Group A
Predicted Finish: 1.) Mexico – El Tri had a devastatingly poor qualifying campaign. Considering they have about 200 times the resources of any country in the North American qualifying not named “USA”, they should easily qualify every time. Either way, they are very talented, and in the past how good the team is qualifying has nothing to do with how they do in the World Cup. They have some really god young talent in their attacking corp, and that attacking style, which is all the rage, is perfectly suited for this group. Look for the real best team in North America to win a group for the second time in three World Cups. Mexico’s youth talent could take them really, really far, especially since they are in the cushy corner of the draw. Remember, two teams from groups A,B,C, and D have to make the semis.
2.) France – Les Blues are definitely talented, with Ribery/Nasri/Henry/Malouda/Gourcoff still all there. They have the same defenders that helped take France to the World Cup Final in 2006. They even had the same coach; however there starts the problems. Coach Raymond Domenech is crazy. He’s horrible. The players don’t really like him, he doesn’t really like him. Of course, all of this didn’t matter in 2006 since they had a certain balding magician on their team who played the tournament of his life, but now that Zidane is gone, the problems that were really evident on the 2006 team are still there. Then again, they have enough attacking talent to carry them out of Group A, but it could be very, very tricky.
3.) South Africa – Hosts have made it out of the Group Stage EVERY SINGLE TIME. Even the US made it out of the group stage when it hosted, so this is a vote against history and for a new precedent. South Africa, like all the African teams, is dangerous. They have great athletic ability, but as the US would tell you from experience in 2006, athletic ability can only take you so far. South Africa still has a great shot to get one of those top two spots, but with the possible exception of the US in 1994, this is the weakest host ever. It is not so much that the host has always made it, but that the host nation is good enough already. South Africa isn’t.
4.) Uruguay – They have a lot of attacking talent (seems to be a trend in what should be a high-scoring, most un-traditional group), but have the least on defense to stay with France and Mexico. Diego Forlan is one of the best strikers in the world, but I cannot say the same, or even close to the same, about any other Uruguayan player. Admittedly, they have more talent than the hosts, but I cannot dream to put the hosts last in a group when not only have the hosts never finished last, but also, again, always made it out of the group stage.
Group B
Predicted Finish:
1.) Argentina – They are probably the fourth most talented team after Spain, Brazil and Holland. However, talent is second to organization and technical ability. That is why the Germans have made at least the Quarterfinals in 10 straight World Cups, and that is why the Italians can win World Cups. The Argentineans are greatly lacking in these areas. Maradona’s craziness and his being a Messi Sabatuer will eventually catch up to the Argentineans, but just not until they build up hopes and get out of the Group Stage.
2.) Nigeria – The Eagles have always done well in their recent World Cup appearances. They made it out of the group stage in ’94 and ’98, and in each, they won their group. Recent times haven’t been as strong, but there has been a recent rebirth of Nigerian football. They have a legitimate chance of becoming the first African team to reach the Quarterfinals since Senegal in 2002, especially with their offensive attack. They led all of Africa in goals scored during qualifying. They can score, and the Eagles will soar.
3.) South Korea – Since their magical run to the semis in 2002, South Korea has been slightly overrated. They were average, at best, in 2006, and since they are one of the only two actually good teams in the Asia qualifying (with Australia) they are pretty much guaranteed a spot. They were great in qualifying, but again, that is against the likes of Myanmar and Philippines. Look for them to continue their run back down to mediocrity, especially in this group.
4.) Greece – I’ll credit the Greeks for qualifying, because Greek football has been on a downward spiral ever since their magical run to glory in Euro 2004, but Greece still is nowhere what they were when they stunned Portugal and Europe as a whole. To be honest, the Greek team is a mystery. They were quite good in qualifying, especially on defense, but still don’t seem to have the necessary talent to get out of a very tough group. They probably have more talent the South Korean team, but they don’t have the confidence that South Korea does, fresh after rolling through Asian qualifying. It will be another long two weeks for the Gyro-maniacs.
Group C
Predicted Finish:
1.) England – Ah yes, our monarchist friends. England has probably the most embarrassing World Cup history, since they damn near invented the sport, and were only able to win the World Cup once. They have a more talented team than they did in 2006, and a team that if things break their way can, gasp, win the whole thing. The group is kind enough, as only the US pose a major threat. Rio Ferdinand’s injury highlights what could be a rather weak defense, however their offense was the best in Europe during qualifying. Wayne Rooney, finally healthy, is on a mission to get himself in that Ronaldo/Messi argument. Lampard had the year of his life, and their role players all had solid years. England is really suited for their best World Cup run in decades. However, they still are England, and if there is any safer bet than them not winning the World Cup, there aren’t many more.
