finals, but don’t expect it to be a happy stay. They’re likely to be nothing more than making up the numbers. The attacking players both Spain and Chile possess are going to enjoy facing the Honduras defence. Their own attack doesn’t land much of a punch either.

One talented player in the squad is Wilson Palacios. He’ll battle in midfield for them, breaking up attacks. But the Spurs midfielder won’t be able to do it all on his own and will be overrun. They’ll put numbers behind the ball, but eventually they’ll be broken down. And after the first goes in, there’s no saying how many more will follow. Honduras do have the highest international goalscorer competing in the 2010 World Cup in Carlos Pavon. At 36 and playing in his first World Cup, it’s questionable if he or his country will make it on the scoresheet.

Value Bets

Spain to score most goals at World Cup 7/2
Spain to be top European team 12/5
Honduras to finish with 0 points 12/5

Brazil

The last World Cup ended a streak of three successive finals for Brazil. This time, coach Carlos Dunga has put together a unit and not a collection of individuals as has been the case in the past. For a change they also have a top goalkeeper and a solid defence. Going forward, they remain skilful and a threat to every defence they come up against.

In goal is Inter Milan’s Julio Cesar. A great shot stopper, has been vulnerable to crosses in the past, but he looked comfortable for Inter last season. In front of him are club and country team mates Maicon and Lucio. Two of the best in their position, who both support the attack. The disadvantage of that is getting caught out on the counter attack. But with the likes of Juan and Gilberto Silva in the team, there’s protection against that. Going forward, I’m expecting Robinho to have a great World Cup. A disappointing season with Manchester City saw him loaned back to Santos. The winger has talent and is passionate playing for his country. His blistering pace and trickery will hurt a number of defences in this tournament. Alongside him is the creative Kaka. Sometimes it feels like it’s impossible to stop him, when he’s at his best. Brazil simply do not lose when he’s in the team either. He can open up defences and create chances for the in-form Luis Fabiano, and with his clinical finishing Brazil are a major contender for their sixth World Cup.

North Korea

A tough draw for a nation making only their second World Cup appearance. Back in 1966, they caused a shock against Italy, before racing into a 3-0 lead against Portugal in the quarter final, only to lose 5-3. Think of the in-play betting opportunities this time around! With some of the powerful and skilful attacking players they face in each of their group stage games, it could be a long tournament for Kim Jong-Hun’s men.

Jong Tae-Se is the man who a lot of journalists are claiming to be North Korea’s main hope. The striker has an impressive international record at first sight. But none of his goals have come against major nations, so playing the likes of Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal will be a test for him. This nation will be well-organised and hard working I expect, but to get out of this group is asking a lot.

Ivory Coast

A disappointing debut tournament in 2006 saw Ivory Coast eliminated at the group stage. There’s a sense of optimism around once again for this nation as we get closer to the start of the World Cup. Perennial quarter finalist Sven-Goran Eriksson is in charge now, but with little time in the job. Can the former England manager make it past the group stage, despite being distracted by domestic managerial vacancies such as at Liverpool?

Didier Drogba’s broken arm remains a concern, despite the captain and Premier League Golden Boot winner expecting to be ready in time. There’s no doubt he should be their key man this summer. But he needs the support. Salomon Kalou and Gervinho may be able to provide that but there looks like a distinct lack of creativity in their midfield. The defence doesn’t look strong on paper either with Kolo Toure not the player he once was, and goalkeeper Boubacar Barry being a liability. Brazil might be able to run riot on this defence is Sven doesn’t get it right.

Portugal

A struggle through qualification that saw Portugal needing to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff match to make the finals. Coach Carlos Queiroz wasn’t the right man for Real Madrid and doesn’t look good enough for international management either. With the Ivory Coast and North Korea in this group there’s a chance of progressing to the knock out stages, but how much faith do you have in their coach?

Nani’s absense is a massive blow believe me. Will Cristiano Ronaldo deliver his magic? Or will he be a frustrated little boy, waiting to cry when he’s team are eliminated? Jose Bosingwa’s injury leaves Paulo Ferreira in at right back. If the referee’s have a good eye and are strict, Portugal’s defence are in trouble. Pepe’s now playing a centre midfield role, and remains dangerous from set pieces. Deco is here to give one last hurrah after a disappointing time with Chelsea. Simao has never impressed me, and one thing Portugal have never had since Eusebio is a goalscoring striker. Can Liedson change all that? I have my doubts.

Value Bets

Brazil to win Group G 4/7
Brazil to win World Cup 9/2
Brazil to finish on 9 points 5/2

Italy

An experienced side, with 9 of the 2006 winning squad returning, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and captain Fabio Cannavaro. Marcello Lippi has done it before so he can have every reason to believe he can do it again. Italy had their breaks in 2006, but to do it again would likely see them needing to beat Brazil and Spain at some point. Not going to happen.

