With the World Cup now just hours away, we asked the FOX Soccer experts to predict the winner. Here is what they had to say:
Jamie Trecker, senior writer, FOXSoccer.com: This is a World Cup with few clear frontrunners and several sub-par teams. Sadly, the 2010 edition is likely to see a continuation of the decline in quality that has afflicted the tournament since 1994. As a result, to win this tournament, a team doesn't have to be spectacular -- it just has to be solid and get a little bit of luck. For that reason, teams like Spain, Italy, Germany, Holland, England and yes, even Nigeria, have a shot at going deep. But no European team has won a Cup outside of Europe, and regardless of what you think of the African teams, it's not likely one will win it this year. As a result, you have to go with Brazil. They're the most consistent winners when the Cup is held outside of Europe, and their closest historic rivals, Argentina, don't seem to have it together. While my heart wishes the Dutch would make a big stand, my head tells me to take Dunga and the golden boys.
Nick Webster, senior writer, FOXSoccer.com: If history is any indicator, only a handful of countries has a realistic shot of becoming World Champions and if history is our barometer then look no further than five time world champions, Brazil. There is not a squad in South Africa that is better equipped, has more skill, more depth or oozes the vital world cup ingredients of class and confidence. The only way Brazil will not be World Champions on July 12th is if they decide that it's all a little beneath them.
Ives Galarcep, senior writer, FOXSoccer.com: The 2010 World Cup is shaping up to be an unpredictable one, but there shouldn't be much of a surprise about who reaches the final. Brazil and Spain are widely-regarded as the two best teams in the world and they both should be able to navigate the treacherous road to the World Cup final on July 11th. On that day, it will be Brazil's stingy defense and deadly counterattack that handcuffs Spain's potent possession game to help the 'Selecao' lift the World Cup for a record sixth time.
Keith Costigan, FOX Soccer Channel analyst: Although Diego Maradona has done a very poor job as manager of the Argentina national team, I believe this squad has enough talent to make up for the manager's shortcomings and will lift the World Cup. The pressure will be on Lionel Messi to deliver at the national team level, but he has a very able supporting cast that will help him carry the attacking load. Diego Milito's confidence will be sky high after his Champions League win, while Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain are both coming off good seasons with their respective sides. Add the likes of Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aquero and you can see why this team should be one of the most exciting to watch. There are some question marks over Argentina's back four, but the defensive play of Javier Mascherano in front of them should make up for any inefficiencies. I expect them to be pushed in every game but ultimately I believe Argentina will reign supreme on July 11th.
Robert Burns, senior editor, FOXSoccer.com: There are two clear favorites who have the depth, talent and drive to win this summer's World Cup, but Spain has the extra motivation of finally undoing its "underachiever" reputation. La Furia will stroll through the group stage in South Africa before facing a tricky Round of 16 clash with whoever comes out second of the Group of Death (which Spain hopes will not be Brazil). The Spaniards simply possess too much talent to be denied this year, and they'll finally get the monkey off their back to win it all for the first time ever.
Lara Baldesarra, FOX Soccer Report anchor: I'm not keen on making predictions before seeing each team play at least one game. In my mind, qualifiers and friendlies aren't indicative of a team's potential, considering there were often different players, coaches, and intensities. That being said, Spain, England, and Brazil are all teams with the necessary strengths to win the final. However, my hopes always lie with Italy, who have shown they play their best soccer under World Cup pressure. My prediction? Italia!
Jeremy St. Louis, FOX Soccer Report anchor: I think this edition of the Oranje has all the tools to finally win the World Cup. They have a world-class midfield (Robben, Sneijder, Van Bommel & Van Der Vaart) -- on par with Spain in my mind -- with players who went deep into the top club competition in Europe this season. These are players who know how to win. They also have a defense (Van Der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen & Van Bronckhorst) that allowed just two goals -- two -- in qualifying, and a coach (Van Marwijk) that seems to have found the right mix of youth and experience. They are in a very escapable group with Cameroon, Japan & Denmark and I think it is safe to say the knockout round is the least we can expect. After that, we'll see just how good Van Marwijk is because, if things go according to my FOX Bracket, they would then face Paraguay, and then Brazil in the quarters. It's not an easy road to the final. Then again, it never is. But this Holland team can do it.
Derek Taylor, FOX Soccer Report anchor: Brazil will win it all. Okay there's something like a 25% chance that they will actually win it, which makes it way more likely that some other team lifts the trophy. That said, Brazil is an incredibly skilled team, and the only nation that gets to have its fans complain that they don't win World Cups beautifully enough. Spain has injury concerns among key players. Argentina has a sweet draw after they win Group B, but will meet Spain in the semis. Germany is too young and injured. Brazil's problems at the start of qualifying will be fully two years in their rearview mirror by the time they debut in the World Cup. Brazil isn't an innovative pick, but it is the pick.
Terri Leigh, FOX Soccer Report anchor: The strength and power of Holland's attacking force is unstoppable at the moment, and I can see the Dutch bulldozing their way to the final, so long as they can get past Brazil in the quarters (the way I’ve mapped it). BUT, the Netherlands' weakness will be on defense ... and if there's any team that can capitalize on that, it's Spain. I see a Netherlands/Spain final on July 11th ... and I think Spain's speed and pinpoint passing will be the key to winning the World Cup. They've got all the pieces of the puzzle. As long as they can keep from getting injured, I think it's theirs for the taking.
Jorge Mondaca, senior editor, FOXSports.com: The last time the World Cup was held away from traditional venues in Europe and the Americas (2002 in Korea and Japan), there were plenty of surprises. Expect the same this time around. Former champions France look really susceptible and I don't see them getting out of the group stage. But the biggest shock -- at least for their long-suffering fan base -- will come when underachievers Spain lift the Jules Rimet Trophy on July 11th. Their roster is simply stacked with top-caliber players, and their recent form shows that they know how to work together as a team rather than a collection of superstars -- the trait most needed to win the World Cup.
Zack Faigen, senior editor, FOXSports.com: Anything can happen in a World Cup, and the team with the most talent doesn't always win. But I really don't see how you can pick against Spain this year. Spain is the only team without a real hole or flaw. Casillas is one of the three best 'keepers in the world. The defense is outstanding. The midfield is the best in the world (Fabregas doesn't even start!). The strike partnership of Torres and Villa is unmatched in terms of both skill and cohesion. Talent doesn't always win. But Spain is too talented to be denied in South Africa.
