Well every tournament there are favourites, contenders and upsets. I am going to list down a player to watch for all the big contenders of this year tournament, also to break down on the squad or the players. So if you aren't a football freak, probably this is where it ends for you to read =)
SPAIN
Coach : Vicente Del Bosque
Rank : #1
Player to watch : Xavi (F.C Barcelona)
Quite simply the best midfielder in the modern era football. Was relatively under rated in the early years of breaking through the Barcelona squad, but you could tell from then he was turning to a world class player. Voted best midfielder of the year 2008/2009 season, winning a famous treble with the Catalans giant. His passing ability is second to none, any strikers would dream to play along side with him, creates countless through passes, slice in between defenders, lob over, you name it, he could provide it. Best of all, he doesn't lose the ball often, very compose and just plays effortless. He definitely gets my support to be hailed as one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game. By far the best currently playing. As for the squad, Spain is the number 1 favourites to clinch this tournament, with the form of their players, it is going to be tough to stop them. It will be a big disappointment if they do not reach the final.
Brazil
Coach : Dunga
Rank : #2
Player to watch : Julio Cesar (F.C Inter Milan)
Arguably the favourites every time they enters the competition. The minute you say the word Brazil, a hundred of names would appear in your head instantly. Probably a shocker to see me choose a goalkeeper instead of so many other super stars in the team. Why? Simply because none of them has produce the quality they could this year, even the great Kaka' is a big disappointment, large chunk of his 60million transfer to Real Madrid seems to be quite a flop. But not this guy, Julio Cesar, under the radar for the last couple of years now, but he definitely is the second best goalkeeper (behind Iker Casillas) People often talk about strikers / midfielders winning you game, but one thing for sure is goalkeepers helps you NOT lose games. Having won the last 3 Italian league in a row, in the semi-finals of this year Champions League, let's see if he can carry all this form to the World Cup.
Netherlands
Coach : Bert Van Marwijk
Rank : #3
Player to watch : Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)
Another shocking selection i think? Wesley Sneijder was probably the better choice, but i have thought hard and yes sticking to Robin Van Persie. Why? Because he is all fresh and ready to slam some balls with that lethal left leg of his. He can create, cross, shoot, pass, dribble, a complete forward player. It has been a frustrating season for him, out for 7months through injury, and finally got back on the field last 2weeks, and already look super impressive. With Arsenal going through another trophy-less season, i am very sure he is all fired up ready to go fighting for his country. Netherlands is probably the other closest thing to England, always FALLS short, i know how you guys feel, same way i do for England. But bare in mind if their midfielders stay healthy, damn i pity those defenders that needs to mark players like Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van Der Vaart and the list goes on and on. Definitely one of the scary team to watch out for.
Portugal
Coach : Carlos Queiroz
Rank : #4
Player to watch : Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid F.C)
Needless anymore introduction for this boy. World / Europe player of the year 2008, Most expensive player in the history of football - 94million Euros. Has he lived up to his standard? Let me give you some stats, 30 games 27 goals. Has He? DAMN right he did. You either love him or hate him, but he is simply remarkable. His pace, tricks, skills, shots, amazes you even if you watch him day in day out everyday. No disrespecting the Portuguese squad, but i am terribly sorry to say they will not win, the squad isn't complete enough. Furthermore they are in the group of death together with Brazil, Ivory Coast & North Korea. But if there is one thing i have learnt watching C.Ron in United days, is never to say no when he is on the field, magic happens. Best would be a semi-finalist in my prediction book.
Italy
Coach : Marcello Lippi
Rank : #6
Player to watch : Daniele De Rossi (Roma)
Defending champions, against all odds they won the last world cup. Looking at their current squad, i will be bold enough to say, they will not win it. The team looks old, do not look solid and certainly question marks in their "famous strong point" which is defense. I am struggling to find a player to watch for this team, and end up choosing one of the younger one, De Rossi. Another complete midfielder, but most noticeable is his ability to shoot from outside the box. Very energetic player, never say die attitude, breaking up plays and one of the future Italian captain in my opinion. The current striking department does not look impressive either, the magical Del Piero and ever green Totti most likely will not feature in their last campaign. Only time will tell how far can the Italian go.
Germany
Coach : Joachim Lowe
Rank : #5
Player to watch : Bastian Schweinsteiger (F.C Bayern Munich)
Germany. I have nothing much to say except this Germans cannot be written off, NO MATTER how lousy or awful they squad seem to be. But Bastian is one player most big teams would love to have, he is right footer but plays on the left more often. But he has started more to the central position this season, equally as dangerous as he is on the flank. Great crosser of the ball, and a very dangerous player when he gets in the box. Currently leading the club to another successful Champions League glory. As a England fan, i really hope they don't win the world cup, or better yet England knocking them out would be a real sweet deal. The Germans are just unique, not a very skillful team, but damn they are consistent. It's like a natural thing whichever player they bring to the World Cup, they always seem to shine at the big stage. Runners up in 2002, Third in 2006, who knows where they'll end up this year =)
England
Coach : Fabio Capello
Rank : #7
Player to watch : Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Currently most feared striker in the world, 34 goals in his name this year. Most experts came out to say he was under the spot light of Cristiano Ronaldo the previous seasons, i would definitely agree with them. Rooney has step up incredibly this season, almost played apart in most of Man United's goals this year. Not the most skillful player of all, but he wears his heart on his sleeves. The desire of winning the ball back for the team is almost insane, hungry for goals more often this days, and has IMPROVED his header so much this year. I can go on and on about this guy, at this early age, i can almost say he is a legend already. Who knows he might be for the country too if he helps them win it this year. I have a lot of faith in them this year, they finally hired a great coach, and the team is at their peak. If they do not win this year, i don't see them winning anything for at least a couple of world cups later. So pleaseeeee ENGLAND, do me a favour and give me something happy to cheer this summer!
Argentina
Coach : Diego Maradona
Rank : #9
Player to watch : Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Football is not football these days if you do not mention his name. Lionel Messi, the magician, wizard, god. Often being compared to Diego Maradona, from the style of play. Currently the European / World player of year, and i have no doubt he will it again this year or some other seasons. Played 47, scored 40 goals ? No effort for this guy, he scores, creates, dribbles for fun. Amazingly he is so humble as well, always try to stay on his feet if he could, if you have a kid wanting to grow up be a footballer, look no further, buy videos of Messi. In my mind, already the best player to have played the game. All he needs is to win the World Cup and no one in the world could say he isn't the best anymore. Argentina is definitely one of the country to look out for, don't write them off eventhough they struggled to qualify. I am predicting at least a minimum of semi-finalist for this team.
There ya go, the top 9 favourites to win this year World Cup. It would be awesome if England gets it =) I know it's tough, but it's WORLD CUP, you don't win it easily. Finally the long 4 year wait has to an end, i am already dreaming about it these days. After all the natural disasters going on these days, i am sure the world will be celebrating watching the worlds best game.
Enjoy the rest of your week people, cheers!