Gianluigi Buffon remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. In front of him is an ageing Fabio Cannavaro, whom despite all his experience and expertise will get caught out for pace in a one-on-one situation if he faces that in 2010. Gino Gattuso is likely to remain in the first team despite not being a regular for AC Milan this season. Andrea Pirlo remains a doubt with a calf injury. Without him there is a distinct lack of creativity in the midfield after Marcello Lippi overlooked Francesco Totti. Up front they have a hit man in Alberto Gilardino who is looking to outdo Luca Toni’s 2 goals in the last tournament that made him joint-Italy top scorer. A good tournament here could spark a big summer move for the Fiorentina striker. The Italians will be relying on his goals, a solid defence and a few more controversial decisions if they’re to progress deep this year.

Paraguay

Featuring in a fourth consecutive World Cup and coming off a third place finish in qualification with their highest-points tally, some people are expecting Paraguay to cause a surprise at this tournament. Back to reality, Paraguay have weaknesses to argue against them going far in this tournament, although a second round spot is well within range.

Paraguay have a good strike force to choose from, with Oscar Cardozo, Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez and new boy on the blocks, Lucas Barrios all giving coach Gerardo Martino a selection headache. The good kind of headache. Gone are the days of Jose Luis Chilavert in goal, but Justo Villar is hoping it’s third time lucky for the short shot stopper, having been backup in 2002 and injured in his first game in 2006. Julio Cesar Caceres is the best defender, with excellent timing of his challenges one of his main assets. Played in two previous World Cups, he is one of the many experienced defenders in Paraguay’s team this year. If the uncreative midfield can supply the talented bunch of strikers they have, Paraguay should be looking to progress from the group stage for the fourth time in their last five World Cups.

Slovakia

Qualifying for their first World Cup as an independent nation, Slovakia look to be competing with Paraguay for second spot this year. There’s a few talented players in this squad looking to impress big European sides for a potential summer move. Few household names, but that doesn’t harm them from progressing or proving anyone wrong.

This nation has the father-son factor of Vladimir Weiss and Vladimir Weiss. The former is the manager and the latter is the player. Weiss, whom Manchester City fans got to see for a few minutes last season, and Bolton for a handful of games has blistering pace down the wing and is a player of much potential. He plays in midfield with 22-year old captain Marek Hamsik, forming the strongest part of Slovakia’s midfield and one that can be around for a few future tournaments. Up front they have Stanislav Sestak who offers good finishing ability, despite only finally coming good at national level in qualifying. Defensively Martin Skrtel offers a one man wall but will need help from his teammates to keep out the likes of Italy and Paraguay in this group.

New Zealand

Contenders for the whipping boys in the tournament, New Zealand may be spared their blushes with Honduras facing a couple of bigger goal threats in their group. Great performance to get here, but the likes of Croatia and Russia may not enjoy seeing New Zealand making up the numbers back home.

The nation is buzzing back home and football and the quality of facilities back home is on the way up. As for them competing serious in this competition, I have my doubts. They looked woeful in the 2009 Confederations Cup. In Ryan Nelson they have a solid defender at the back. He plays alongside a number of players who still play in the weaker football leagues, such as New Zealand and Australia. West Brom’s teen Chris Wood, Middlesbrough’s Chris Killen, Ipswich’s Tommy Smith and Plymouth’s Rory Fallon may be known to some, but this team enters the World Cup fairly unknown looking to earn respects from football fans and writers such as myself

Value Bets

Alberto Gilardino to be Italy’s top goalscorer 3/1
New Zealand to finish with 0 points 5/4
Lucas Barrios to be Paraguay’s top scorer 4/1

Netherlands

Eight wins from eight in qualifying, albeit against Norway, Scotland, Macedonia and Iceland. Netherlands enter the World Cup off the back of an impressive qualifying campaign and impressive friendly results before the finals begin.

If Arjen Robben fully recovers and Robin van Persie stays fit, those two and Wesley Sneijder give the Netherlands one of the best attacking trios in the competition. They will certainly put fear into most defences they come up against in this year’s competition. The Netherlands defence conceded just two goals in qualifying, but question marks remain over first choice goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. The defence in front of him isn’t secure either and the better teams will find a way past them. Their oldest player also happens to be their most inexperienced at international level. FC Twente goalkeeper Sander Boschker enters this tournament on just one cap. There is plenty of experience elsewhere in the team, with the likes of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Mark van Bommel, Andre Ooijer and Dirk Kuyt all likely to feature. The Netherlands looked terrific in the group stages of Euro 2008, winning 3/3 in a group that contained Italy, France and Romania. But they underperformed in the first knockout stage, losing to Russia in extra time. They went out at the first knockout round of the last World Cup too, losing to Portugal. Will the same pattern continue for the Dutch in South Africa?

Japan

Coach Takeshi Okada is looking to put the bad memories of World Cup 98 behind him with an improved performance from his nation this time around. Back in 1998, Japan were beaten late by both Argentina and Croatia to eliminate Japan from the competition, before they lost their final game… 2-1 to Jamaica.

This Japan team appears to be organised, and as in 1998 they will be looking to keep goals against to a minimum. An organised defence is in place, but they look beatable from set pieces. They do possess a good threat at attacking set pieces, Shunsuke Nakamura, Yasuhito Endo and Keisuke Honda all good takers. Defender Tulio a good target and recipient of them. This is an experienced unit and a talented one too. They’ll need to get points against both Denmark and Cameroon to get out of the group though, and Japan have never won a World Cup game outside of their own country.

