AFTER months of build-up the World Cup is finally here, and it starts tonight.
All 32 teams will dare to dream the impossible dream.
Which team will come out on top though to claim a place in history?
It’s tough to make one call. However, a series of injuries to major players for England, Holland, Germany and the Ivory Coast has made the decision easier.
After poring over all of the facts and the ins and outs, checking recent form of players, the one team that stands out for me is Spain.
The Spaniards are a fast, creative and attacking outfit. They boast quality in all areas, and have Fernando Torres up front, who is a match winner of the highest quality.
I believe Argentina, Brazil and France will go close, but in the end, Spain’s quality will shine through.
My tips:
Winner: Spain.
Golden Boot Winner: Lionel Messi (Argentina).
Watch out for: Serbia.
How far will Australia go? Group stage only.
What about England? Out in the semi-finals.
Below I have listed my pre-tournament dream team, the players and personalities to watch – the entertainers of the game.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy).
Defenders: Maicon (Brazil), John Terry (England), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia), Carles Puyol (Spain).
Midfielders: Xavi (Spain), Kaka (Brazil), Andres Iniesta (Spain).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Wayne Rooney (England), David Villa (Spain).
Manager: Diego Maradona (Argentina).
SBS are showing all games live, starting tonight at 9pm. I have listed the games below that I believe are “must see” and my tips.
All times are western standard time.
Fri June 11: Opening Game - South Africa v Mexico 9pm - 1-1 draw.
Sat June 12: Argentina v Nigeria 9.30pm - Argentina 2-0 win.
Sun June 13: England v United States 2am - England 2-1 win.
Mon June 14: Holland v Denmark 7pm - Holland 1-0 win. Germany v Australia 2am - Germany 2-0 win.
Tue June 15: Ivory Coast v Portugal 9.30pm - Portugal 2 -1 win. Italy v Paraguay 2am - Italy 1-0 win.
Wed June 16: Spain v Switzerland 9.30pm - Spain 2-0 win. Brazil v North Korea 2am - Brazil 3-0 win.
Thu June 17: Argentina v South Korea 7pm - Argentina 2-0 win.
Time to sit back, relax and soak up the excitement of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Next week I will review the first week of the tournament.