Who Are The Top.10 Contenders For South Africa 2010?

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Teams

• Argentina
  
• Brazil
  
• Chile
  
• England
  
• France
  
• Germany
  
• Italy
  
• Ivory Coast
  
• Netherlands
  
• Spain
  

1. Brazil

The Selecao are the hot favourites to win a record sixth World Cup in South Africa. With their heroic victory over Chile last week, they extended their winning streak to 11 matches and their unbeaten run to 19. Brazil are highly motivated, particularly after cruising past arch-rivals Argentina as they qualified for another World Cup. Dunga has assembled a formidable unit that will be disappointed with anything less than another World Cup title.

2. Spain

The European champions crushed Estonia 3-0 to claim their eighth straight victory in the World Cup qualifiers. Spain are solid in every department and the fact that they have scored 21 goals and have conceded only two clearly explains their depth. However, their highly unexpected defeat to the U.S in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup means maybe they aren't as good as they think. Can Spain finally break into the elite of world football?

3. Germany

When it comes to the World Cup, irrespective of form, the Germans are always candidates. The fact that they are flying high in the qualifiers means they will surely be at their best in South Africa. Joachim Low has put together a side mixed with youth and experience that plays an attractive style of football. Germany will be aiming to better their runners up performance at Euro 2008 when in South Africa.

4. England

For the first time in many years England can be considered serious World Cup contenders. Fabio Capello has been able to get the most out of a talented group of players and they have claimed eight successive victories in World Cup qualifying, including an emphatic 5-1 win over Croatia at Wembley. The Three Lions are as confident as ever, but how will they fare against difficult teams like Brazil, Germany and Spain?

5. Italy

The world champions will be looking to equal Brazil's five World Cup triumphs next year, and nobody should bet against them. The Italians have proved time and time again that even if they don't count with an impressive squad, when it comes to the World Cup they always surpass their expectations with very efficient tactical football. The Azzurri may have struggled in the Confederations Cup, but if they improve their game they could possibly be candidates.

6. Argentina

Argentina have a great deal of work to do if they want to qualify for the World Cup, let alone win it. Los Albicelestes have experienced several major setbacks under Diego Maradona and will need to claim positive results against Peru and Uruguay to qualify. If they manage to do this, and Diego Maradona finds a way to get the most out of Lionel Messi and the rest of his players, Argentina could return to being the side that they once used to be.

7. Ivory Coast

If there was ever a time for an African nation to win the World Cup, it is now. Cameroon, Tunisia and Ghana all look very strong, but it seems that the Ivory Coast are the most likely African nation to make a stand in South Africa. The fact that they will be familiarised with the conditions in the country means it will improve their chances of reaching the decisive stages of the tournament. Didier Drogba and co. know that anything less than a semi-finals appearance for the Elephants will be regarded as failure.

8. Netherlands

With eight straight wins the Netherlands cruised into the World Cup, and seem to have what it takes to be amongst the favourites. The Oranje are a young side with plenty of potential, however, they have faced rather weak sides during World Cup qualifying and may simply fall apart when up against the traditional heavyweights. Can the Dutch live up to the expectation and show that they are capable of beating the very best?

9. Chile

Marcelo Bielsa has transformed Chilean football for the good, and La Roja could be a revelation at the World Cup. During the South American qualifiers they have been in outstanding form, and have alerted the world with their attractive brand of attacking football. However, Chile have to find consistency or they could bow out from the World Cup when they face a team who know how to take advantage of their vulnerable defence.

10. France

The French haven't been at their best during World Cup qualifying and could miss the World Cup altogether. There's heaps of tension in the French camp, and this has been reflected by poor results. The 1998 World Cup winners know that if they qualify for the World Cup they will have to pick up their game immensely, or they could face early elimination. Les Bleus have lots of potential, and if they find the ideal blend, players like Franck Ribery could turn a lot of heads.

Goal.com asks: Does this list accurately define the top.10 World Cup contenders? Are there any teams who should be ranked higher or lower? Finally, are there any teams who should be excluded from the list and others who should be included in it?

Gregory Sica, Goal.com


chile, ivory coast but no russia

Decent list. My top ten would be pretty similar. Don't know much about Chile, so could maybe put Ghana in their spot - think either they or Ivory Coast could get a good run if they have favourable draw.

England at number 4!

"For the first time in many years England can be considered serious World Cup contenders."

Wern't they considered serious contenders 4 years ago?

