 |
What can you say about Dunga’s squad other than “Wow!” and “I want one of those”, still the most successful nation in World Cup history yet again bring a strong
side to the Finals with fine players in virtually every position other than the
ageing legs of
Gilberto Silva. I can’t see Brazil’s squad not qualifying from this Group of Death unless something seriously goes
wrong.
 | |
Then on, they will get a weaker side from H, probably Honduras. Their QF
opponents could then be either the likes of Italy, Cameroon or Holland, which
again won’t cause a problem. I think they will go onto beat someone like England in the
Semi, leaving them as eventual beaten finalists at the hands of...
 |
 | |
Key Man: Hong Yong-Jo
Potential Star: All of them!
Last Time: Quarter Finals (1966)
Chriso says: Group Stage (3rd)
Key Men: Luís Fabiano, Kaká
Potential Stars: All established
Last Time: Quarter Finals (2006)
Chriso says: 1st (GS), Finalists
 |
Sven-Göran Eriksson likes a challenge and they don’t come
much bigger in African football than managing arguably its biggest team, bar
Egypt, who aren’t here.
 | |
The Ivory Coast squad is stacked full of strong talent and players playing for
top sides, though the potential loss of Didier Drogba could derail their charge
somewhat. If the Chelsea striker does stay fit I can’t see the Group Stages being a problem for them.
Beyond that, especially if Drogba doesn’t make it they’re in a spot of bother as they are likely to face Spain if they can’t win the Group of Death. If they can, I predict at least a Quarter Final
appearance.
 |
Cristiano Ronaldo has never won a World Cup, though they
certainly came close to taking the European Championship crown. His wait won’t end in South Africa and I predict an even greater misery for this Portugal
side.
 | |
Many of this side are passing into the twilights of their careers – the likes of Deco, Pedro Mendes and Ricardo Carvalho and whilst one can
appreciate the talent possessed, with a coach like Carlos Queiroz, this doesn’t help their prospects.
Key Men: Cristiano Ronaldo, Miguel Veloso
Potential Stars: All established
Last Time: 4th, Semi Finals
Chriso says: Group Stage (4th)
Key Men: Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré
Potential Stars: Gervinho, Seydou Doumbia
Last Time: Group Stage (2006)
Chriso says: 2nd (GS), 2nd Round
 |
Spain has finally ended its hoodoo by walking off with Euro
2008, now they look to go one better with a victory on the world’s greatest stage. Can they do it?
 | |
Of course they can, a sublimely talented squad, as opposed to just a team which
Cesc Fabregas struggles to get into (they’ll be more where that came from at Barca, lad). They have been handed a
straight-forward group which shouldn’t pose too many problems either.
From there, the way I see it, it will take big wins over Ivory Coast, Italy and
Germany, but these are all obstacles the team can pass, before a final showdown
with Brazil, which again is not beyond them. They will definitely qualify from
their group whatever happens though.
 |
Switzerland are the masters of the 0-0 draw and although
they do have some tricky attacking players, I can’t see them doing anything than their usual performance.
 | |
It might be close between them and Honduras for 2nd spot, but even if they do
pip them to it, they’d still have to contend with a Group of Death team which will be too much for
them.
Key Men: Gökhan Inler, Tranquillo Barnetta
Potential Stars: Eren Derdiyok
Last Time: 2nd Round (2006)
Chriso says: Group Stage (3rd)
Key Men: David Villa, Andrés Iniesta
Potential Star: All established
Last Time: 2nd Round (2006)
Chriso says: 1st (GS), Champions
 |
I like the look of Honduras’ squad and we have already
witnessed the talent of some of their players, thanks to Wigan’s alliance with the nation.
 | |
I think they have enough about them to squeeze their way out of this group, but
you’d have to fear for them with the potential opposition waiting in the 2nd round.
Still, that would be the best they have ever achieved and they’ll be happy with that.
 |
 | |
Key Men: Alexis Sánchez, Mark González
Potential Stars: Mauricio Isla
Last Time: 2nd Round (1998)
Chriso says: Group Stage (4th)
Key Men: Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa
Potential Stars: Numerous home-based players
Last Time: Group Stage (1982)
Chriso says: 2nd (GS), 2nd Round
(Group A Win) Uruguay defeat Nigeria (Group B RU)
(Group C Win) England defeat Serbia (Group D RU)
(Group D Win) Germany defeat USA (Group C RU)
(Group B Win) Argentina defeat France (Group A RU)
(Group E Win) Netherlands defeat Italy (Group F RU)
(Group G Win) Brazil defeat Honduras (Group H RU)
(Group F Win) Paraguay defeated by Cameroon (Group E RU)
(Group H Win) Spain defeat Ivory Coast (Group G RU)
(KO 5) Netherlands defeated by Brazil (KO 6)
(KO1) Uruguay defeated by England (KO2)
(KO3) Germany defeat Argentina (KO4)
(KO7) Cameroon defeated by Spain (KO8)
(QF1) Brazil defeat England (QF2)
(QF3) Germany defeated by Spain (QF4)
England defeat Germany (via Pens) for 3rd Place
Spain defeat Brazil
(c) ChrisOnline.biz 2010
