The football fever has gripped onto people as the year approaches June 11, when FIFA World Cup 2010 will commence in South Africa. After all, this tournament is the world's most watched sports event which will be held for the very first time on the African continent. Triumphed with passion and vigor, there are various predictions and presumptions which are being made already across the world.
Considering the fact that Argentina has got such a huge potential in it, there are chances of it getting a well-placed position in the entire tournament.
Between Portugal and France, Portugal seems to be the likely winner of FIFA 2010. This team has got the potential to be in the finals, more so because of the fact that it has got one of the finest players in the team, that is, Ronaldo. France does not have the possibility of winning as much as Portugal.
We should keep in mind that this time the FIFA is not being played in Europe but in South Africa. There might be fewer chances for the European teams to make their way through qualifying rounds.
What is even more interesting to add here is that Brazil still remains to be one of the favorites amongst all. Although Ronaldo is no more a part of the team, and it seems the Ronaldhino has also been excluded, Brazil has still produced some of the best attacking players who will be able to score goals. They have both the quality to attack as well as defend themselves. Hence, the other teams will be running high on competition with Brazil.
Spain is the current European champions this season. Hence, Spain can be one of the likely winners of FIFA World Cup. Nonetheless, Spain does not have a good record in football World Cup. However, the team has got enough potential at the moment to break all its past records.
As an example of the way in which people are predicting likely results of the tournament, as at early April, the betting odds being offered for teams in the tournament include:
Spain
5 to 1
Brazil
6 to 1
England
6.5 to 1
Argentina
10 to 1
Italy
12 to 1
Germany
13 to 1
USA (a long shot)
51 to 1
Brazil
6 to 1
England
6.5 to 1
Argentina
10 to 1
Italy
12 to 1
Germany
13 to 1
USA (a long shot)
51 to 1
Therefore, some of the predictions which are on the rounds are making news at the moment, and there are still likely to be further surprises as individual players are either ruled in or ruled out of teams due to injuries and other issues..
Nevertheless, football is a sport where there can be all sorts of unexpected possibilities to turn the tournament in a completely different direction.
Hence, let us expect the unexpected this time.
By John Kumm