Denmark

Denmark have never managed to put together a competitive team since Euro 1992. The nation certainly hasn’t produced the likes of Peter Schmeichel and Michael Laudrup since. Qualifying from a group that included Sweden and Portugal was impressive, but the Danish will now be wanting to progress from their tough group at the finals. Interesting, in all three previous tournaments they have qualified, the Danish have made it past the group stage every time.

In goal is the reliable Thomas Sorensen whom they’ll be able to rely calling upon in this tournament. In front of them there’s a pretty solid defence if Palermo’s Simon Kjaer is fully fit. He will play alongside Daniel Agger, with both capable of holding out top strikers. Adding the defensive line in front of the Danish back four in previous tournaments has been tough players like Stig Tofting and Thomas Gravesen. This year it will be Juventus’ long blonde haired midfielder Christian Poulsen. The wingers are all ageing which leaves question as to weather the team can create enough chances for Nicklas Bendtner, given the number of chances he needed for Arsenal per game this season to come close to scoring. Top scorer in qualifying, Soren Larsen is coming off an injury-hit season, so concerns over his fitness remain.

Cameroon

Samuel Eto’o's frustration, perhaps boiled over from a disappointing African Cup of Nations continued by being red carded in a friendly with Portugal in the lead up to the World Cup. That means Africa’s most decorated footballer misses Cameroon’s opening match with Japan which is a very important game in regards to progression from the group. A nation that has relied on power in previous competitions, they are no different this time around.

Cameroon offer very little creativity on the pitch, which makes you ask who is going to create goalscoring opportunities for Eto’o. Both Eto’o and Pierre Webo can score goals, with their feat and head if given the opportunities. Failure to do so and look out for Eto’o's frustration to boil over. There are a lot of tough tackling players in this team, most notably Binya and Andre Bikey. Cameroon need to remain disciplined in their challenges if they want to compete in this group. Rigobert Song is selected for his fourth World Cup as he puts himself in contention for being the first player to be sent off in three World Cups.

Value Bets

Netherlands to win Group E 4/7
Robin van Persie to win Golden Shoe 12/1
Team Top Goalscorer: Robin van Persie 7/4

Germany

Philipp Lahm has stepped us in the role as captain for Germany following Michael Ballack’s injury in the FA Cup final that ruled him out of playing in his fourth World Cup. Lahm lead by example in a 3-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina recently, by scoring a powerful shot from outside the area to draw the sides level at the time. Joachim Low has selected a whole squad of domestically based players.

The winning mentality that German footballers possess means you cannot write this nation off. Even without Michael Ballack they’re not to be written off. Manuel Neuer looks set to take the responsibility of being the number 1 choice goalkeeper in this tournament. In front of him is the experience of Lahm, Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker. Bayern Munich’s Holger Badstuber will be looking to play left back too off the back of his debut season. Germany have a number of good youngsters pushing for appearances in this summers World Cup, including Manchester City target Jerome Boateng. The best of them include Mesut Ozil, Marko Marin and Thomas Müller. All of them are good shouts for the Young Player of the Tournament award!  They are some of what are a part of the great future ahead for Germany.  Miroslav Klose has scored 5 goals in each of his previous two World Cup’s. He is expected to start for Low’s Germany side, despite a bad season domestically. Mario Gomez has never impressed me at this level, but one player Germany should be able to rely on for goals is Lukas Podolski. Germany are a stronger team this year than many people give them credit for.

Serbia

Looking for a better performance than in 2006 as Serbia and Montenegro where they were eliminated at the group stage with 0 points, conceding 10 goals. They entered that tournament with high hopes having conceded 1 goal in qualification. This time they qualified automatically having finished above France in their European qualification group. There is a lot of talent within the squad.

Nemanja Vidic is at the heart of their defence that also contains Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic. Their biggest concern defensively will be their eccentric goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. He is sure to entertain some viewers this summer. Their midfielder is full of excitement. The talented Dejan Stankovic is playing in his third World Cup (each for different nations) and will be used for his creativity and long range shooting ability from the centre of midfield. Wolves playmaker Nenad Milijas could also start in midfield along with the talented Milos Krasic. Manchester United fans may be hoping to get a look at Zoran Tosic this summer who makes the squad. As long as they don’t implode, Serbia have the ability to cause a surprise this summer.

Ghana

Looking solid in defence, the Ghana squad need to find a way to score goals if they’re to progress from this group. The loss of Michael Essien is a big blow in their midfield. A gap too big to cover, Germany and Serbia’s central midifled should have more freedom playing through the middle against Ghana.

Ghana’s young defence performed very well at the African Cup of Nations at the beginning of the year. The same cannot be said of their attack that scored just 4 goals in 5 games. Sulley Muntari is their biggest attack from midfield with a good long shot on him, provided he can adjust to the new, heavily-criticised ball. Asamoah Gyan is a talented striker, but inconsistent. They could do with him finding some form in the group stage at least if they want to progress.

Australia

Renowned for their team spirit, Australia face a tough task of matching their performance of the last World Cup where they reached the second round. Whether they lack the talent or not to progress, they will give their best efforts. They’ve put up good performances in friendlies recently, but picking up points in two or more games in this group looks beyond them.

