The World Cup in South Africa kicks off on June 11th.
I think this is one of the most wide open tournaments in a long time & realistically eight or nine teams could lift the trophy on July 11th 2010.
There are the usual suspects, along with the in form teams who will compete for footballs ultimate prize & I will place them in the order I think of them winning the tournament.
1.
Spain - I make them favourites for the trophy & if they keep them main players fit will be the team to beat.
Best odds of 9/2 at Bet365.
2.
England - They are not the second favourites at the bookmakers, but they would be mine & if they keep their best players fit & sort the goalkeeping situation out then, with Capello in charge have an excellent chance.
Best odds of 6/1 at Coral.
3, Brazil - They have not been firing on all cylinders of late, but their world cup pedigree speaks for itself.
I personally do not think they will win it.
Best odds of 11/2 at Ladbrokes.
4.
Argentina - They struggled to even qualify for the world cup, but still cannot be ignored, as they have quality players & probably the best player in the world in Lionel Messi.
Best odds of 10/1 at Totesport.
5.
Italy - Won the tournament in 2006 in some what controversial circumstances & have great tournament experience.
They are a match for anyone on their day, but not this time.
Best odds of 13/1 at Expekt.
6.
Germany - They also have a big tournament mentality & you can never right off a german team.
I just do not think they will quite get there.
Best odds of 14/1 at Stan James.
7.
Holland - They are always exciting to watch, but sometimes flatter to decieve, will figure prominently in the tournament, but will probably find one to good.
Best odds of 14/1 at Boylesports.
8.
France - Again they seem to be going back the way & struggled in the play offs against ROI.
Do not see them as a major threat to win the trophy, but will put on a good show.
Best odds of 16/1 at 888sport.