2.) USA – The US team has grown so much since their roller-coaster ride in 2002, and grown to a point that if they fail to get out of the Group Stage, the World Cup will be a MAJOR disappointment. They have more skill than ever, with Landon Donovan in the form of his life, and their midfield is solid. I’m not the biggest expert on the US team (ironic, since they are, you know, my country) but they seem to be one of the most athletic teams in the tournament, and the toughest. With the recent injury to Jozy Altidore making him a question mark, there is concern over where the goals will come from, but with that solid defensive midfield and goalie
(the US produces some great goalies), other teams will be asking the same question.
3.) Slovenia – They are a dangerous, dangerous team. They don’t have many known players, or any that play for the premier clubs in England, Spain, Italy or Germany, but the Slovenia team has its organization down. They will constrict the life out of every team they play, make teams wait, wait and wait until they can find an opening to attack. Luckily for the Slovenians, no one has that team that can make use of the limited openings. Slovenia can control the pace of the game by totally limiting their opponents chances to low percentage ones. Sadly, 0-0 draws can only take a team so far, and usually that location is out of the tournament before the knockout round.
4.) Algeria – The third African team again is much like the other two: fast, athletic and can score in bundles. However, they lack the talent at the end of the day to make much of a dent. Talent still wins out in the World Cup. Now, when two teams play that have almost equal talent, then other things might, but Algeria is almost definitely the fourth most talented team in the Group, and that will not help their cause. Also, at least for them, don’t buy the “Oh, they’re a home team in Africa” reason. Algeria is closer to Moscow than it is to Johannesburg.
Group D
Predicted Finish:
1.) Germany – Der Manschraaft is still as resolved as ever. In a tough, tough group, one that before Michael Essien’s injury would be a group that would not surprise me no matter what the two teams were advancing, Germany still stands out as the leader. The Germans are not the most talented team (although they are mighty talented, especially with Lahm and Schweinsteger, two of the most talented players at their positions, healthy and playing well). Just the winningest. They never are the most talented, they just win. Germany has this track record since 1974: Champion, Quarterfinalist, Semifinalist, Finalist, Champion, Semifinalist, Quarterfinalist, Finalist, Semifinalist. I can’t go against that track record, especially with a team that has some sleeping giants (Podolski, Klose) that could wake up at any time.
2.) Serbia – The recent Sasha Vujacic vs Goran Dragic face-off in the Western Conference Finals enlightened the World to two things. First, that there is no single more annoying person in any team sport in the world than Sash Vujacic. Secondly, that Serbia is a very good country at producing World-Class athletes That is more true in the football team. Serbia is really, really talented. Nemanja Vidic is a top-5 defender. Bratislav Ivanovic is a Chelsea defender who is deadly in the air. Dejan Stankovic and Milos Krasic provide good solid force in the midfield. Serbia really is as talented as many of the more famous, more respected European playes.
3.) Ghana – If only Essies was healthy, this could rival Group G as the Group of Death. Ghana is an extremely disciplined, defensive team, like a weird African form of Italy, but with Essien, the world’s best defensive midfielder, out, there is a gaping hole in Ghana’s organizational structure. Ghana still has other talents, but they are missing their best player. Of course, Ghana again is really nowhere close to South Africa, so there won’t be as big of a ‘home field advantage. I would not be shocked if the Ghanians somehow steal a spot away from those top two, but in a Group with three teams that all made it to the knockout round in the 2006 World Cup, there is a chance that one player will make a sizable enough difference to ruin the hopes of all the little Ghanians.
4.) Australia – The socceroos made a wise decision to switch over to Asian Qualifying, so they get more games against better teams to prepare themselves for the challenge of the World Cup, but if I were the Aussie Soccer Federating (by the way, way in the Queen-Messiah’s name does Australia call in ‘soccer’ like we do. I thought we were unique in that regard). While they still have a team good enough to pull an upset, the Aussies are nowhere near as good as they were 4 years ago when they made the Quarterfinals and lost on a controversial penalty to the Italians.
Group E
Predicted Finish:
1.) Netherlands – The clockwork orange are for once, a bit underrated. They, like Spain, did not lose a single game in World Cup Qualifying, but aren’t getting the same credit. They have been on an upswing, as until their tight loss to Russia in the Euro Quarterfinals, Holland was the best team in the tournament. With Arjen Robben in the form of his life after his glorious Champions League run, and Wesley Sneijder, Robin Van Persie, Mark Van Bommel and others providing deep depth on every level, Holland is loaded. They haven’t really done well in the World Cup since a semifinal loss to Brazil in 1998, but have the pieces in place to make that deep run. Plus, they are one of the few teams who actually has the ability and resolve to play attack football and not leave their defense totally open.
