South Africa World Cup 2010 - Who Will Win?

It’s nearly May and the excitement for the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa is growing. There’s a lot to look forward to; efficient transport links, advanced communications, vibrant tourist trail and new purpose-built World Cup stadiums - sports infrastructure to facilitate the greatest football contest on earth.

Brazil are hot favourites for almost every World Cup Tournament, having won it several times and appearing in the final on many occasions. But Brazil might have a little more trouble than usual, being pitted against the Ivory Coast and Portugal in the group stages, but the class of players like Robinho should help them to set the standard once again.

With players like Torres, Spain is a force to be reckoned with, and has an impressive record in recent World Cup Tournaments. Gleaning star players from Barcelona, Arsenal and Real Madrid to field in South Africa this summer, Spain are a firm favourite to lift the title. Spain won Euro 2008, and Brazilian legend Pele recently admitted that in his opinion Spain are the strongest team in the world.

Despite a whole roll call of footballing greats, England haven’t produced the world cup goods since 1966, not even managing to qualify for the tournament in 1994.

This year there might be more for England fans to look forward to, as qualification is out of the way and at the moment Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard are still fit enough to play. They also sit in a relatively easy group with USA, Algeria and Slovenia, but they often struggle to transcend the group stage.

Germany are lacking in big superstar players, but can never be underestimated in the World Cup. They have an incredibly strong record in the competition and there is a lot of experience in the team to help guide them through the competition.

Featuring the incredible Ronaldo, Portugal have some of the most versatile players in the world. Dark horses, maybe, but Portugal play with passion and this can be hard to beat when the pressure is on.

Arsenal fans might have heard of Lionel Messi, the Argentinian striker who will be teasing and taunting defences all summer in South Africa. A fixture against England would bring back painful memories of Maradona’s hand of god but it’s Messi’s feet we should be concerned about.

Despite a strong record in recent competitions, France are not considered a likely contender for the World Cup. Italy are defending the title, but are an ageing team who will need to work really hard to compete at the top level.

The Ivory Coast and Holland are underdogs who could produce something special, with Holland being a truly world-beating team in the 1970s and 80s. If you're combining some world cup games with your South Africa holiday then there's much to look forward to, including authentic South African cuisine!