10 teams who can win the World Cup

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Portugal

Portugal's strength is on the wings, where they have one of the world's best players in Cristiano Ronaldo. The return of a healthy Pepe helps plug a hole, and Carvalho provides key defensive leadership. This is not a team without flaws, by any stretch. And with Brazil and Ivory Coast in their group, there's no guarantee Portugal makes it out of group play.

But the individual creativity in the midfield is undeniable for the Iberians, and no one will want to play them in the knockout round, knowing a few moments of brilliance from Ronaldo is all they need.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Ivory Coast

The key here, of course, is Didier Drogba's health. With just a week to go until Cote d'Ivoire's first game, it remains unclear whether the great striker will be able to play, and if he can, how effective he will be. With a healthy Drogba, the Ivorians are a threat to not only get out of the Group of Death, but to advance deep into the tournament. Without him, they will be hard-pressed to finish ahead of Portugal in the brutal Group D. Rarely in the history of this event have the hopes of one nation rested so squarely on one man.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

France

In terms of pure individual talent, there are few teams in the world that can match up with France. The squad has stars all over the pitch: Lloris in net, Evra on defense, Ribery and Gourcuff in the midfield, Anelka at striker. But this version of Les Bleus has problems.

France barely qualified for the World Cup, needing the referee to turn a blind eye on Thierry Henry's handball to help them squeak past Ireland. On Friday, the French lost to China, 1-0, in a warmup match. If the team can pull together as they have in World Cups past, there's no reason they can't make a deep run. If the trend that they started in qualifying continues, they won't make it out of an unpredictable Group A.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Italy

The defending World Cup champs have a real chance to repeat, but they'll have to hope experience counts as this version of the Azzurri is an aging bunch. Think about these players who are all over 30: Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Gattuso and Iaquinta. That's not to say those players are no longer world class; many of them still are.

But they may get worn down as the tournament goes on. If Italy is going to defend its title, they will need some of their younger stars to emerge on the international stage. We're talking about Chiellini, De Rossi, Gilardino and Pazzini. If that happens, we could be in for a repeat.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Germany

Perhaps because so many of their players are concentrated on just a few club teams, the Germans have an unparalleled ability to play together as a team. It's the classic case of the whole being greater than the sums of its parts. That's why the Germans are in a better position to handle key injuries than other nations.

Despite captain Michael Ballack and No. 1 'keeper Rene Adler being ruled out, Germany is still the favorite to top a highly competitive Group D. And there is still plenty of talent on the roster -- Lahm, Boateng, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Podolski, Klose, just to name a few. If Germany can win Group D, a possible Round of 16 matchup with the Americans awaits.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Argentina

The goal-scoring potential of this Argentina squad borders on being unfair. Messi, Higuain, Milito, Tevez, Aguero, di Maria. It's crazy. All six of these guys would start on practically any other team, but coach Diego Maradona will have to do some serious juggling to find playing time for all of them.

The biggest weakness for Los Albicelestes will be on the back line and in net. Inexperience on the international stage could lead to some sloppy goals allowed. That being said, a 4-3 win is still a win.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

England

England are strong, deep and experienced. If the country is going to win a World Cup in the next decade, this is the year.

Many of the Three Lions' best players (Lampard, Gerrard, Terry, both Coles) are in their prime, and the young players coming up behind them are not as talented. Wayne Rooney is the game-changer up top, and he will be the key for England. If he shows his midseason form from this past club year, England can hang with anyone. If he's in a rut, they could struggle to score.

The biggest questions will be in central defense, where Ledley King must try to replace injured captain Rio Ferdinad, and in net, where David James has the most experience, but he's also earned the nickname Calamity James. Rob Green could end up starting over James.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Netherlands

From the back line on up, Holland is as dangerous as any team in the tournament. Arjen Robben, if the leg injury he picked up last week isn't serious, is one of the most explosive players in the world off the right wing.

Wesley Sneijder is world class in the midfield, as is Rafael Van der Vaart. Van Bommel and Van Bronckhorst provide strength and leadership in their respective defensive roles, while Robin Van Persie has a nose for goal up top. There are two question marks.

The first is in net, where the Dutch will rely on Maarten Stekelenburg, since Edwin Van der Sar has retired from international play. The other is the intangibles. The Dutch always bring a strong squad to the World Cup, but they usually disappoint. Runners-up is as well they've ever done, and they haven't reached the finals in 32 years.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Brazil

Normally, Brazil has more playmakers than can take the field, but defense and 'keeper are question marks. Not this year. Julio Cesar (who, admittedly, has been battling a back injury) is the most in-form goalkeeper in the world, and Lucio and Maicon are the backbone of possibly the strongest defensive unit in the tournament (with a nod to Serbia as a fellow vote-getter).

The midfield and attacking corps will have their usual flair and creativity, with a supposedly healthy Kaka running the show in the middle. Title No. 6 is a very real possibility.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Spain

Spain is the most talented team in the world. That's just the way it is. Cesc Fabregas comes off the bench, for crying out loud.
There is not a single weakness in the squad. Iker Casillas in net is one of the world's three best 'keepers, maybe the best. Pique, Puyol and Sergio Ramos lead an incredibly stingy defense. Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Busquets are dynamic in the midfield.

Torres and Villa are electric playing off each other up top. If the team with the most talent wins, Spain will be hoisting its first ever World Cup trophy next month.

