South Africa is throwing a party and the whole world is coming!
The squads are arriving one by one, miniature flags are popping up on car bonnets and vuvuzelas are on sale in garage forecourts everywhere. It can only mean one thing. The planet is coming down with World Cup fever and the writers here at World Football Columns have caught the bug. After spending hours quarantined in tiny rooms, the only hope for a cure was to offer up their World Cup predictions.
"There can be only one"
So, like the protagonists of Nike’s World Cup mini-movie, our “Magnificent Seven” columnists are ready to risk ridicule and ‘write the future.’ They are Steven “Big Dog” Jones, yours truly Geoff “Kaiser” Edwards, Matt “Doolin” Dalton, “Fearless” Fab Presilli, David “Money” Harrison, Tom “Kid” Leeder and Martin “The Professor” Palazzotto. As well as asking them to offer up their predictions for who will progress from each group, through the elimination rounds and right up to the Final on July 11th, we put the following questions to them.
Who will raise the World Cup Trophy? Who will score the most goals to win the Golden Boot ? Which player will dominate the tournament to claim the Golden Ball? Which young player will make the biggest impression? Which team and player do you think will surprise? Who will dissapoint? Last but not least, how far will the hosts progress?
Here’s what they had to say:
Steven “Big Dog” Jones
The Big Dog?
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For the World Cup, it’s a close one between Brazil and Spain. Normally, it would be Brazil. Spain now have the experience of winning a big tournament, however, and I think that counts for something. Holland are also in for a shout. The difference between this team and its talented predecessors is that nearly every one of this group are playing at the top of their game. Robben was immense in the Champions League. Van Persie transformed Arsenal from merely ordinary to superb, Sniejder is in the best form in his career and I finally think Van Der Vaart is reaching the potential he showed at Ajax.
With Luis Fabiano being the focal point of the Brazil team, I’d say he’s the best bet for the Golden Boot. Failing him, it’ll be one of the Spain duo,Villa or Torres. Am I putting all my eggs in one basket here, with Brazil and Spain? It’s been a while since I’ve not seen Xavi Hernandez control a match. Even at the international level, he is always superb. Still, I would like Kaka to win the Golden Ball, just to prove he’s still one of the best in the world and I think he’ll be close. If I had to choose a player not from Spain or Brazil (and who is not Lionel Messi), I’d have to go with Arjen Robben.
Alexis Sanchez, of Chile, is only 21 but looks to be a great player, although I’ve heard about more than seen him. When I have had the opportunity to watch him, though, he has been impressive. I think Eljero Elia, of Holland will stand out, as well. He’s the player that Ryan Babel should have been.
At first, I had Paraguay pegged to impress but they’ve suffered key injuries, so let’s go with an African team, Ghana. Italy have a horrible team and people are expecting them to go out early; so disappointing for a country with such a rich footballing history. As for the hosts, I would love to see them go far. Realistically, however, they’ll have done well if they reach the last 16.
One step at a time.
Geoff “Kaiser” Edwards
Geoff Edwards
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It’s about time a European team won the World Cup outside the continent, so I’m going with Spain. I’ve got them down to beat Brazil in the Final. For the Brazilians to make it, Kaka will need to be instrumental. He’ll be desperate to give a good account of himself following a frustrating season in Madrid. He’s my pick for the Golden Ball with Luis Fabiano claiming the Boot.
There are too, too many young players to single out only one. Angel di Maria could reek havoc alongside Messi in the Argentine attack. Marko Marin and Mesut Ozil are in excellent nick for Germany, as is Michael Ballack’s replacement, Sami Khedira. Holland’s Gregory van der Wiel also looks an excellent prospect.
I’ve got a sneaky feeling Paraguay will win their group and make it to the quarter-finals, where they’ll get knocked out by Spain. Lucas Barrios, who’s scored 3 goals in his first 3 games for Paraguay, is a natural goal scorer par excellence. Also, watch out for North Korea’s Jong Tae-se, the “People’s Rooney!”
Many are touting France and Argentina to do badly, although I think they will both reach the semi-finals. It’s the Italians who have slipped somewhat. A lack of creativity and a reliance on older players may make getting out of a group containing two decent and highly motivated sides, Paraguay and Slovakia, a struggle.
South Africa will make history at the World Cup. Not the sort they’d like to, however, as they’ll be the first home nation ever to be eliminated in the group stage.
Matt “Doolin” Dalton
Matt Dalton
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It’s definitely between Spain and Brazil this time around but I will choose Spain. Having Torres and Villa up front with such a creative midfield makes them so dangersous. Brazil, for all the defensive and tactical work done under Dunga, will still have their fair share of attacking potency. Kaka’s recent lack of form could be the difference between the two sides, however.
