The World Cup Rankings
1- Spain
The Spanish are definitely being considered as hot-favourites in the FIFA World Cup 2010 after having lost just once against the United States with a score line of 2-0 (at last year at Confederations Cup semi-finals) in the last 48 games over a period of four years. That was also when they were missing important players. This year however, Spain has one of the most formidable line ups that they have assembled in years. These include Xavi, Iniesta, Torres, Fabregas, Villa and more. Torres will enter after the group stages due to a knee injury, leaving the attack open to dominate by Villa who has happily accepted the offer.
2- Brazil
Brazil is one country that has won the most time on each continent. It’s a football crazy nation to such an extent that they make many believe that a football is part of their country’s flag. This time with Dunga being in charge for the team’s energy, agility and capability, the attacking flare is bound to increase even more than before. The wearers of the canary yellow shirts are also known as the Selecao and are placed in one of the toughest group. Group G includes North Korea, Portugal and Ivory Coast.
3- Netherlands
It is a team which an expert would surely pick to win the Cup in South Africa. After serving as underdogs throughout the qualifying rounds, the prediction would always be in favour of the Oranje. As the name suggests, they have made the flashing orange popular amongst the football fans once again. The reason is players like midfielders Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben. Then there are forwards like Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt, Eljero Elia, Rafael van der Vaart and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The weakness with the Dutch side would be their defence and goal keeping. Edwin Van der Sar is bound to refresh the good old times while their coach Bert van Marwijk has stepped onto African soil with just one purpose – to win the World Cup.
4- England
The big and simple question from England will be if they can vary their style. If the English team is able to achieve it, experts predict that the three lions will have the Cup in their hands. By playing cautiously and sensibly, they can certainly lift the curse. They have Rooney who has outshined all stars in this season. Then they have veterans like Gerrard, Lampard and Ferdinand who are willing to do anything for their team. The cream from the top of the English Premier League is an arsenal for talent. Fabio Capello will definitely try his best to cure the curse of The Three Lions and to help it reach its deserved stature.
5- Germany
This is one team that has faced some major setbacks. They lost their skipper Ballack and a couple of important mid-fielders due to injuries. Anyhow, this doesn’t result in the death of Die Mannschaft. In fact, they have loads of talent coming up in their ranks. Midfielder Mesut Özil will have so many eyes set on him. It is hoped for their sake that Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski have a better performance than their latest season.
6- Argentina
The La Albiceleste alone has caused enough controversy during the first half of the tournament. With the legendary Maradona stepping in for the coaching post to overlook the star studded team; Argentina has already gained everyone’s attention. Then of course, the team has a power house player with the name of Lionel Messi. That alone will create a massive hype among the football fans.
7- Serbia
Now this is the team that has the chance to take full advantage of fate. The injuries of Essien and Ballack have made their journey much easier. But don’t get it wrong, they have some world class players in their defence. For instance, Nemanja Vidic, Neven Subotic and Branislav Ivanovic. Their mid-field and attack is good if it’s put humbly. Featuring midfielder Dejan Stankovic and forwards Milan Jovanovic and Milos Krasic Beli Orlovi have already beaten France and are ready to do it again with others.
8- Italy
The Azzurri are the defending champions and you might be wondering why they are so low in the order. Well frankly, they surprised everybody by winning the last World Cup but the same team is missing. Players such as Cannavaro, Pirlo, Zambrotta and Gattuso are going to miss this year’s World Cup in South Africa due to a plethora of reasons. Another thing that no one can understand is why have they omitted attackers such as Totti, Del Piero, Balotelli and Cassano.
9- Portugal
Though they hardly made it to the final stages, they have this uncanny ability to win important matches. Seleccao das Quinas have a lot of quality players and have the capability to deliver the most unexpected of upsets. They have an amazing attack with the likes of players like Ronaldo and Nani.
10- France
This is one team that has faced trouble after another. While they have failed to use the services of Benzema, Nasri, Vieira and Diarra, injuries and scandals have followed them along. With this current strategy, it seems that Henry will be working from the bench. On the other hand, who will Ribéry and Malouda will support in the front line. Anyhow, Les Bleus are not defined by their ranking. They are a standard quality squad capable of going till the end.
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