By Avik Chakravarty
For the next month, the entire soccer-watching world will cheer, cry, rejoice, and go crazy over 2010 FIFA World Cup.Thirty-two teams will arrive in South Africa and begin competing on June 11 for the privilege of being the World Cup Champions.
As always, certain countries dominate global football, and it will most likely be one of these nations that will be holding the cup on July 11.
This year, the big five are easily Argentina, Brazil, England, Italy, and Spain.
For Argentina, there is only one thing that needs to be said – Lionel Messi. Critics everywhere agree that Messi, the 5-foot-7, 22-year-old forward is the best technical player in the world.
Known as the “Little Magician,” Messi has an amazing record this season with his club, Barcelona. He has scored 30 goals in 34 games in La Liga, the Spanish Division 1 soccer league.
Brazil is the same story every time. Amazing offense, amazing defense, adequate midfield. With world renowned strikers like Kaká and Luis Fabiano, the national team proved so competitive this year that legends such as Ronaldinho didn’t even make the cut.
England has had 40 years of underachievement, and the fans infamous for their insanity and devotion are expecting something great this year.
Look out for 24-year-old sensation Wayne Rooney, the venomous striker from Manchester United.
Ranked as the third best player in the World Cup, he is sure to be securing a place for England past the group stage, especially against their age old offspring, the United States.
English midfielders Stephen Gerrard and Frank Lampard are individually two of the best ranged feet in the game, but their past performances together have been meager, to say the least.
Reigning World Cup champion Italy, with four titles to only trail Brazil, is as strong as ever. Known for their fluid ability to work the ball up and down the pitch as a team, they still have some players worth mentioning.
Most notably, Daniele De Rossi, the skilled midfielder who is said to be succeeding legend Francesco Totti, who will be looking to lead his nation to the cup again.
There is so much to say about Spain, and the at the same time there is so little. In short, they are the most talented team in the world.
David Villa’s accuracy and Fernando Torres’s all around ability contribute to Spain’s offense. This is not even mentioning Andrés Iniesta and Xavi, the most acclaimed pair of midfielders in the world whose skill when combined is almost godly. If that is not enough to stop any offensive attack, behind it all is the best goalie in the world, Iker Casillas.
PREDICTIONS
This year, France is not as strong as they used to be. With scandal and old age, even players such as Thierry Henry and Franc Ribery might not even help France push through. Mexico, stronger than ever this year and the next best team in Group A, will come out first, and they even might make it to the quarterfinals.
A second upset might very well be the emergence of the United States’ soccer team.
Earning themselves some international respect by beating Spain in the Confederations Cup in 2009, the U.S. has a chance even coming second to England in the group stage.
If this is true, they will most likely be playing Germany in the knockout phase. With their recent loss of German captain and cornerstone Michael Ballack, the U.S. has a fighting chance.
Finally, with the World Cup in Africa for the first time ever, the African nations have a home field advantage. Look out for Ivory Coast and Ghana. Lead by Chelsea teammates Didier Drogba and Michael Essien, respectively, they will both have talent and a shot at moving on to the knockout phase.