In Mark Schwarzer they have one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League keeping guard for them. Despite a 60 game season he’s still going to be up for the World Cup for which, at 37 is almost-certain to be his last. He’s going to be busy this summer too with a weak defence in front of him that includes the unattached Craig Moore and the tough-tackling Lucas Neill. Luke Wilkshire was an underrated player in England, now playing at full back. Tim Cahill is likely to be their most prominent player in the World Cup. A goalscoring midfielder, he poses a big threat from set pieces. Mark Bresciano and Harry Kewell are the only other household names in a squad that is likely to lack a punch up front and frailties at the back. I don’t expect Australia to be the worst nation at this year’s tournament, but they’re not going to do very well.

Value Bets

Germany to win Group D 10/11
Germany to reach quarter finals 4/5
Tim Cahill to be Australia’s top goalscorer 4/1

England

An injury to captain Rio Ferdinand in practice before the tournament has already began forced manager Fabio Capello into making changes before the tournament has even kicked off. Always amongst the favourites, England stormed through qualifying, but seem to have hit a stumbling block with the loss of form to several players towards the end of the season, as well as fitness concerns to Wayne Rooney and Gareth Barry.

Steven Gerrard has taken over the captaincy, while Jamie Carragher, Ledley King, Matthew Upson and Michael Dawson are competing to partner John Terry at the back. The first choice goalkeeper has been up in debate, with Joe Hart being the most consistent of the three in the Premier League this season. Defensively, Glen Johnson has been a liability for both club and country this season, although does offer a threat down the right wing. On the opposite flank, should Steven Gerrard play on the left of midfield, expect opponents to create lots of chances from the right wing, with Gerrard and Ashley Cole getting caught out of position. Going forward, Frank Lampard will offer a good threat, while the attention will mainly focus around Wayne Rooney. Peter Crouch has a good record for England, especially as a starter. He faces competition from Joe Cole, Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe to partner Rooney up front.

Slovenia

A hard-working nation, Slovenia are qualifying for their second World Cup. For a nation of just two million people, they can be proud of their achievements so far. Not here to make up the numbers, Slovenia will be looking for their first points in the World Cup, having lost all three games in their only previous appearance (2002).

Their most experienced player and captain is former West Bromwich midfielder Robert Koren who is coming off a promotion season at domestic level. He will be looking to be the playmaker in midfielder, using their pacey winger Andraz Kirm as an outlet. There are few household names in this squad, who play all over Europe, but that will help towards throwing a surprise on teams.

Algeria

African Cup of Nations semi finalists, Algeria have since had a number of fitness worries over key players. They reached the finals after a two-legged victory over bitter rivals Egypt in a bitter match. They’ve got spirit, but spirit isn’t enough to get you far at this level. Their defence needs to be strong against the likes of England and USA if they want to pick up similar results to 1982 when they beat West Germany 2-1.

Rangers’ centre back Madjid Bougherra is one of several players who hasn’t played much competitive football in 2010. Whether that leaves him fresh or unfit remains to be seen, but I would doubt the nation’s chances to progressing with the number of players in similar scenarios. Nadir Belhadj offers pace down the left flank which offers Algeria an extra attacking threat. His strong tackling team mate of last season at Portsmouth, Hassan Yebda will be looking to protect the defence if he starts. Karim Ziani, formelly of Marseille may be the star of the team in midfield and it’s the experienced Rafik Saifi they will be looking to for goals, because none of the other strikers taken have found the target very often at international level. Coach Rabah Saadane has selected a number of inexperienced players too.

USA

Starting on Saturday against England, their opening game offers USA a chance to cause an upset and record one of their best ever international results. It’s likely to be one of the most-watched matches too. The Americans always carry self-belief which will work in their favour against the English, who don’t have the leadership qualities of David Beckham in this match.

The provider of several good goalkeepers in the English Premier League over the years, it’s Tim Howard who will be looking to keep England out in their opening game. The Everton goalkeeper is regarded as one of the best in the Premier League, but has a weaker defence protecting him at international level. Does coach Bob Bradley really believe the likes of Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit and Carlos Bocanegra will be able to keep Wayne Rooney and co at bay. He will be hoping for an inspired performance from Tim Howard. After their opening game, regardless of the result, the USA will be looking for victories over Slovenia and Algeria to see them progress from the group. They have Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan in midfield to create chances both for themselves and strikers such as Jose Altidore.

Value Bets
USA to Qualify 4/6
England to be eliminated on penalties 9/2
England to reach Quarter finals 1/2

Argentina

A nation that has produced many great players over the years, Argentina look set to start the World Cup as joint-third favourites with England. Great players don’t make great managers is a famous saying in this country. Diego Maradona is no exception to the rule. The eccentric 1986 World Cup winning captain struggled to qualify for this tournament, but rewarded their saviour Martin Palermo, 36 with a place in his final 23 man squad.