What teams are more likely to win it than England Bobo?

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:England at number 4!

"For the first time in many years England can be considered serious World Cup contenders."

Wern't they considered serious contenders 4 years ago?

It's not that shocking, who else is there? England could be at number 3 and i wouldn't think twice. There is Brazil and Spain, then the rest.

Kimbo wrote:

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:England at number 4!

"For the first time in many years England can be considered serious World Cup contenders."

Wern't they considered serious contenders 4 years ago?

It's not that shocking, who else is there? England could be at number 3 and i wouldn't think twice. There is Brazil and Spain, then the rest.

I didn't say it was shocking, it's just laughable. They havn't really proven anything yet so i don't see why they should be number 4.

Hlebagone wrote:What teams are more likely to win it than England Bobo?

Italy, France, Argentina, while Holland are at least as likely to win it.

Goal.com is shit and should be avoided at all costs.

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

Hlebagone wrote:What teams are more likely to win it than England Bobo?

Italy, France, Argentina, while Holland are at least as likely to win it.

Those 3 might not even make it...and Holland as much as i like Holland i just don't see the players there. People are overating brazil IMO...as good results as they have got they are beatable.

L r dd wrote:

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

Hlebagone wrote:What teams are more likely to win it than England Bobo?

Italy, France, Argentina, while Holland are at least as likely to win it.

Those 3 might not even make it...and Holland as much as i like Holland i just don't see the players there. People are overating brazil IMO...as good results as they have got they are beatable.

Italy are basically there. France and Argentina are struggling but i think they will both make it and that's all that matters. I wouldn't really read too much into qualifying performances - they are not the best indicator of performances in the finals. I didn't say Holland will win it, just that they have as good a chance of winning it as England.

That's actually a point that can't be emphasised often enough: Peaking at the right time. In 2007, Germany looked like top favourites for the Euro 2008 title, for example. The first team to qualify for the tournament, playing good football and being dominant. Many, me included, made the mistake to believe that they'd conserve that form for the real tournament. As we all know, Germany had a rather disappointing tournament, despite reaching the final. Losing an important key player like Schneider had a lot to do with that, another factor that needs to be considered btw. - injuries.

That's why predictions at this point of time are so useless. At least wait until next year, before the tournament actually starts.

1/Spain
2/Brazil
--------------------------

3/Germany
--------------------------

Italy
Argentina
Holland
England
France
----------------

Ivory Coast
Ghana


Cannot read to much into England's future just yet. The friendlies from here on will have to be all business getting ready for the finals.. If they continually improve and keep scoring then they may move out of the 5 teams listed.

lol was england not the most hyped team in 2002 and 2006

i always thought they were the big favs "to fail"

yeah nowdays they look more settled and balanced, 4th place is deserved

For me:

1. Brazil
2. Spain
--------------------------
Germany
Italy
Argentina
--------------------------
Holland
England
France
Ivory Coast
Ghana
Cameroon

Teams like Argentina & Italy may not look as good at the mo, but things can be very different when the WC starts. Its like Milan/Liverpool in the CL, you can never count them out. I am not sure why this entire country is obsessed about hyping England so much that failure becomes a certainity. England are looking good, top 8 IMO, and thats quite a turnaround from Euro2008. Lets see closer to next summer how things stand, also it will be interesting to see how England play a top nation...

Whilst qualifiers aren't always the best indicators for finals form, it cannot be argued that England's coach is >>>>> better than France's and Argentina's - in fact both their coaches have fundamental flaws. Maradonna is simply shite, whereas Domenech has lost the dressing room.

Italy aren't the team they were in 2006. They're going through a bit of a transition for this one.

Holland have an outside chance, but there are question marks over their ability against the top teams, with particularly large question marks over their defence.

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

L r dd wrote:

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

Hlebagone wrote:What teams are more likely to win it than England Bobo?

Italy, France, Argentina, while Holland are at least as likely to win it.

Those 3 might not even make it...and Holland as much as i like Holland i just don't see the players there. People are overating brazil IMO...as good results as they have got they are beatable.

Italy are basically there. France and Argentina are struggling but i think they will both make it and that's all that matters.

What you think might happen is not all that matters. What actually happens matters more.

England have qualified, France and Argentina haven't as yet.

As such, you'd have to be a fool to (currently) give France and Argentina a better chance of winning the overall tournament, as they have to do considerably more from now onward than England do.

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:England at number 4!

