A World Cup Prediction

Although it is still relatively early, I've seen some predictions for this summer's World Cup but haven't really agreed with any of them, so here's my view:

Group A:

France

Even a struggling France side should easily get through this group. Raymond Domenech doesn't seem like a good manager, even though he led them to the final last time around, but with a strong midfield and reliable forwards, they have every right to think they can go far. Verdict: Quarter Final.

South Africa

Had a very respectable Confederations Cup last year, but I don't see a long run for the hosts this time. Steven Pienaar and Benni McCarthy are the most recognizable faces, but they are a disjointed side.

I think they may cause a slight upset against Uruguay but I fear they could be embarrassed in the opening game. Verdict: Exit Group Stage but with at least a point.

Mexico

A slightly different side to previous ones, they take more of a no-nonsense approach but still possess some talented players.

The core of the team is aging but with younger players Vela, dos Santos, and Guardado they still have the pace to hurt lesser teams. Verdict: Another Second Round exit.

Uruguay

In qualifying, they were extremely inconsistent and often under-perform on the big stage. If the players who often do the business for their clubs, like Diego Forlan, can find their form, they are dangerous but struggle to beat bigger nations. Verdict: Group Stage exit.

Group B:

Argentina

As we all know, Maradona hasn't proven himself to be a favorable choice of manager for Argentina, but any side with a choice of Messi, Aguero, Higuain, and Tevez up front would be intimidating.

With Maradona having a strange selection policy, it is difficult to predict how well they'll do. Verdict: Quarter Final.

Nigeria

They were disappointing in the African Cup of Nations and for a side with so much pace, they seemed to take forever to get forward. Second place in this group seems to be up for grabs and on form they have a chance but their top players aren't as reliable as other African sides. Verdict: Bottom of the Group.

South Korea

They are unlikely to repeat their fairy tale in the 2002 World Cup and I think they would do well to get into the second round.

With an admirable work ethic they can beat weaker sides and probably have the best chance of upsetting Argentina but I don't think they are strong enough to go far. Verdict: Respectable Second Round exit to France.

Greece

Another team capable of upsetting the odds, the Greeks are well organized and usually rely on counter-attacking when playing against the top teams.

However, their best players are past their peaks and I think they are actually less of a threat to Nigeria and Korea than they would have been a few years ago. Verdict: Group Stage exit.

Group C:

England

As a Scot, I was quite disappointed with the draw, as I fully expect England to cruise through this group. Under Capello, they look like more of a unit and with their top guns firing they really do have a chance of winning the tournament.

But I think they are still vulnerable against well-organized teams and lack depth to their squad, not to mention a reliable goalkeeper. Verdict: Exit against tough Group D runners-up.

USA

Expected to make the knockout rounds and I'm confident they will. They have the players to produce on the big stage in Donovan and Dempsey and they are the only side to beat Spain in the last couple of years.

The second-round game would be tough if they get through, however, and physically stronger sides may bully them. Verdict: Second-round exit.

Algeria

Algeria can be a little hot-headed, but with highly rated Madjid Bougherra at the back and Karim Ziani adding some flair, they should be hard to beat.

I think they lack the experience to trouble England and USA, but should give a good account of themselves. Verdict: Third in Group.

Slovenia

A bit of an unknown quantity to me, Slovenia are a solid unit, but a lack of quality players means they are unlikely to go through.

Although, any side that beats Guus Hiddink's Russia deserve to be taken seriously. Verdict: Group Stage exit.

Group D:

Germany

Even a transitional Germany side are dangerous when it comes to a big competition like this. Youngster Mesut Ozil is a player to watch and have some very experienced World Cup players.

They seem to be able to turn it on when it really matters, and that could see them go far yet again. Verdict: Third place again.

Serbia

I remember talking up Serbia & Montenegro at the last World Cup and then they were embarrassed by Argentina.

However, this Serbia side should not be underestimated what with Vidic and Ivanovic in defence, Inter's Stankovic and rising star Milos Krasic in the midfield, and always carry an aerial threat from Valencia's giant striker Zigic.

I think they really can go far and wouldn't be surprised to see a few upsets caused by them. Verdict: A surprise fourth-place fairytale.

Australia

There are plenty of familiar faces in the side and have a pretty solid defence. This being a "group of death," I could be considerably wrong with my prediction for Serbia, as Australia have shown that even though football is probably their 3rd/4th choice team sport, they certainly take it seriously. Verdict: An unlucky draw sees them take an early exit.

Ghana

Another disappointing African Nations Cup, and without Essien and Muntari they would have struggled to qualify for this summer's festivities.

There are goalkeeping concerns and they lack a potent goalscorer so I don't see them getting out of this difficult group. Verdict: Group Stage exit.