Argentina have a lot of talent in attack, with Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, Sergio Aguero to name but a few. Defensively and tactically is where they are likely to be caught out. There’s no Esteban Cambiasso to protect the back four, and the experience and leadership qualities of Javier Zanetti have not been taken along either. Added problems in defence is the lack of experience in goal; the 3 goalkeepers have just 12 caps between them. AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Sergio Romero leads the way with 5. Indiscipline may be another factor in Argentina’s elimination from the tournament. Expect a physical game between them and Nigeria, while both Greece and South Korea will look to their tactical expertise to beat Argentina. When you have players like Messi and Milito, you have players who can win you a match out of nothing. For that reason, Argentina should be assured of progression from the group. After that Diego Maradona will be out of his depth.

South Korea

There’s a number of ageing players continuing on from their success in 2002. But 8 years down the line they may have past their peak. A good record in qualification through the years, South Korea will be looking to progress from the group stage outside of their own country for the first time.

37 year old shot stopper Lee Woon-Jae enters the tournament with 130 caps to his name. Kim Nam-Il, Park Ji-Sung, Ahn Jung-Hwan, Lee Young-Pyo and Cha Du-Ri are all familiar names from 2002, all selected in Huh Jung-Moo’s squad in 2010. With slick movement in attack, one thing this nation lacks is a rock at the heart of their defence. The Greeks will enjoy both playing long balls against this defence, while favouring their chances at set pieces. Group B is a tough ask for South Korea to qualify from.

Nigeria

Fortunate to make the African Nations semi final at the start of the year, coach Shaibu Amodu was booted out for the second time just before a World Cup. In comes Swedish coach Lars Lagerback to coach some discipline into the side. They have a solid defensive unit, but the Swede needs to find goals from this team if they want to make it out of the group stage.

Kanu is selected up front once again despite a lack of goals since leaving Ajax more than a decade ago. His lack of closing down up front shouldn’t be the biggest issue for Nigeria, but they need a goalscorer up front, with their midfield lacking goals and creativity. Yakubu isn’t coming off a goalscoring season with Everton, Obafemi Martins only played half a season at Wolfsburg, so Lagerback’s best choice up front could be Lokomotiv Moscow’s Peter Odemwingie. Joseph Yobo and Danny Shittu may struggle against the pacey and flair players Argentina and South Korea throw at them, but no one should beat Nigeria in a physical game in this group.

Greece

Another ageing squad with a number of Euro 2004 champions included. However, none of them are goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis. They won’t win any fans over for their football this summer and qualifying from Group B is a tough ask for the nation that has qualified for its first World Cup since 1994.

One player included this squad is 31 year old Sakis Prittas who has yet to make his international debut. Greece are a squad of tall, muscular players who play effective football that isn’t pretty on the eye. Their main problems are coming from behind in games and how to score goals against sides who can compete physically and in the air with them. There quite literally isn’t a plan B for Otto Rehhagel’s side.

Value Bets

Nigeria to Qualify 21/20
Nigeria Top African Team 4/1

South Africa

The home field advantage is with South Africa in this tournament. Whether it can be as favourable as it was to one of the hosts in 2002 remains to be seen. No hosts have ever failed to make it out of the opening group stage. South Africa are fighting with their backs against the wall to continue that record, as they are odds-against to finish in the top 2 places in Group A.

A intimidatory, noisy 95,000-seater Soccer City will play in their favour, but they don’t come here with the strongest squad on paper. Ranked only higher than North Korea of all competing nations, an experienced coach in Carlos Alberto Parreira made a good decision to cut an overweight Benni McCarthy from his final 23-man squad.

Itumeleng Khune has been touted as a goalkeeper with potential. Their first choice goalkeeper in the 2009 Confederations Cup, now aged 22 he can kick-start his career with a solid performance at the World Cup. Defensively they will be looking towards the experience of captain Aaron Mokoena, who has 100 international caps. Whether he can keep this defence in place when they face the likes of Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Carlos Vela remains to be seen. Going forward, Steven Pienaar is their most technically gifted player in midfield. He has some physical presence playing around him, but the hosts will be relying on him to create goalscoring chances for their strikers. It’s Dutch Eredivisie winner, Bernard Parker whom he’ll be looking to feed. The FA Twente striker should play alongside Katlego Mphela, although he’s been out of form in 2010.

Mexico

Heading into the World Cup fully prepared having played a dozen friendlies since February. They were unbeaten and with a solid defence until England put 3 past them at Wembley at the end of May. That was followed by a defeat to the Netherlands which suggested this Mexican team is still incapable of beating the big boys. However, they were friendlies, and they did finish their fixture of friendlies with a 2-1 win over Italy in Brussels this evening.

The Mexicans can be a rough bunch. They foul often, and break up several counter attacks by fouling early. You may recall back in 2002, 2-0 down to USA in the second round they decided to repeatedly stamp on Cobi Jones as he held the ball up near the corner flag. Javier Aguirre was their head coach then too. They don’t take defeat well. But when they’re not losing, they’ve got players that can hurt you in other ways. They offer pace on the counter attack, except for 37 year old Cuauhtemoc Blanco. The oldest outfield player going to the World Cup, he may still offer his bunny hop trick, but he’s unlikely to play a full 90 minutes in any game. Likely to be used as a desperate substitution if/when they’re behind. Carlos Vela hasn’t hit the heights at Arsenal, but he’s got a chance to prove himself on the world stage here. And with nifty runs behind the defence, if he team mates can slide the ball through to him, he’s going to have several chances in this tournament. Their two biggest games come against Uruguay and France, but they need to get something from their opening game with the hosts if they’re to progress.