2.) Cameroon – It is not just Samuel Eto’o and the boys, but it seems that way. Cameroon is actually a lot like Ghana, in that they are a very organized defense-first team. The only difference in this case is that the Cameroonians are not missing their best player, and that best player is a very dependable goal scorer, the rarest soccer breed around. Samuel Eto’o, after the possible injury to Didier Drogba, is now the most marketable African star playing in the World Cup, and who not? The man has just won two straight Club trebles with two different teams. Everywhere he goes, he wins. Now, I’m not saying that Cameroon can will the World Cup. Hell, I didn’t even pick them to win their group. He’s going healthy and inspired to the 2010 World Cup, so it is only logical that winning follows.
3.) Denmark – The Great Danes are a god enough team to stay the course and make the Group interesting, but they are just not in the league of Holland. In many ways, they are the mini-Holland. Four years ago, Holland had a very young, very green, very talented team. They were lucky enough to be put in a manageable group, and were able to make it out, but the experience of that World Cup helped Holland mature into a team that was as beautiful as Spain was in Euro 2008, and is a favorite here in 2010. I don’t think Denmark will even be able to go that far four years from now, but if they develop like they can, I will at least pick them to get out of their Group four years from now.
4.) Japan – They just aren’t good enough. Keisuke Honda is a very good forward, and they have good young talented players, but compared, really, to all three of their group peers, Japan is quite obviously seriously lacking in quite a few areas. What really raises a few flags is how much Japan struggled to qualify in Asia. Japan should never really have to struggle to qualify out of the Asia conference, unless there undergoes a Big 10 like transformation and teams from Europe flock over across the Eurasian landmass and join in on the fun. The fact that it did just highlights that there is a lack of confidence, concentration and overall simple, plain ability.
Group F
Predicted Finish:
1.) Italy - Has there ever been less fanfare about the defending champs? France and Brazil both were favorites in 2002 and 2006. Italy in 2010? There is more news about a team that hasn’t won a World Cup in 44 years (England) than there is about the team that won the last one. Of course, there are reasons why no one is taking Italy too seriously. Firstly, they are really, really old. They have many of the players back from their World Cup winning team from 2006, and they were rather old then. 9 of the 11 Italian starters are over the age of 29, which is ancient in soccer standards. However, they are the Italians. They have reached the quarterfinals or better in five consecutive World Cups since 1994. They still have a ton of talent, one of the best systems and coaches and a great goalie. Italy was also given the Champions benefit and was placed in the easiest draw in the tournament. Sure they have no fanfare, but after they inevitably race through their group like they should, the defending champs might finally start to get some respect.
2.) Paraguay – They are one of the teams leading the South American Revival, where there could be 4-5 South American teams in the knockout stages. Paraguay has enough capable players to make short work of New Zealand. Really, this is a battle to either beat Slovakia, or play Italy closer, and I give the edge to the Paraguayans. Aurellieno Torres might be the second most famous Torres in the World Cup but he heads a solid defense that can give the Italians a good run for best defense in the group. Roque Santa Cruz and Edgar Benitez are very good attackers. Paraguay is another of those disciplined teams that won’t really beat themselves and will be a dangerous out for any team.
3.) Slovakia – Like Slovenia, they are short on known talent, with Marek Hamsik and Martin Skrtel being the only two players to play in teams that are in those competing for the Champions League title, but this team has youthful talent, again like Slovenia, that will make them interesting, at worst. They probably are not real threats, but in a group that would easily be called the Group of Life, in that all four teams (or in this case three teams – since even in the Group of Life, New Zealand is dead) have a chance.
4.) New Zealand – They are probably the worst team in the World Cup. After Australia left to the Asia Qualifying, that left New Zealand, and a lot of Islands that rhyme with “tonga”, to fight for the Oceania Qualifying’s lone spot. New Zealand got it, almost by default. If they scam a point in the tournament, I would be extremely impressed. There is nothing really to say here except I am furious that the All-blacks are choosing to where white as their ‘home’ jersey in the World Cup. That seems a bit off.