"For the first time in many years England can be considered serious World Cup contenders."

Wern't they considered serious contenders 4 years ago?

Shouldn't read too much into the order - these at the moment seem the most likely 10. Don't agree with the order at all (Holland below Argentina?)

but he's got it almost right.

In other news, Xavi hypes up England's chances:

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5562646,00.html

XAVI WARY OF ENGLAND THREAT

Posted 16/09/09 09:27
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England Stage Of Elimination. Click here to bet.
Spain midfielder Xavi believes England have a strong enough team to mount a challenge for World Cup glory.

England failed to qualify for Euro 2008 but their fortunes have been revived by new manager Fabio Capello and they will compete in South Africa.

European champions Spain have also booked their place at the World Cup and will be among the favourites to lift the trophy.

But Barcelona playmaker Xavi has been impressed by England and considers them as one of Spain's greatest rivals.

"England were the big absence from Euro 2008 and I expect they are itching to show they can win the World Cup," Xavi said in the Daily Mirror.

"Fabio Capello has given the team great structure and belief. They have very competitive players with a lot of rhythm and intensity.

"They have a lot of players with individual quality like Lampard, Gerrard and Rooney, who is on great form at the moment.

"They are very competitive in defence too with Ferdinand and Terry and very difficult to penetrate.

"They will be our biggest rivals along with Brazil Italy and Germany. And we might see a surprise from an African country like Ivory Coast."

Xavi is also wary of the threat posed by Premier League clubs in the Champions League as he attempts to help Barcelona defend their crown.

"Chelsea are very strong, Manchester United will be there or thereabouts," he said.

"Inter are very strong with their new signings. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool - there are a lot of extremely strong sides."

-----------------

The same Xavi who has made a habit of raping English midfields (vs England , friendly 2004 ; vs England, friendly 2009, vs Man United, CL final 2009):

shut the fuck up Xavi you patronising bastard!

The last thing we need is OTHER countries/players to be overhyping our chances, God knows it'll catch on in what has been a rather pleasantly realistic reaction from the nation's general public (the Metro ran an online voting poll on whether England would win WC 2009. Only 14% agreed!).

Hmmm I think its safe to say we should have a top ten based on talent and a top ten contenders for South-Africa

When it comes to talent:

1/2 Brazil Spain

3 Portugal
4 England
5 Holland

6 France
7 Argentina
8 Italy

9 Germany
10 Ivorycoast, Denmark, Ghana etc.


Top ten for contenders for the world cup:

1 Brazil
2 Spain

3 Italy
4 Germany

5 France
6 England
7 Holland
8 Argentina

9/10 Portugal, Denmark, Ghana, Ivory coast etc.

Fey wrote:Hmmm I think its safe to say we should have a top ten based on talent and a top ten contenders for South-Africa

When it comes to talent:

1/2 Brazil Spain

3 Portugal
4 England
5 Holland

6 France
7 Argentina
8 Italy

9 Germany
10 Ivorycoast, Denmark, Ghana etc.


Top ten for contenders for the world cup:

1 Brazil
2 Spain

3 Italy
4 Germany

5 France
6 England
7 Holland
8 Argentina

9/10 Portugal, Denmark, Ghana, Ivory coast etc.

hahaha i like your talent ranking

Brazil
Argentina(if the fire their coach)

Because S.american teams win WC, played outside of europe.

Spain
Italy
Germany

France
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
England
Ghana

I'm quite certain that Italy will not win it. There has not been a repeat champion since the '58/'62 and it's only ever been done twice.

Özil wrote:

Fey wrote:Hmmm I think its safe to say we should have a top ten based on talent and a top ten contenders for South-Africa

When it comes to talent:

1/2 Brazil Spain

3 Portugal
4 England
5 Holland

6 France
7 Argentina
8 Italy

9 Germany
10 Ivorycoast, Denmark, Ghana etc.


Top ten for contenders for the world cup:

1 Brazil
2 Spain

3 Italy
4 Germany

5 France
6 England
7 Holland
8 Argentina

9/10 Portugal, Denmark, Ghana, Ivory coast etc.

hahaha i like your talent ranking

Fair and balanced Ozil, you should try that one day

Jaime wrote:I'm quite certain that Italy will not win it. There has not been a repeat champion since the '58/'62 and it's only ever been done twice.

Before 2006 according to some stat Italy would win it.