Uruguay

An inconsistent team, Uruguay are both capable of picking up surprise results and then throwing points away unexpectedly. For a long run in this competition, they need to find some consistency out of the blue. Two players in their team that have been consistent, at domestic level at least are the two front men.

Since leaving Manchester United, Diego Forlan has been a star in Spain. He’ll be partnered up front by Ajax’s Luis Suarez, off the back of a 43-goal season in the Netherlands. His team mate for both club and country, Nicolas Lodeiro enters the tournament with just 3 caps to his name, could make a name for himself this summer. A speedy midfielder who possesses close control dribbling at pace will be looking to take opponents on to create goalscoring opportunities for him team mates. Defensively they look a bit fragile and their 3 goalkeepers have just 17 caps between them. Inexperienced.

France

Despite being favourites to win Group A, the French roll into this tournament expected to be one of the biggest flops. Will they even make it out of the group? Raymond Domenech has several world class players in his team, but hasn’t moulded them together well. Narrowly qualifying for the World Cup, their results in friendlies leading up to the tournament won’t have struck fear into their opponents. Runners up four years ago, this team looks a lot short of what they did then.

Back in 2006 they were helped by Zinedine Zidane and Lilian Thuram coming out of retirement to help them qualify, and then they performance above expectations. The same result won’t reoccur this time. Firstly, because Zidane and Thuram remain retired. But because this team has lost faith in its coach and aren’t playing well as a team. The likes of Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka will try to drag them through the group stage. Hugo Lloris is tipped as a future star in goal. Will Thierry Henry give one last hurrah on the world stage? This France team is in for a disappointing summer.

Value Bets

Uruguay to beat France 16/5
Mexico to Qualify 1/1
Mexico to receive First Red Card 7/1

The Hosts

South Africa are the first African nation to host the World Cup as FIFA enhances Pele’s prediction of an African nation winning the World Cup before the year 2000 is only a decade out. The home continent advantage, where a country outside of the host continent has only won succeeded three times. Despite this, not many people are too optimistic an African team will lift the trophy this summer. Me being one of them. The bookmakers give the Ivory Coast as the best chance of an African nation winning the trophy and they’re 40/1.

The Favourites

Euro 2008 champions Spain come into the 2010 World Cup as 4/1 favourites. With a group they shouldn’t have any problems qualifying from as winners, with a likely matchup against either Portugal or the Ivory Coast in round two, Spain are likely to breeze through to the quarter finals in South Africa. They have one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament, and a very experienced one in Iker Casillas. A defence that is captained by the clever and successful Carles Puyol, former Manchester United target, Sergio Ramos and former United defender Gerard Pique, they will be looking to recreate a similar performance as in Euro 2008, where they conceded 0 goals in the knockout stages. One thing that helped them on their way to three successive clean sheets is a midfield that doesn’t give the ball away easily. Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso can all be talismen, and have the likes of Silva to create chances from the wing. Up front, two of the best strikers in the world; Euro 2008 Golden Boot winner David Villa, and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. Keeping these two off the scoresheet will be the toughest task for all of their opposition this summer. Winning the ball off the Spanish midfield is tough enough.

The Challengers

Brazil are second favourites, and coach Carlos Dunga caused a surprise when he named his preliminary 30 man squad by excluding AC Milan stars Ronaldinho and Pato. Their have been question marks as to whether Brazil will be able to win the World Cup in winter. For once though, Brazil enter the World Cup with a solid defence in place. The Inter Milan trio that triumphed over Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Julio Cesar, Maicon and Lucio are three of the best players in their positions. They are the building blocks of a good defence from which Carlos Dunga will build the rest around. In front of them we are likely to see Gilberto Silva start in the World Cup, having played in 16 of Brazil’s 18 qualifying games. He adds a bit of steal and defensive mentality in their midfield. Going forward, look out for the likes of Robinho, Kaka and Luis Fabiano to shine in South Africa. A pacey and skillful attack, most teams are going to struggle to keep out Brazil this summer.

England are third favourites for the World Cup on the basis that so many punters in this country have backed them. They should be amongst the top eight favourites, but not this high. Questions remain over who Fabio Capello will pick in goal, who will be supporting Wayne Rooney up front, why Jamie Carragher has been included in the squad and what the shape of the midfield will be. Despite an impressive qualifying campaign, England seem to have fallen apart in the build up to the tournament. The captaincy has even changed recently, following John Terry’s off the field dilemmas. Now in charge on the field is Rio Ferdinand who has played less than half a season at Manchester United due to injuries and even then has been a liability at times. Prior to that, England won 9 of their 10 qualifying games and were the highest scoring nation in qualifying, with 34 goals. If Rio Ferdinand can find his form of old, along with John Terry, England have a solid base from which they can build from. They are likely to be relying on Wayne Rooney this tournament though, and ultimately it looks set to end in heartbreak once more.

