The Best of the Rest

Now that the most powerful teams in the world have been analyzed, it's now time to preview the best of the of the rest. This post will take a brief look at: England's chances to win for the first time since 1966, Spain's continuation of superb football, Netherlands chances to return to glory and also the disappointing sides of U.S.A and Portugal.

ENGLAND

Consistency is not usually a term that is used to describe English football. However, this year that's exactly what they have been. After failing to qualify for Euro 2008 it seems like England is out to prove they are an elite team. England suffered only one loss in ten qualifying games, while posting thirty-four goals for and only six against. Very impressive. They have all the talent needed to win the World Cup, but England always seem to loose their composure when it matters most.

This year England have been distracted by negative headlines in the press. John Terry, England's former captain, was stripped of his title when he had an affair with a teammates (Wayne Bridge) ex-girlfriend. The captains band was given to Rio Ferdinand, a beast at center back, but he has suffered a knee injury and will not play in South Africa. The captains band is now in the hands of Steven Gerard, which in my opinion is where it should have been in the first place. Even with all these distractions they have been able to win.  

I have been a huge critic of Wanye Rooney in the past, but this year I was silenced. Rooney was voted player of the year in the EPL by his peers this season. He scored twenty-six goals in thirty-two league games while preforming at a elite level domestically and in the Champions League. Partnered with Defoe up front, England has a deadly attack. With Gerrard and Lampard controlling the middle, John Terry at the back and players like Joe Cole, Walcott and Wright-Phillips along the flanks, I think England has the total package this year to go all the way. As long as they stay focused, disciplined (no red cards) and healthy, they will be meeting Brazil in the 2010 World Cup Final.

Strengths - Coaching, Elite players in all positions, Consistent football
Weaknesses - Pressure, Composure, Injuries
Prediction - Champions

SPAIN

Many people have predicted Spain to win the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Coming off an impressive 2008 European Championship victory, there is a reason they are one of the favorites. The only teams that compares to Spain's high profile roster is England and Brazil. Fernando Torres and David Villa are the best striking duo in the world and they proved that in Switzerland in 2008. Torres has had injury problems this season and his fitness is a concern. If he can stay healthy it gives Spain a much better chance to repeat their success in 2008. However, only one time in history has a team won the European cup and followed it with a World Cup victory, Germany in '72 - '74.

Spain has the best central midfield in the world. Xavi and Andres Iniesta are teammates at FC Barcelona. Their chemistry is excellent and they are two of the best passers in the game. Their ability to hold possession makes it difficult for the opposition to remain in position on defense. They are so patient on the ball they hypnotize their opponents with their passing, waiting for the precise moment to exploit any breakdown in the defense.

I believe that Spain has a great chance to win the World Cup. The only reason I have them going out in the quarter-finals is that they will most likely face Brazil. Brazil is the only team in the tournament that has the ability to shut down Spain's attack. If Spain did not have to play Brazil I would have selected them to win the whole thing. Suffering only one loss since November 2006, Spain is a great choice.

Strengths - Forwards, Possession, Goalkeeping, Consistency
Weaknesses - Schedule, Health
Prediction - Quarter-Finals

NETHERLANDS

For years the Netherlands have been trying to return to world class status in football. In the 1970's the Netherlands were one of the most feared teams in the world. They went to two consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978, loosing both times to Germany and Argentina. Talent has never been a problem with the Dutch side, they produce quality players in quantity. So why have they failed to perform on the world stage? I believe they are much similar to England in this respect. They have a tendency to self-destruct. The only team holding Holland back is themselves. With a disappointing round of sixteen exit four years ago, I believe Holland will surprise everyone this year.

The key to success for Holland is their flanks. Arjen Robben has been one of my favorite players for a long time. Many people are unfamiliar with Robben, but this year at Bayren Munich he led the team to a Champions League final. He has the ability to beat multiple players one on one and is a clinical finisher. If Van der Vaart and Sneijder can dominate the central midfield while playing accurate balls to Robben and Dirk Kuyt going forward, I see a semi-final appearance in Holland's future.

The X-factor for the Dutch are their fans. They are some of the most passionate and noisy fans on the planet. It is a long way to travel, but if those fans in bright orange show up in droves, look for that to have a positive effect on the team.

Strengths - Flanks, One v One skills, Momentum
Weaknesses - Under-achievers, Tough Group
Prediction - Semi-Finals

UNITED STATES

Expectations are very high for the United States. After being eliminated in the first round four years ago, the States are determined to make themselves a contender in 2010. Since the States upset Spain in last years Confederations Cup, they believe that they are ready to take on the world's best. Unfortunately I have some bad news, they are not. The States beating Spain was one of those upsets that happens every now and then. Just because you defeat an elite team once does not make you one. I do not think the States are a bad side, they are making tremendous progress as a developing football nation. However, they do not have the talent that Spain, Brazil, England or a number of other teams have.

Jozy Altidore is an emerging star striker for the United States. He currently plays for Villarreal in Spain and is showing real promise. Altidore has suffered an ankle injury but is getting progressively better. He is not sure if he will be healthy enough to play England in their opening match in South Africa. He is a big part of the offense due to his young legs, speed and ability to finish. If he tries to compete against England without being 100%, there is the possibility of re-injuring his ankle due to the aggressive play of the English side.

Many players on the United States play overseas in England, Germany and Italy. Except for one or two players, none of them play for the top European teams. Some play in Mexico, Norway and in the MLS. When the US play a top rate team it will be very noticeable that there football program is still years behind. I would not be surprised if the States make it out of their group. If so they will finish second behind England and inevitably face Germany in the round of sixteen. If they make it that far they will be crushed by a superior German side.

Strenghts - Leadership, Weak Group
Weaknesses - Over-confident, Health, Second-tier talent
Prediction - First round exit

PORTUGAL

My assessment of the Portuguese team in this years World Cup is either going to make me a genius or a complete fool. To me, Portugal has been the most disappointing team is World Cup qualifying, they barely squeaked into the tournament. In my experience it is teams that play at a high level prior to the tournament that do well, not teams that struggle. It is rare for a team to play so poorly in qualifying and completely turn around come tournament time. Portugal has a significant amount of problems that will hold them back from making it out of round play.

Injuries are the story of this years World Cup. To make a run into the tournament a team has to be fit and posses depth, Portugal has neither. Portugal's defense is a disaster. Real Madrid defender Pepe is questionable to return, Chelsea's Carvalho is expected to return but might not be 100%, and right back Bosingwa is definitely out for the entire tournament. This is a serious cause for concern.

During World Cup qualifying defending was not the problem. Portugal only allowed five goals in ten matches. It was their offense that was lacking. Out of those ten games Portugal failed to score in three of them. They had seventeen goals for, but eight of them came against Malta. Portugal had to play Bosnia-Herzegovina in a two-leg playoff game in order to gain entry to South Africa. When their World Cup berth was on the line they only managed to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in both matches. Far from impressive.

Portugal has one of the best players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo. His talent and ability to beat players one on one is second to none. He is a player who can be easily frustrated if you make strong tackles without fouling. If Ronaldo is not the center of attention on the field and is not given the ball often he will become lazy and apathetic. Over the years I have questioned his heart. I believe that he values his personal success over his teams. You will never win championships with an attitude like that.

If Portugal has significant injury problems with their defense while continuing to struggle offensively, I have trouble believing they will get out of their group. Portugal will be the biggest disappointment in the 2010 World Cup. 

Strengths - Ronaldo (if he shows up), Speed,
Weaknesses - Grit, Injuries, Defense, Momentum
Prediction - First Round Exit