Looking through the groups, it’s difficult to pick out a team with an offensive advantage. Sure, Brazil have North Korea in their group but Portugal and the Ivorians balance that out. Spain should score two or three against each of their opponents and be equal to Brazil. I think David Villa will end up with the Golden Boot, benefitting from Torres’ work and the attention it will draw.
Despite the fact that he will not be able to win it on his own and Argentina will only progress so far, this will turn out to be Lionel Messi’s tournament and he will take the Golden Ball. As Messi is still so youthful, I have to pick him as the young player most likely to surprise, as well. I’m not sure there are many younger players at the World Cup who are capable of making as much of an impression as the Maestro. Thinking about it, I’m not sure there are many players at all, no matter their age!
Slovakia will be the big surprise this year and Vladimir Weiss will be the player who shocks people. Not widely known, despite several years with Man City, he began to show his class whilst on loan to Bolton Wanderers last season. Vlad will be the catalyst to get Slovakia out of their group, though they won’t get much farther.
With the tournament in Africa, I think the Ivory Coast will be the biggest disappointment. A lot has been made of Portugal’s recent poor form and many fancied the Ivorians, under the guidance of Sven-Goran Ericksson, to progress. The fracture to Drogba’s arm, though, may have broken their hopes. If he isn’t fit to take part, Sven may struggle to get the results he needs.
Steven Gerrard will let down, as well. He has been poor for Liverpool this season, seemingly wrestling with inner demons. Going into the tournament, he will be distracted and his lack of focus will nullify any threat he might have provided.
Unfortunately for the South Africans, they will finish 3rd or even fourth in their group. I can’t see them getting a result against either France or Mexico but they will stalemate the Uruguayans. Their final position will ultimately depend on goal difference but I suspect they will finish bottom.
“Fearless” Fab Presilli
Fabricio Presilli
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Spain will win the World Cup. They are the best over-all team there. I like Brazil’s chances, too, and have a small crush on the Dutch.
I don’t see many contenders for the Golden Boot. The first stage is critical, so Fernando Torres will be my pick. Facing Honduras should give him an edge over the others. As an anchor in Brazil’s squad, Kaka might have his biggest career moment in South Africa. The Golden Ball will be his. Spain has a strong group but without such a major key player.
The most difficult question is which young player will impress. With games televised all around the world, surprises are becoming rare. Angel di Maria is a reality in Portugal and has carved his way into Argentina’s first team. Uruguay’s Nicolas Lodeiro and newly sworn in Paraguayan citizen, Lucas Barrios, can be mentioned, as well.
Tim Howard and the United States will be the surprise of the tournament. They have been improving over the years and now their defense is much better. Dempsey’s role in this team is also relevant. He has to step up and deliver.
On the other hand, Portugal will not do well. A team is not made of one player alone; a lack of goals and of good defenders will hurt them. I think Ivory Coast will get the second spot in this group. Maybe, for that rare surprise, look to North Korea.
Can South Africa be disqualified by the second match, just not to shame themselves? Their group is very difficult. France might not be at their best but the Mexicans and Uruguayans are starving for a place in the top 16.
David “Money” Harrison
David Harrison
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They’ll probably have to beat both Brazil and Spain and, yes, there are doubts over the defence but I’m still going with the Netherlands. Red hot in qualification, loaded with attacking flair and noted as perennial underachievers (sounds a lot like Spain going into Euro 2008), they should have a straightforward run to the quarter-finals where Brazil will surely await them. If van Persie, Robben and Sneijder are on the same page, they will score plenty of goals. Keeping those 3 injury free is a priority.
If the Dutch do compete in the final stages, van Persie will be the man who gets them there. Maybe the strongest left foot at the tournament, he will wear the Golden Boot. The Arsenal man is a set piece specialist and likely penalty taker. If he takes the frustration of an injury-laden season into the World Cup, he will cause problems for every defender.
I hope the real Messi shows up; he could really light up the tournament. However, I’m going to stick to my Dutch theme and go with Arjen Robben to take home the Golden Ball. It was a sad sight in the European Cup final, as Bayern’s reliance on him led to a horribly unbalanced attack. With van Persie and Sneijder to work with, a fully fit Robben could well be the star of the tournament.
As Champions League regulars, I’m not sure if you can still consider these two as youngsters. Yet, if France is to progress, I expect 23 year old Hugo Lloris to be very busy. Keeping the French in it will enhance the goalkeeper’s already glowing reputation. Similarly, Pedro Rodriguez has been smashing in the goals for Barcelona this season. Vicente del Bosque will need to manage the fitness of his forwards, so it’s unlikely that Torres will feature in every game. If Pedro gets game time, I expect him to get goals.