Group G
Predicted Finish:
1.) Brazil – Ahhh, the controversy of trying to not play “Brazilian”. Dunga has assembled a very, very, very talented team, but just not where most Brazilians like their team to be “talented”. Instead of guys Pele, Garrincha, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, providing talent to the attack, the Brazilians have stockpiled their talent where Dunga likes it, on defense. Brazil has most likely the best goalie in Julio Cesar. Brazil has two excellent fullbacks in Maicon and Lucio. The problem is that Brazil, a team that really doesn’t know, historically, how to embrace defense, has only one true offensive player to serve as the catalyst, and that is Kaka, who has been battling injuries and more importantly poor play the l ast two years. Brazil’s defensive personnel is excellent, and with Drogba out, should have an easy time getting out of this group. However, it would behoove them to get out on top, because as a consolation prize for finishing second, the runner up, in all likelihood, gets a date with Spain in the round of 16.
2.) Cote D’Ivoire – This was the toughest prediction to make. Drogba’s injury now looks like it is not bad enough for him to definitely not play in the tournament, but even without Didier in there, Cote D’Ivoire has the necessary pieces to push Portugal out of the World Cup. With the Toure brothers, Solomon Kalou and the rest of the Elephants (not a racist joke, just the teams nickname) have talent just spewing out their feet. Cote D’Ivoire was a disappointment in the 2006 World Cup, flaming out before the knockout stages, but that team was too reliant on Drogba. Not only is this team not too reliant, but it cannot be reliant on him. Drogba’s not walking through that door (most likely), but a lot of other quality folk are.
3.) Portugal – Along with Argentina and France, Portugal is the enigma of the tournament. They are talented (though not as much so as before the 2002 and 2006 World Cups), and they have the, as of right now, second best player in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo, yet they qualified by the skin of their teeth. At times Portugal was downright listless in qualifications, going four straight games at one point without scoring a goal. As was said before, there have been many teams that did not do well in qualifying that did extremely well in the World Cup, highlighted by Brazil in 2002 and France in 2006. But both of those teams were not whole in qualifying. Ronaldo missed a lot of the 2002 Brazil qualifying. Zidane had to be called out of retirement to rescue France in 2006. Other than Cristiano Ronaldo missing two games, Portugal was whole, and just as bad. Portugal has talent, definitely, but talent mixed with listlessness is not a good combination.
4.) North Korea – They are the real enigma, in that most journalist don’t even know the names of all the players. They are a total unknown, a mystery that Agatha Christie would be proud of. The only thing worthwhile to note is that there are four kin-jong’s on North Korea. Hopefully none of them are related to that mouse of a dictator. That’s all I really have one them. They probably aren’t that great, but the only other time they made the World Cup, they made it to the semifinals. I really doubt that will happen again, but since Kim Jong Il probably fed them Uraniam laced-Squid, God only knows what we will get in South Africa from the North Koreans.
Group H
Predicted Finish:
1.) Spain – It happens every time before a major tournament like this. People always try to find fault with the favorite, with the best team. It happened a lot in the 2007 NFL Playoffs where people were inventing reasons why the 16-0 (then 17-0 then 18-0) Patriots would lose (I guess they were right that final time). Now, people are trying to find fault with Spain. They only real scare was an injury bug, but not only are their players going to be back for the World Cup, all the injured ones (Xavi, Fabregas, Torres) played in Spain’s 6-0 bush-whacking of Poland. Spain is a good enough team that if Iniesta is really hurt (there were reports of a muscle tear, or at least a strain that might jeopardize his World Cup), Spain can just slide in Fabregas, the best central midfielder in England, onto the starting 11. They have limitless options on attack, and their defense is a lot better than people give them credit for, as shown by their run in Euro 2008 where they posted back-to-back-to-back shutouts in the knockout round. Spain is the best team, and should fly by this group without much resistance.
2.) Chile – Chile is a team that will probably to fight fire with fire and attack Spain right back. The one problem is that they might have trouble getting the ball against them. Either way, Chile has the team to beat the other two. Gonzalez can score with anyone, and the rest of the team loves to push it up the field, fast. They might be faster than even Spain. They are probably the best example of the rebirth of South American football. Brazil and Argentina have always been there, but recently Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay have all taken steps up. Ecuador made the knockout round back in 2006. The best player in the world resides in Argentina. South America is finally beginning to at least make a serious effort to catch up to the depth of Europe.
3.) Switzerland – Along with Ecuador, they are the forgotten team to make the knockout round in 2006, let alone the fact that they won their group. In fact, Switzerland was notable for being the first team to get knocked out of the World Cup without ever conceding a goal, helped by a 0-0 penalty kick loss in the Round of 16. Switzerland just doesn’t have another one of those runs in them. Plus, in a group with Chile and Spain, there is about a -45% chance that Switzerland doesn’t allow a goal again.
