Who Will Win World Cup

June 10, 2010

World Cup Group H

Spain

You get a sense Spain realize just how good they are. Not suggesting that they are arrogant but there is a belief that has been lacking from previous Spanish squads. Spain are in fact renowned as World Cup under achievers and this side must live with that extra pressure until they can at least get past the quarter finals. Spanish fans, media and players honestly feel the success of Euro 2008 has broken a physiological barrier. Like in any competition though as hard as it is to earn the right to be the best it is harder to stay there. Spain are not like Brazil, Germany or Italy, as a footballing nation they have very rarely been in a situation where they are the out right favorites, how will they handle the pressure?

Take for example in the second round, where they are practically guaranteed to face Brazil, Portugal or Ivory Coast. How will Spain cope with everyone expecting them to win and all the pressure on them?

The crumb of comfort I will give to the rest is Spain’s preparation has hardly been ideal. Three of their top players Torres, Iniesta and Fabregas have not played competitive football in months. Also while the likes of Capello have banned transfer talk during the tournament Spain have potential distractions looming. Fabregas wanted his future resolved before the World Cup started. Thats not going to happen, with Arsenal digging their heels in the tug of war with Barcelona will carry on throughout the competition.

When asked about his Liverpool future Torres has said he will decide on his return from Africa. That is not realistic, Europe’s top clubs are days away from making a big offer.

Prediction- 1^st

People may have underestimated Spain’s ability to buckle under expectation at World Cups, not that this will be a problem in the group stages where Spain will expect three wins out of three.

Switzerland

After the pride of hosting Euro 2008 it proved to be an anti climax for Switzerland whose lack of fire power at the highest level was evident.

Ottmar Hitzfeld responded by revamping he squad with younger talent trying to introduce more positive football. While it worked in terms of results, Switzerland topped their qualifying group their results still remained efficient rather than spectacular. Switzerland still have an over reliance on Alexander Frei to get the goals with other strikers unproven.

Prediction - 2^nd

Will qualify but this will still be more down to a stubborn defense than a potent attack. Were the draw specialist four years ago which suggests all three games will be tight this time around as well.

Chile

Any team who finishes runners up in the South American qualifying section should be taken seriously. 32 goals in this campaign suggests Chile love to go forward and may even still have the confidence to try and take the game to Spain.

Like many South American teams it can be difficult to take home form into another continent, an art which only Brazil and Argentina have ever consistently mastered.

Prediction - 3^rd

Will play lovely football but at times may come across naive. Chile have the youngest squad at this tournament and that might just count against them.

Honduras

Honduras fans might also cheer on the USA. After all if it was not for a late equalizer by the Americans against Cost Rica Honduras may not be competing in this years world cup. Had one of the best defensive records in their section but that will severely be tested to the limit by Spain.

Prediction - 4^th

Big question mark over where the goals will come from. Too much onus on Carlos Pavon, a well traveled prolific striker but now at the age of 36 needs some help from others.

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