With the Chelsea duo, Essien and Ballack, suddenly absent from Group D, qualification is a real possibility for Serbia. A defence including Vidic and Ivanovic should provide a sound base. A potential last 16 meeting with England is tough to call.
Much derided at club level despite netting some big goals, Nicklas Bentner will lead the line for Denmark and I expect him to silence critics at the World Cup. He could be one of the strikers to have a big impact.
France is a tempting pick as goat of the tournament; people won’t be expecting much from them. Dependent upon Dider Drogba’s fitness, though, I expect Portugal will struggle to get out of the group stage. If they survive, they will still exit before the quarter-final stage.
Group A will be close, with 4 pretty even teams. I still expect the experience of the French to see them through but South Africa have a chance of joining them. It will, I think, mean having to beat Uruguay, a tricky feat but I’ll go with the hosts, just. The runner up in Group A probably sees Argentina in the knock out round, so escaping their group should be the aim for the South Africans.
Tom “Kid” Leeder
Tom Leeder
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Trophies? With my heart ruling my head, I will have to go for England to win the World Cup. Look for David Villa to win the Golden Boot. Have you seen Spain’s group? He will have a field day! Xavi will have much to do with that. There’s your Golden Ball.
Surprises and disappointments? Alexis Sanchez, the young Chilean winger, looks to have a bright future and will use the tournament as a shop window for a big money move. Uruguay could be a surprise package in this tournament. With the likes of Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Sebastien Abreu, they have a strike force to worry most defences. Meanwhile, with everything surrounding his personal life and France’s less than convincing qualifying campaign, Franck Ribery could have a sub-par performance.
As for the hosts, they will be knocked out at the group stage.
Martin “The Professor” Palazzotto
Martin Palazzotto
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Sepp Blatter needs to push the panic button and coax M*A*S*H’s Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John McIntyre out of retirement and not because both Korea’s are in the tournament. Rather, the way the casualties are mounting in the buildup to the finals, FIFA needs all the medical help it can get! At this point, healthy players are just as much a concern as quality and tactics. That’s why I have to pick Brazil to claim their sixth World Cup. Spain may have the star power to rival the Selecao but 3/4 of their all important midfield is either nursing or recovering from injury. Not to mention a gimpy Fernando Torres.
The player of the tournament will not be from Brazil or Spain, though. Wayne Rooney is simply not to be denied in South Africa. His strength and will are going to carry a battered England deep into the tournament and Roo will claim both the Golden Boot and Ball.
Two teams will shine especially bright on the dark continent. If American coach Bob Bradley is willing to place a little trust in his two newest strikers, the US will, at last, step into the limelight on a World Cup stage. Given playing time, the locked and loaded Edson Buddle will show that his scoring streak to open the LA Galaxy season was no fluke. Hercules Gomez is also peaking at just the right time and is an excellent third option up front for the red, white and blue. However, much of their success will hinge on imposing defender Oguchi Onweyu playing his way into fitness and form. Despite the likely absence of Didier Drogba, continental pride combined with the tactical guile of Sven-Goran Ericksson will see the Ivory Coast all the way through to the final against Brazil.
France and Italy have been playing so poorly this year, they can’t possibly do any worse in June. Both are capable of quickly returning to form and surprising doubters. I don’t see either side managing it, though. For all that, Argentina will be the biggest disappointment of the tournament. Saddled with Diego Maradona as manager, a man whose ego has swollen to such size, it has evicted all intelligence from his cranial cavity, they are doomed to failure. I look to arch rivals Uruguay to gain a measure of revenge, in the final 16, for el Pibe’s crass celebration after Argentina barely qualified in Montevideo. Many are calling for Lionel Messi to step up but, at 23, he has yet to develop the leadership qualities to match his enormous skill with the ball. Without the mentoring and guidance of Zanetti, Cambiasso and Riquelme, Messi and the Albiceleste will just be falling stars.
Lastly, I believe the hosts will play very well, in fact, gaining draws in all three of their matches. It will not be enough to progress, unfortunately, as I’m also sure that both Mexico and Uruguay will register at least one win in the group.
CONSENSUS (?)
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See you at the Final
As you can see, despite being literally on the same page for the first time, the WFC writers are still figuratively continents apart when it comes to their opinions of how the tournament will actually shake out. While four of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ have pipped Spain to the title, the rest of their brackets have many different twists and turns. At right is a table that compares our choices for group winners and runnersup, with a ‘consensus’ nomination of the ultimate final 16.
Well, now that we’ve had our say, what do you think? Are we closer to Nostradamus or Pele? Feel free to tell us your views in the comments field below. If you’re interested in what else one or another of us has said on other matters, simply click on their photo to go to their WFC archive.
Kudos to Martin Palazzotto for his efforts in putting this column together.
