TEAMS
BRAZIL
Brazil have become a staple in world football for their familiar adventurous style of play. 'Samba style' has done well with them, and they are the most succesful of any nation on the international stage. With such creative flair as the unmistakeable Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robhino, as well as many others, they stand as one of the top attacking force in world football. Defensively, they can be shaky, and at times struggle to keep up with the pace of other teams which try to wear them out; for example, their loss to France in the World Cup 2006. In saying this, they are not without talent at the back, the towering Lucio commanding the defence, and with a lot of counterattacking ability in Alves. Brazil, compared to other nations like Spain, is not known for its goalkeeping quality.
- Champions:
-1958
-1962
-1970
-1994
-2002
- Runners Up:
-1950
-1998
Key man - Kaka
ENGLAND
England havn't had a taste of World Cup glory for over 50 years now, and to be truthful, they havn't looked capable of it in the past. However, in my personal opinion, this time they are differnet. They have a sharp strike force, no simply reliant on Rooney. The quality of Bent, Defoe and Agbonlahor should not be underestimated by other international teams. As usual, they possess a strong midfield, with Gerrard and Lampard centreing, and the return of a brief gasp of flair, Joe Cole. At the back, they are strong, though premiership defense has softened this season. John Terry is their numbero one defender, but the up and coming Micah Richards could blossom for the 2010 tournament. In terms of Goalkeepers, they look shaky. Their number one choice, Ben Foster, has seemed afwul in recent weeks, but theres a long time until the cup.
- Champions:
-1966
Key man - Gerrard
FRANCE
My beloved France have looked positively awful in recent Qualifiers, and it will be necessary for them to turn this around. They lack some depth up front, though Henry is still a great goal-scorer, and is backed up by Anelka and Benzema. In midfield, they will rely heavily on Ribery to champion the attack. However, without their legends of the past like Zidane, Trezeguet and Makalele, I have doubts as to how truelly they can compete in the coming tournament. Their Midfield still features some strength, with Toulalan anchoring defnsively and surrounded by a lot of attacking force, such as Malouda of Chelsea. They have excellent attacking options at the back in Clichy and the mighty Evra, whilst Gallas and Sagna will be holding down the fort. They have depth at goalkeeper, and to me it is likely Mandanda will have usurped the top spot by the start of the tournament.
- Champions:
-1998
- Runners Up:
-2006
Key man - Henry
CZECH REPUBLIC
I don't follow them enough to comment accurately, however feel free to summarise in your own posts if you have an opinion.
- Runners Up:
-1934
-1962
Key man - Cech
URUGUAY
Although the team hasn' enjoyed success in many years, firing captain/striker Diego Forlan could be the key to world cup glory next year. Folran has been in amazing form, finishing as La Liga's top goal scorer last season, ahead of the likes of Eto'o, Messi, Aguero and Henry. However, defensively, I don't think they have enough about them to compete against the world's top strikers, and their midfield lacks attacking prowess, although Eguren, recently moved to Villareal, is improving greatly.
- Champions:
-1930
-1950
Key man - Forlan
NETHERLANDS
The Flying Dutchmen find themselves without legendary Van Nistelrooy for the first time in many years. However, they don't suffer greatly as he was way past it any way:p The skill and quality of van Persie and Huntelaar more than makes up for his absence. They have some talent in midfield, with De Jong and the mighty Sneijder, as well as babel, appearing in the squad list. Although unfavoured conventiaonally, Heitinga, recently move to Everton, is improving greatly, and contributes a lot on both attack and defence from the back. I'm unconvinced Stekelenburg can cope with th quality of striker he will face in the world cup.
- Runners Up:
-1974
-1978
Key man - van Persie
SPAIN
Its amazing to think that Spain have achieved next to nothin on the great stage, despite the massive quality they possess. However, this year, they seem to me like real competitiors for the Cup. Their squad is simply magnificent, and has unbelievable depth. Torres and Villa up fornt is a fearsome comination, with Guiza to back up. Their midfield is sublime; a dream team. Xavi, fabregas, Iniesta, Silva. the lsit goes on. I don't like to think of what that attack can do to a backline when they start hitting their stride. At the back, they look a lot stronger than recent years, which is very good for them, as it has been an area where they have suffered historically. Puyol and Marchena are familiar faces, whilst the blossoming talents of ramos and Pique are looking phenomenal. Two of the best defenders in the world. As usual, they have the mighty Cassilas between the sticks, and more good goal keepers than you can care to think of.
No significant past placings.
Key man - Fabregas
ITALY
The champions themselves! Although they have a lot of good talent, they seem to be too old to compete, in my opinion. I'm sure they will go far, but I think the cup is out of their grasp. Gilardino and Di Natale will centre the attack, backed up msot likely by Iaquinta. The Italian talent definately lies in midfield, with l'Architecto, Pirlo, marshalling the troops. De Rossi is really the only up an coming real talent in the squad. I think they will tire throughout the tournament. The average age of their team is 29, dragged down by a couple of under 20's. If Cannavaro is still playing next world cup, their defense should be okay. Without him they will struggle. Luckily they have Buffon to keep them in it.
- Champions:
-1934
-1938
-1982
-2006
- Runners Up:
-1970
-1994
Key man - Pirlo
GERMANY
- Champions:
-1954
-1974
-1990
- Runners Up:
-1966
-1982
-1986
-2002
Key man - Schweinsteiger
ARGENTINA
- Champions:
-1978
-1986
- Runners Up:
-1930
-1990
Key man - Messi
SERBIA
No significant past places.
Key Man - Vidic
CROATIA
- 3rd Place:
-1998
Key man - Srna
PORTUGAL
- 3rd Place:
-1966
Key man - Ronaldo
RUSSIA
No significant past placing.
Key man - Arshavin
I will continue to fill out the team summarys when I cna be bothered
I apologise if your team has been omitted, as I could not do them all. Realisticly, I put in the teams I though had a chance, whilst I was accomodating with some teams who may do well but would not be expected to win. (If its any consolation, I didn't include New Zealand, either :p)