Group E:

Netherlands

The Dutch were rarely troubled throughout qualification and enter a generous group with a younger side than in previous World Cups.

They have some great passers of the ball and if fit, Robin Van Persie provides the midfielders with a complete forward.

But there is a lack of depth and may rely on a few youngsters to compete at this highest stage. Verdict: Out in the Quarterfinal.

Denmark

I was surprised to see Denmark top the first European qualifying group and that certainly shows they should not be under-estimated.

Nicklas Bendtner looks a better player for them than for Arsenal while Poulsen and Tomasson are very experienced at this level. Verdict: Second-round exit to the more solid Italians.

Japan

They eased through their qualification but they were expected along with Australia and South Korea. But they seem to rely far too heavily on Shunsuke Nakamura to provide the creative spark, who has his critics (including myself), and don't look like they

have the same spirit as former sides. Verdict: A disappointing but expected Group Stage exit.

Cameroon

They very nearly didn't qualify but came through ultimately because they possess a truly world-class striker in Samuel Eto'o.

Alex Song regularly impresses for Arsenal, and Sebastien Bassong has looked well since joining Tottenham, and these three players should hold the key to how well the African side does in the summer. Verdict: Edged out by the Danes.

Group F

Italy

The Italians look weaker than they were 4 years ago with their best players in their mid-30s. Like Germany, the Azzurri are in a transitional period, trying to find some younger stars to plug the gaps left by the retiring squad of 2006 but I don't think they can handle it as well. Verdict: Defeated in the Quarters by the Spaniards.

Paraguay

The South Americans will be hoping for at least a 2nd round place even with some key players retiring and the constant injury woes for Roque Santa Cruz won't do them any favours.

They do rely on that front three who provide plenty of firepower if fit, so they are a dangerous Group Stage opponent to have. Verdict: Through to second round but undone there.

New Zealand

Classed as the whipping boys of the tournament, there are long odds of them even getting a point.

Ryan Nelson and Chris Killen are the most recognisable players what with the rest of the team being lower league players so are unlikely to cause any upsets. Verdict: No fairytale going out without a point.

Slovakia

Surprise qualification shows they have the grit and determination to pose problems for any side. Marek Hamsik is a star in the making but an overall lack of quality means their participation should be limited to the Group Stage. Verdict: Third in Group.

Group G

Brazil

Always considered as contenders and rightfully so with the players they have. They don't have the same flair as previous sides but coach Dunga has made them even harder to beat although key player Kaka doesn't seem to be playing as consistently for Real Madrid as he was when playing for Milan. Verdict: Another final but no sixth title for the men in yellow.

North Korea

Their first Finals since 1966 (here comes the English optimism) it was a surprise to see them come through a group with Saudi Arabia and Iran in qualifying.

Another unknown quantity but surely unlikely to upset the odds in an extremely ungenerous group. Verdict: Last in the group. Obviously.

Ivory Coast

Another horrendous group for The Elephants which is a shame as they seemed to carry Africa's best hope of winning the tournament. Which would make it more remarkable if they got through the group.

With Drogba, Zokora, Eboue and the Toure brothers they have enough quality to cause an upset but they haven't got a reliable goalkeeper which in this group, could be costly. Verdict: Unlucky draw, third in group.

Portugal

Despite making hard work of qualifying they certainly have the quality to go far. Ronaldo can win games on his own at times and also have two top centre-backs in Pepe and Carvalho.

They won't have been too pleased with the draw but should be confident they can advance. Verdict: Out in first knockout stage to superior neighbours.

Group H

Spain

I cannot praise Spain high enough. They play football the way it should be played and have some terrific players. Xavi and Iniesta are unstoppable on form and if they are struggling, they can always bring on Cesc Fabregas.

The loss to USA was their first in 35 matches and any team facing them has to execute their game-plan to sheer perfection to have a chance of beating them. Verdict: Unstoppable. I can't see anyone beating them. Winners.

Switzerland

Were impressive last time around, going out without conceding a goal. Another side that lacks superstars but has enough quality to get into the second round at least.

If their hard-working side can reach the second round I'm sure the Swiss will be content but I don't see them reaching the latter stages. Verdict: Second round exit.

Honduras

A rapidly improving side with some players playing in top leagues, including Tottenham's Wilson Palacios, it was already a feat that they have reached the finals.

It would be even greater if they were to progress to the knockout stages but I feel they lack the experience needed to do so. Verdict: Bottom of the pile.

Chile

I have to admit I can't confirm it but they are considered to be a better side to watch than the current Brazil side. Now that's high praise.

They are worth keeping an eye on but I think the European sides will just edge them out. Verdict: Narrowly put out in the first Round.