Written by Martin Palazzotto, Steven Jones, Geoff Edwards, Fabricio Presilli, Matt Dalton, David Harrison and Tom Leeder
It's interesting to see everyone's opinions here and, in particular, I am interested by the picks for young players to shine. Pedro and Sanchez are both really good shouts, but I am surprised to see that nobody mentioned Zoran Tosic, of Manchester United. He was loaned out to Bundesliga side, FC Koln, after Christmas and played a major part in everything good they did after the winter break.
I was going to pick him but I think he's going to start from the bench (has done in the last two friendlies). I've seen some of the goals he scored for Koln and they are Messi-esque. (Playing the one-two on the edge of the box and then curling it into the far corner). I can understand why Ferguson loaned him out due to his lack of physicality but I think he'd be good enough to get in the match-day squad next season especially since there's little chance of any signings at Old Trafford.
I have to agree with your assessment, Steve. That kid, quite blatantly, has bucket loads of talent. He should be hoping to be knocking on the door at Old Trafford next season, most definitely.
I like David's claim that the Netherlands will win it. They've a huge amount of talent going forward. As he said there are questions about their defence but it certainly won't lack experience (van Bronckhorst, Heitinga) or talent (van der Wiel). The defence will also be shielded by 2 decent players in de Jong and van Bommel.
It would be great to see them win it for the 1st time. If only they could get past Brazil in the quarters…
Great conglomerative article. It's difficult to call who will win as there are so many factors that can scupper individual nations. Spain and Brazil are probably best equipped to deal with injuries to key players, but if another team keeps their first team intact and hits form they could take it. With that in mind, I think Argentina are a great shout, so much attacking potential they can beat anyone on their day. Even England could win it amazingly, Capello has a habit of not losing competitive games, not a bad habit to have. I'll opt for England because of that, optimistic perhaps but they do have genuine quality in their side and more importantly on the bench in this campaign. Though as you say, would be great to see Holland win it, they always play great stuff and were superb at Euro 2008 until they met Russia.
I'll take David Villa for the golden boot, always dangerous and in a team that will create so many chances it's difficult to look beyond him and Torres for me. Villa is more prolific, so he gets my nod as top scorer.
I really like Pastore of Palermo and Argentina and hope he gets the opportunity to show what he can do, though with all that talent in front of him it seems unlikely. I think Nicolas Lodeiro of Uruguay would be my pick for young player making an impression – such great vision for one so young. Though would also say watch out for Marko Marin of Germany, an attacking midfielder of genuine quality.
I think the US have a great opportunity here, England are notoriously slow starters, and they have the quality to shine against the rest of their group. They have a squad full of experienced players, many of whom are coming into the tournament in fantastic form, Gomez and Buddle as mentioned but also Donovan and Dempsey who shone in the Premier League and Europa League this season. They will scare teams. The surprising player I'll go for Valbuena of France, such a quality winger who is exciting to watch and very dangerous, with the exceptional Gourcuff inside him he could have a break out World Cup. I also think that Landon Donovan may surprise a few people as well on the back of his time at Everton – I thought he looked sharp and used the ball intelligently, hopefully more of the same coming soon.
Thanks to Martin and Geoff for putting this togheter, the vuvuzela link is a real treat!
I almost changed my mind saturday, after that Karate move from Tanaka, but the ivorians are with their big name in ZA. Brazil has issues, one of them is kaka's replacement, inexistentent…..
I am trully impressed by the disbelief of all towards France and Italy, I think no one picked them to go to the semis, well we will see!!
slow down and take a breath, there, Fab!
I'm assuming you mean that there is no sub to come on for Kaka should the need present. Gave me a start there, for a sec. I had to reassure myself that he was healthy with a quick google search.
Glad you liked the vuvuzela video. It's nice to know that people are noticing the special little treats I try to slip in here and there!
Thanks go out to everyone who contributed, however, and especially to Geoff, whose brainchild this was.
Sure Martin, lets say that if necessary.
My take is – it will be necessary because Kaká is not 100% (as Julio Cesar and Luis Fabiano), but he can play, I don't know about playing a hole match, with a back in his neck all the time…..
Steve, like your optimism. I can't share it however. I think what we don't have is a playmaker who can control a game.
I agree with what you say about the US. I think they may at least give England a scare tomorrow evening. I would be happy with a draw in that game.
Re Marin, he looks to be the ultimate impact sub at the moment, he could make a real name for himself this summer. I heard some rumours that Everton were going to make a bid for him. In that sense I hope, as an Evertonian, he has a bad tournament. If he does well I fear we'll have no chance of getting him.
I'd like to thank everyone too for their excellent contributions. And, whilst it was my idea, Martin did most of the work co-ordinating putting it together.
The Guardian writers have a go too:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/jun/...
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