With an attack that includes Lionel Messi, Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, Argentina have become many favourites for this summer’s World Cup. Unfortunately, one person who’s lead role nearly cost Argentina from qualifying for only their second time, Diego Maradone is at the helms this summer. The 1986 World Cup winning captain struggled to get the best out of his nation in qualifying and only narrowly qualified. Lionel Messi has under-utilised in Maradona’s team; backed up by only scoring 4 goals in 18 qualifying games. That was more than can be said of Diego Milito, who failed to score in 6 brief appearances in qualifying. His goals that won Inter Milan Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Champions League were finally enough to squeeze him into Diego Maradona’s squad. Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain are other attacking players coming off great domestic seasons who are looking for places in the starting line up. There’s no doubt this team has attacking ability, but questions remain over their defence. Firstly, Esteban Cambiasso hasn’t been selected. Instead, the ageing Juan Sebastian Veron has been selected. They look weak at full back too and have no experienced goalkeepers in the squad. That could backfire.

The Netherlands’ odds have been shortening recently. Along with Spain, they boosted a 100% qualifying record for the 2010 World Cup and conceded a low 2 goals. One thing coach Bert van Marwijk hasn’t done very well is find a goalscorer. Dirk Kuyt and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar top scored in qualifying with 3 goals and neither are coming off the back of a good season domestically. Robin van Persie is fresh after been injured for most of the season and if he can return to his sharpness, they have a goal threat in the Arsenal hit man. They have a very creative midfield with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben being two of the biggest attacking threats in the squad. In a group with Denmark, Japan and Cameroon, they look set to make at least the knockout stages once again. Does this nation have enough to go all the way for the first time though? it’s questionable but not unthinkable.

Defending Champions Italy come into the World Cup as only sixth favourites in 2010. They have a strong defence as always, but question marks remain over the pace and age of them. Captain Fabio Cannavaro is 36 now and while his experience is second-to-none, pacey strikers can get in behind him if he doesn’t commit a foul. Italy have little creativity in midfield with Marcello Lippi leaving Francesco Totti out of the squad. Andrea Pirlo is there, but there’s little else to open up solid defences. Italy had 10 different goalscorers during their successful 2006 campaign, with Luca Toni and Marco Materazzi to score more than 1 (2 each). This year, Alberto Gilardino looks like the only player capable of scoring more than a pair in 2010. The Italians always do well, but this bunch is lacking a cutting edge up front to defend their trophy.

One nation that can never be written off at a major international tournament is Germany. I’m not one wanting to make that mistake this time either, but this German side looks very weak on paper. Hindered by the absence of injured captain Michael Ballack, some people are writing Germany off already. Miroslav Klose has grabbed 5 goals in each of his last two tournaments. Most of those goals came in the group stages, and this time he’s coming off a bad domestic season and doesn’t have the likes of Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica or Ecuador this time. Instead, Germany come up against a tough Serbian defence, Ghana and Australia. Lukas Podolski is coming off a poor domestic season also, but has scored 3 goals in each of the international competitions he has played in; the 2005 Confederations Cup, 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008. He has proven himself at interntional level, while Mario Gomez is still yet to do so. The expensive Bayern Munich striker failed to deliver the goods in Euro 2008 and didn’t score in any of his 10 qualifying games.

No Hope

France relied on the hand of Thierry Henry at the end of extra time in their playoff qualifying match with the Republic of Ireland to make it to the finals. The fans and the players have lost faith in coach Raymond Domenech based on his tactics and results. They have a highly rated goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris who could help them progress in this competition. While Franck Ribery is expected to be one of the stars. Will Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry be able to deliver the goals? Even ff France make it out of the group stage, I can’t see them going far.

Portugal remain one of the most overrated nations in world football, in my opinion at least. They come in at 3rd on FIFA’s world rankings have have arguably the greatest player in the world over the past 3 seasons in Cristiano Ronaldo. They lack a lot of what they need to go far in this tournament. Getting out of a group that includes Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea is a tough enough challenge for coach Carlos Queiroz. They struggled through their qualifying group and had to beat Bosnia & Herzegovina in a two-legged playoff match to make it this far. At one stage they drew three successive qualifying games 0-0, dropping points at home to Albania. They’re playing poorly under Carlos Queiroz, and with a tricky group and route to the final, they’re simply not going to get there.

Golden Shoe Candidates

The bookmakers have made David Villa the favourite to win the 2010 World Cup Golden Boot. It’s no surprise with the Barcelona hit man scoring freely at domestic level for nearly a decade. He was also the Golden Boot winner in Euro 2008, although all of his goals came in his first two matches; a hat trick against Russia and then a stoppage time winner against Sweden in Spain’s second game. He scored three goals at the past World Cup and was a prolific goalscorer in qualifying.

One player who didn’t fare too well in qualifying was Fernando Torres, who failed to score a single goal. He is coming off another injury-plagued season at Liverpool, but if he stays fit in this tournament he is bound to score. The Spaniard has pace, skills, positional sense and is a fine finisher with both his feet and head. All of this makes him one of the most feared strikers in the world and I cannot argue with that.

Lionel Messi’s odds cut hours after scoring four goals in a single Champions League match against Arsenal. Now the second favourite for the Golden Shoe, his skills and goalscoring ability are unquestionable. The biggest question remains whether Diego Maradona will play him in his preferred position for him to fire his way to the top of the Golden Shoe list. He did it successfully for Barcelona in both La Liga and the Champions League this season. Can he make it a hat trick by taking the World Cup Golden Shoe too?

