FIFA World Cup 2010 Preview

As the FIFA World Cup gets underway today, here are a few teams to keep an eye on throughout the exciting tournament. The favorites, Brazil, Spain and England. The clear cut underdogs, the United States. Finally, the defending Champions, Italy. These teams have the potential to advance far in this year’s World Cup. For those who would like to add their own excitement to the exhilarating tournament, there are plenty of fantasy games to be played.

Brazil:

If all goes according to plan, Brazil takes the 2010 World Cup. Clearly the most talented team, Brazil’s coach Dunga is taking a different approach with the team than people are used to seeing out of the Brazilian team.

Dunga is pushing his defensive philosophies for the 2010 World Cup and will forfeit the amount of extravagant and highlight reel plays to do so. Dunga has scaled back his attackers in favor of keeping a balanced team on the field at all times. The universal saying is ‘defense wins championships,’ which makes it difficult to suggest Dunga is taking the wrong approach with his squad.

Although Brazil is the favorites to win the World Cup, they also enter the tournament in the strongest group containing Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea. Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast are three of the better teams in the World Cup. Although they should be one of the two teams to make it out of Group G, the stiff competition could affect Brazil’s play as the tournament progresses.

Although he is considered injury-prone, midfielder Kaka is a steady and solid player and vows that health will not be an issue in South Africa. Luis Fabiano is a great scorer and will be a focal point for coach Dunga’s attack. Most importantly, however, will be the goalkeeping of Julio Cesar.

Lockdown defense and goalkeeping is Dunga’s main point of emphasis for the 2010 World Cup, and he has the talent to make it work. Barring an epic meltdown, Brazil should advance extremely far in the World Cup and has the best chance at winning its sixth World Cup.

Spain:

Sitting right next to Brazil as the favorites to win the World Cup is Spain. Although they are considered underachievers, they have been to the tournament 13 times and boast arguably the most talented team in the 2010 World Cup.

Spain, like the United States, is dealing with injuries that could derail their success if they were to advance far in the World Cup. Fernando Torres recently had surgery, is still working his way back to match fitness, but will be play in the tournament.

Spain is not the toughest team mentally. They can get down on themselves and rush their attacks when playing from behind. However, goalkeeper Iker Casillas is easily one of the best in the game and will keep them competitive throughout.

Spain is a well-oiled machine. With great goalkeeping and the talent to score from all positions, Spain on paper is 1B to Brazil’s 1A. The talent and potential is there to win the 2010 World Cup.

England:

England has all the talent to win the 2010 World Cup. Led by coach Fabio Capello, the team is determined and fully focused on their goal.

Forward Wayne Rooney, 24, is one of the best players in the world and could potentially single-handedly advance England well past the group stage. However, Rooney’s temper could tamper with England’s success.

If Rooney were to go cold or locked down, it remains to be seen who would step up to fulfill scoring duties. It is every bit important to team England that Capello keeps his team in check throughout the tournament. 

England has the talent to go far in the tournament but there are holes in defense and goalkeeping. David Beckham, still a solid fundamental player, will not be there to help the team out as he nurses a ruptured Achilles injury.

Still, England is one of top teams in the 2010 World Cup with plenty of world class players. Fabio Capello is one of the most respected coaches in the game. He has finally installed a sense of discipline and professionalism into the England team. England will easily make it past the group stage but Capello and Rooney should lead them far into the tournament.

United States:

The United States team is among the better half in the tournament. Although the sport is not a main priority for Americans, players take pride in representing their country and exceeding expectations. This unity is evident in throughout the team and will drive each player throughout the tournament.

America is currently dealing with injuries that could potentially lead to an opening round loss once again.

Still, USA should advance past the opening round with England.

Landon Donovan is team’s most important player. A crafty, intelligent veteran, Donovan is the team’s best scorer and has excellent vision on the field. As great a player Donovan is, it will be next to impossible to carry the team the entire tournament with the amount of talent in the World Cup. Donovan should enter the tournament determined to right the terrible outing in 2006.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard has been on top of his game this year. Howard is every bit as important to team USA’s success as Landon Donovan. The team will only be able to go as far as Howard can take them, but he has the ability to lead to the team and exceed expectations.

The team has also been injected with some youth, as 20-year-old Jozy Altidore and 22-year-old Michael Bradley look to prove USA is a team of substance. Both players are intense and athletic and should provide a nice spark for team USA.

In order to advance far in the tournament, team USA will need Landon Donovan and Tim Howard healthy and at their best each game. The youth movement will need to step in and provide intensity unforeseen from America. Most importantly, the team will need to represent the foundation of America, team chemistry and unity.

Italy:

Although Italy won the 2006 World Cup, they are not likely to repeat in 2010. However, Italy is talented enough to advance far in the tournament and could create a major problem for teams favored over them.

Coach Marcello Lippi neglected the potential youth available for the tournament in favor of going with the similar, familiar 2006 squad. Lippi has the faith in his veterans and will need them to play up to their fullest potential to prove to everyone he made the right decision.

Gianluigi Buffon is one of the best goalkeepers entering the World Cup. If is able to turn it on like he did in 2006, Italy would once again be a favorite to win the tournament as he would be the best goalkeeper in the game. He his nursing nagging injuries but will battle through with the potential to repeat as World Cup Champions on the line.

Most of the players from the 2006 World Cup are back in 2010, and while they are older than most other teams, they have the experience to go deep in the tournament. Italy is a team full of gritty veteran players who are defensive-minded with scoring potential. Despite their age, that is a combination for success and a difficult out for other teams.

Italy has won the World Cup back-to-back before. It is obviously not impossible to see lightning strike twice in the world of sports.