World Cup 2010: Four Favorites to Win It All

The World Cup is the preeminent sporting event in the world; it’s safe to say that there is nothing else quite like it. Many of the world’s greatest players will be on display in South Africa trying to bring glory to their people and to their nation as they all vie to be crowned as the best soccer nation in the world. SwipeLife takes a closer look at our four favorite teams to win it all.

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Argentina

Every time the World Cup rolls around, Argentina is mentioned among the favorites to win it all, but with a more than unconvincing qualifying campaign La Albiceleste have to prove their worth during this years tournament

Player to watch

Lionel Messi is hailed as the best player in the world, and deservedly so, after leading Barcelona to a historic treble and being crowned FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009. Messi is indeed a special talent, able to single handedly take over a match, but he has failed to produce the same magical performances for his country as he has for Barcelona. Many point to the fact that at Barcelona, Messi plays along side two world-class midfielders in Xavi and Andres Iniesta and he lacks the same kind of quality distributor on the Argentine squad.

Weakness

Maradona’s tactical formations which have been widely criticized for decreasing Messi’s touches on the ball will need to be fine tuned before the tournament, if not it could turn out to be a disappointing campaign for one of the most powerful and storied soccer nations in the tournament.

Individual greatness from players such as Aguero, Messi, and Rodriguez can only take them so far. Argentina needs to funnel their individual talent into fluid cohesiveness in order to find success in South Africa.

England

The Three Lions come into the tournament high on confidence after an impressive qualifying campaign that saw them finish first in their group while compiling convincing victories over their opposition. Hopes are always high in England when the World Cup rolls around and especially for this tournament as they send a well-coached, highly talented squad to South Africa.

Player to Watch

You can say that the 2009 – 2010 season was Wayne Rooney’s coming out party. He put forth impressive campaigns for both club and country and was named the FA Player of the Year. Rooney is much more than a goal scorer, he can distribute the ball, track back to play defense when needed, and give his team an added touch of toughness; he is truly an all around talent.

Weakness

England’s biggest concern going into the tournament will be their back line, which is short of many of their first choice defensemen; namely captain Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown. Ledley King is also a defensive concern, having several knee issues over the past few seasons.

England has a quality side stacked with speed, talent, and experienced players who should be able to take the squad deep into the tournament. The key to England’s success will rest on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney and the ability of their defenders to stay healthy.

Spain

It is safe to say that Spain have never entered a World Cup with this type of team or this kind of hype. The team and their fans expect them to lift the cup at the end of the tournament, anything less will be considered a complete failure.

Player to Watch

Xavi is not an imposing figure, he only stands 5’7 but he is a giant in the midfield that keeps this well-oiled machine moving. There is no other midfielder in the world like Xavi, except perhaps for his teammate Andres Iniesta, who can distribute the ball and give his forwards the best opportunities to score.

Weakness

Spain does not have any clear-cut weaknesses; head coach Vicente del Bosque’s only real problem is who to put out there as his starting XI.

Not only is Spain extremely talented, but they play as a team, passing the ball with absolute fluidity and efficiency. Keep an eye on Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta who are nursing injuries going into the tournament.

Brazil

You cannot talk about the World Cup without mentioning the five time champions. They enter this edition of the tournament with a mix of young and veteran players, noticeably absent from the squad is the ever present Ronaldinho, who many thought would be on the final 23 man roster.

Player to Watch

Robinho has the quality and creativity to change a match in an instant. His goal tally and appearances with club side Santos were unimpressive by his standards and the diminutive striker will look to prove his worth on the biggest stage.

Weakness

Brazil’s midfield will be a concern for Coach Dunga going into the tournament. Many of his first choice volantes like Kaka, Julio Baptista, Elano, and Gilberto Silva have not played well and some are getting over injuries. The lack of an in-form midfielder will hamper the sides ability to create opportunities for their strikers, Dunga might look to players like Ramires and Felipe Melo for some inspiration if his first choice players come out sluggish.

Even with the big question marks in the midfield, Brazil still possesses the type of talent that can contend for the cup. You can always expect beautiful football from the Samba Boys, we’ll see if they can put it all together and raise the cup for the sixth time come July 11th.