Systat · Jun 9, 2010

Ivory Coast, Portugal have no chance at all. Drogba or no Drogba, Ivory Coast has no depth. Portugal got really lucky to get there. Their best chance was Euro Championships a few years back and they missed that chance while playing at home. By the way, if it wasn't for Essien's injury, I'd say that Ghana was the best African team in this tournament. Without both Essien and Drogba these two teams are average and pretty even.

If you are looking for a dark horse to round up the 10-team list try Serbia, Denmark. Serbia's talent is just as good as any other team's talent in this world cup. Their coaching is superb. First time playing as an independent state, could repeat what Croatia did in their first appearance. Denmark always plays hard and can compete with anyone. I'd take Serbia and Denmark over Ivory Coast, Portugal, France and Argentina any time.

Argentina and France are playing bad football. You can have the best individual talent in the world but when your players don't play well together as a team you have no chance to go all the way.

Italy is too old, but just because they always exceed the expectations I would keep them on this list. Germany is gonna have a hard time getting out of their group but just because they are Germany, I would keep them on this list. The Dutch will probably look great in the group stage, like they always do, but as soon as they get to the next level they will go down.

England will be a disappointement. I really can't wait to see them implode in their group. Slovenia could surprise both England and USA. These guys play with great deal of pride. Just ask the Russians or anyone they played in qualifs.

The only real favorites are Spain and Brazil.

sharky99 · Jun 9, 2010

thx for posting, good info

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

Systat said:
Ivory Coast, Portugal have no chance at all. Drogba or no Drogba, Ivory Coast has no depth. Portugal got really lucky to get there. Their best chance was Euro Championships a few years back and they missed that chance while playing at home. By the way, if it wasn't for Essien's injury, I'd say that Ghana was the best African team in this tournament. Without both Essien and Drogba these two teams are average and pretty even.

If you are looking for a dark horse to round up the 10-team list try Serbia, Denmark. Serbia's talent is just as good as any other team's talent in this world cup. Their coaching is superb. First time playing as an independent state, could repeat what Croatia did in their first appearance. Denmark always plays hard and can compete with anyone. I'd take Serbia and Denmark over Ivory Coast, Portugal, France and Argentina any time.

Argentina and France are playing bad football. You can have the best individual talent in the world but when your players don't play well together as a team you have no chance to go all the way.

Italy is too old, but just because they always exceed the expectations I would keep them on this list. Germany is gonna have a hard time getting out of their group but just because they are Germany, I would keep them on this list. The Dutch will probably look great in the group stage, like they always do, but as soon as they get to the next level they will go down.

England will be a disappointement. I really can't wait to see them implode in their group. Slovenia could surprise both England and USA. These guys play with great deal of pride. Just ask the Russians or anyone they played in qualifs.

The only real favorites are Spain and Brazil.

So do you think Stankovic will Carry Serbia ??

I know they scored like the 5th most goals in Europe...

Systat · Jun 9, 2010

Their defense is good enough to limit the scoring opportunities. That's exactly what they did in qualifs. They missed Vidic, arguably one of the best defenders in the world in their frindlies against Poland and Cameroon. Actually, their defence is one of the best if not the best defense in this tournament. Vidic (Manchester United), Ivanovic (Chelsea), Lukovic (Udinese), Kolarov (Lazio), and Subotic (Borussia D.) are all big team starters and best defensive players in their respectable teams. They allowed only 8 goals in a competitive qualifs group and 2 of those 8 came in a meaningless game after they clinched their WC spot. They had 5 clean sheets in 10 qualifs games. Their friendlies include wins against South Africa, Ireland, S.Korea, Japan, Algeria, Poland, New Zealand and Cameroon and they scored 16 and allowed 5 goals, winning 6, losing 1 and also had one draw. They had 5 clean sheets in those 8 friendlies. They have 10 clean sheets in last 18 games played.

bigtendominator · Jun 9, 2010

I like Spain to win it all.

Brazil always has a chance, but I don't think they will be standing at the end. As for England, a team that always has talent, but never plays up to its talent. I really like them, but no way could I pick them to win it (since you USA will not be hoisting the cup, after we get bounced, I will be pulling for the red and white). The Dutch are like a Mercedes 230, yes it is a Mercedes, but the reality is it is a four-cylinder piece of junk. They have the flare, but no substance for an entire month. Italy defensively is always going to be in games and once you get into the knockout stage, Italy can play enough D to go to PKs and find a way to advance. Argentina has to be considered a threat, but again, their back line will get them sent back to Buenos Aires.

France, Portgual and Germany, thanks for coming to South Africa, hope you enjoyed your time, hope you do better in 2014. I do hope Portugal goes far, as I alwasy enjoy watching CR.

SportSavant · Jun 9, 2010

What I was expecting to see a Team USA on the list?

Systat · Jun 9, 2010

Why not Stankovic ? He is one of the most experienced players in 2010 WC. It's his third WC and he played as a starter in top Italian teams in last 12-13 years. Take a look at his national team games (friendlies and qualifs) and you will see a true leader. Players to watch: Krasic (CSKA), Jovanovic (Liverpool) and Lukovic (Udinese).

SportSavant · Jun 9, 2010

I was interested in taking USA in their first game which I beleive is against England.

The action is now sooner than ever..... Going to be a great way to fill some afternoons for sure.

Systat · Jun 9, 2010

Btw, my money will be on Slovenia + half goal against both England and USA. Their goalie is a real deal. Taugh as nails, great tactics and coaching.

Betallsports · Jun 9, 2010

You seem to know what you are talking about, and that refreshing :103631605

So I will ask since you stated that Denmark is a Darkhorse.

Do you think that Sorensen will be ready for the Opener ?? and what affect will a injury like he had...be at Goalkeeper ??