Other Argentinians worth considering for the Golden Shoe are Diego Milito and Gonzalo Higuain. Milito showed this past season his ability to score goals, and score goals in big games. Real Madrid striker Higuain has had successful back-to-back seasons in La Liga, but only made appearances in two qualifying campaigns.

Wayne Rooney is coming off of a storming season in the Premier League. His goals dried up at the end of the season, as did Manchester United’s title and Champions League challenges as he suffered injuries. Having participated in England’s friendlies in the build up to the World Cup, he looks fit to go. He scored 9 goals in qualifying, although he failed to score at the last World Cup. Expected to carry his nation on his shoulders this summer, he is likely to be amongst the top scorers.

Luis Fabiano has vowed to score a goal for Brazil as he aims to help them lift the trophy for a sixth time, before they host the next tournament. The Sevilla hit man has scored 25 goals in 36 international appearances, including 5 in the 2004 Copa America, 5 at the 2009 Confederations Cup and 10 in qualifying. Being the main target in the Brazil helped Ronaldo score 8 times en route to success in 2002. Can Luis Fabiano recreate his success in 2010?

One other player fancied as an outsider for the Golden Shoe is Robin van Persie. The Netherlands striker is fresh having missed most of the domestic season with Arsenal through injury, but is set to be the Netherlands’ best goal threat. If they leave him in charge of their set pieces too, the left-footed Gunner could surprise a few this summer. He will come up against stern defences in Denmark and Japan in the group stage though.

Top Ten Value World Cup Bets

1. England to be eliminated on penalties 9/2
2. Cristiano Ronaldo not to score at the World Cup 5/2
3. Spain to be the highest-scoring nation 7/2
4. Spain to win the World Cup 4/1
5. England to finish on 7 points in the Group Stage 2/1
6. David Villa to be Top Goalscorer 9/1
7. New Zealand to be lowest scoring team 9/2
8. The Netherlands to keep most clean sheets 12/1
9. Uruguay to win Group A 7/2
10. Tim Cahill to be Australia’s Top Goalscorer 3/1

World Cup Trivia

Algeria: Zinedine Zidane’s parents were Algerian
Argentina: The first nation to fail to score in a World Cup final (losing 1-0 to West Germany in 1990).
Australia: Archie Thompson scored a record 13 goals in one game as Australia beat American Samoa a record 31-0 in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup
Brazil: Have scored the most goals in the history of the World Cup (201)
Cameroon: Rigobert Song was the first player to be sent off in two different World Cups (1994 & 1998)
Chile: Goalkeeper Roberto Rojas was banned for life (later reduced to 12 years) after he famously self-inflicted a cut on his head to get their match with Brazil postponed at 1-0 down in 1989, claiming to be struck by a firework
Denmark: Having initially failed to qualify for Euro 1992, the Danes were handed an entry after Yugoslavia’s expulsion. The rest is history
England: Have kept clean sheets in 2 out of 3 group stage games in every tournament they have qualified for since 1996.
France: Just Fontaine holds the record for most goals in a single tournament: 13 in 1958
Germany: The only nation to have won the World Cup as European Champions
Ghana: Abedi Pele was one of the first great African players to make an impact in European football. He believes an African team will win this year’s World Cup.
Greece: Have never scored at a World Cup
Honduras: Riots following a loss in qualifying for the 1970 World Cup sparked a six day war against El Salvador.
Italy: Paolo Maldini holds the record for the most minutes played in World Cup finals (2,217 between 1990 and 2002).
Ivory Coast: The only nation to have scored in every one of their World Cup matches
Japan: The first nation to qualify for the 2010 World Cup
Mexico: Have qualified for the World Cup the most times without winning the trophy (14)
Netherlands: One of three nations to have made 2 World Cup finals but never win (Czechoslovakia and Hungary are the other two)
New Zealand: Lost all 3 matches at their only previous World Cup (1982)
Nigeria: Shaibu Amodu has been the manager of Nigeria on four separate occasions. He has been sacked twice prior to the World Cup, the latest in February 2010. He has never coached at a World Cup
North Korea: Made the quarter finals at the only other previous World Cup they qualified for (1966)
Paraguay: No goalkeeper has scored more goals at international level than Jose Luis Chilavert (8)
Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score in qualifying
Serbia: Dejan Stankovic will be playing in his third World Cup, each time with a different nation. In 1998 he represented Yugoslavia and in 2006 he played for Serbia & Montenegro
Slovakia: Making their World Cup debut in 2010
Slovenia: Have never won a single game at a major international tournament
South Africa: Won the African Cup of Nations for the only time, as hosts (1996)
South Korea: Conceded a record 16 goals in one competition, in 1954, playing just 2 games
Spain: The only nation to have qualified with a 100% win record having played at least 10 games
Switzerland: Johan Vonlanthen is the youngest-ever goalscorer at a European Championships
Uruguay: Alcides Ghiggia became the first player to score in every match at a World Cup in 1950
USA: Finished 3rd place in the inaugural World Cup