1962 ......Brazil
1966 ...........Host - First time winner(England)
1970 .............Brazil
1974 .................Germany
1978 .......................Argentina
1982 ...................................Italy 2006……….Italy
1986 .......................Argentina
1990 ..................Germany
1994 .............Brazil
1998 ..........Host - First time winner (France)
2002 .......Brazil


It became the truth! Now according to the same stat Argentina are gonna win it twice in a row.

Stimulus Package wrote:
What you think might happen is not all that matters. What actually happens matters more.

But we don't know what is actually going to happen.

England have qualified, France and Argentina haven't as yet.

You figured this all out by yourself?

As such, you'd have to be a fool to (currently) give France and Argentina a better chance of winning the overall tournament, as they have to do considerably more from now onward than England do.

Not really since qualification has little indication of finals performance.

Fey wrote:

Jaime wrote:I'm quite certain that Italy will not win it. There has not been a repeat champion since the '58/'62 and it's only ever been done twice.

Before 2006 according to some stat Italy would win it.

1962 ......Brazil
1966 ...........Host - First time winner(England)
1970 .............Brazil
1974 .................Germany
1978 .......................Argentina
1982 ...................................Italy 2006……….Italy
1986 .......................Argentina
1990 ..................Germany
1994 .............Brazil
1998 ..........Host - First time winner (France)
2002 .......Brazil


It became the truth! Now according to the same stat Argentina are gonna win it twice in a row.

if it doesn't happen the Argentine FA should sue Science

Tweedle wrote:Whilst qualifiers aren't always the best indicators for finals form, it cannot be argued that England's coach is >>>>> better than France's and Argentina's - in fact both their coaches have fundamental flaws. Maradonna is simply shite, whereas Domenech has lost the dressing room.

Italy aren't the team they were in 2006. They're going through a bit of a transition for this one.

Holland have an outside chance, but there are question marks over their ability against the top teams, with particularly large question marks over their defence.

If I remember correctly, you downplayed Italy's chances before the 2006 WC as well.

Fact is that Italy team of say 1990 or 1994 was better than Italy of 2006. Still Italy won the WC in 2006, and not in the 90s.

This WC is wide open, more than any previously. Usually there are 3-5 very strong contenders going into the WC, this time we have just 2. A couple of upsets, confederations cup style, and it could be anyone's WC.

If I had to put money on any team at the mo, it would be Brasil. But this could change by May, and there are lots of talented teams who could discover form at the right moment. Italy and Argentina are two such teams. Also, pedigree counts a lot during the WC, and the "Usual 4" are always likely to produce the champion.

If you look at it from a mathematical perspective, its fairly obvious why people rate England as having a better chance than Argentina or France.


IMO, England have about a 20% chance of winning the world cup.

Supposing Argentina have a 65% chance of qualifying and a 25% chance of winning the world cup, the chance of both these eventuality occurring is 16.25% therefore, currently, England are more likely than Argentina to win the world cup, even if both teams get to the World Cup, Argentina would be favourites.

Btw, im sure you'll disagree with the chances i've given, it was more to make the point.

Fey wrote:

Özil wrote:

Fey wrote:Hmmm I think its safe to say we should have a top ten based on talent and a top ten contenders for South-Africa

When it comes to talent:

1/2 Brazil Spain

3 Portugal
4 England
5 Holland

6 France
7 Argentina
8 Italy

9 Germany
10 Ivorycoast, Denmark, Ghana etc.


Top ten for contenders for the world cup:

1 Brazil
2 Spain

3 Italy
4 Germany

5 France
6 England
7 Holland
8 Argentina

9/10 Portugal, Denmark, Ghana, Ivory coast etc.

hahaha i like your talent ranking

Fair and balanced Ozil, you should try that one day

you forget one thing, germany have talent and quality in every area, the dutchies only in the front

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

As such, you'd have to be a fool to (currently) give France and Argentina a better chance of winning the overall tournament, as they have to do considerably more from now onward than England do.

Not really since qualification has little indication of finals performance.

I'm pretty sure that no side has ever won the world cup after failing to qualify

(although Denmark did with the European Championship!)

debaser wrote:

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

As such, you'd have to be a fool to (currently) give France and Argentina a better chance of winning the overall tournament, as they have to do considerably more from now onward than England do.

Not really since qualification has little indication of finals performance.

I'm pretty sure that no side has ever won the world cup after failing to qualify

(although Denmark did with the European Championship!)

But Argentina and France havn't failed to qualify.