4.) Honduras – They are the North Korea of the North American qualifying stable. Not much is known about the Hondurians, at least to me. Their players are unknown, again, to me. They will be fodder for Spain to pad some stats, and probably Chile as well, and even maybe Switzerland can get that goal finally, against the Hondurians as well. In all actuality, I have not heard of a single player for the Honduras, so there is no point of me even talking about them. I don’t like to make up stuff, and with them, I would be doing just that.
Knockout Round
‘*’ = in extra time (if the score is tied, that means penalties).
Round of 16
A1 – Mexico vs B2 – Nigeria
An interesting matchup of two teams that like to play similarly. Both teams like to push the ball. Mexico has slightly more defensive ballast to pull this game out. Plus, Mexico is due to make it past the Round of 16, which they have been felled in the last two World Cups.
Mexico 3* Nigeria 2
C1 – England vs D2 – Serbia
England is used to flaming out early, and Serbia is an up and coming team. This is an interesting matchup of two teams that are pretty evenly match, despite what the public will make you think. Neither team has a huge advantage here, so I’ll go with a hunch and say that the Serbians make a run.
Serbia 2 England 1
E1 – Netherlands vs F2 – Paraguay
Netherlands starts their run with a game against a team that has the ability to give the Clockwork Orange a load of problems. Paraguay can play enough defense to make the Netherlands work for every opportunity. Unfortunately for Paraguay, the Netherlands have the players to get quite a few of those opportunities.
Netherlands 2 Paraguay 1
G1 – Brazil vs H2 – Chile
If Dunga’s plan of playing defense and using his speed to counter-attack is going to have any success, it will have to start here. Chile is a team that will press the field and try to go at Brazil. If Dunga gets his way, this would probably end as a low scoring game where Brazil’s defense is really in control the whole time.
Brazil 1 Chile 0
B1 – Argentina vs A2 – France
This bottom half is loaded, and it starts with the matchup of the two most interesting teams. Argentina of course has the M&M show with Messi and Maradona. France has a team that dislikes its coach and may waste its sizable talent. Of course, France has the better recent pedigree, even with Zidane gone, and this Messi and Maradona thing will just not end well. Coaching matters. The last three World Cup Winning coaches were Marcello Lippi, Luis Felipe Scolari and Aime Jacquet, all three have had good careers in both club and country. Maradona has done nothing as a coach, save for throwing his best player under the bus.
France 2 Argentina 2 (FRA wins on PKs)
D1 – Germany vs C2 – USA
Ah, the Germans, again. They were the team who robbed the US of at least a chance at extra time in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinal. It is unfortunate they draw the Germans here again. The last World Cup that the Germans did not make the QFs for was 1970. That streak will probably end some day, but I can’t say that the Americans will end it.
Germany 1 USA 0
F1 – Italy vs E2 – Cameroon
The defending champs stalwart but old defense against the fastest man in football, Samuel Eto’o. That doesn’t make me feel good for Italy’s Title Defense hopes. Cameroon also can squash whatever offensive attack the Italians can muster. Italy has always been hit or miss in the World Cup, crashing out early almost as often as winning, so why not lose here in the Round of 16.
Cameroon 1 Italy 0
H1 – Spain vs G2 – Cote D’Ivoire
I would love if Spain, the most together team, could have played Portugal, the most individualistic team, but this is nearly as good, for Spain, that is. Spain won’t really have to worry about their defense too much with Drogba injured, and they can attack that Cote D’Ivoire defense for 90 solid minutes.
Spain 2 Cote D’Ivoire 0
Quarterfinals
A1 – Mexico vs D2 – Serbia
Probably if I told anyone in 2006 that this would be a quarterfinal in the 2010 World Cup, I would get laughs. Well, I still would probably get laughs. The amazing thing is that if this happens, one of those two teams will be Semifinalists. As for the actual game, these two teams are a study of opposites. Mexico pushes the ball and relies on an opportunistic offense. Serbia can lock down teams, and relies on an opportunistic counter-attack offense. So, in the battle of wills, it becomes a skill competition with a nice little shootout to decide which one of these two countries, Mexico and Serbia, make the Semis (yes, that’s right, semis).
Mexico 1 Serbia 1 (MEX wins on penalties)
E1 – Netherlands vs G1 – Brazil
That’s more like it. It is unfortunate that the second and third best teams have to duke it out this early, but it does set up for what would be an EPIC quarterfinal. Brazil will face their toughest test in the Dunga-defense era. Netherlands has the fast defenders to slow down the Brazil counterattack, and the offensive skill and shotmaking to get shots from outside the 18, which Maicon and Lucio will most likely defend brilliantly. Overtime just feels write for this clash of heavyweights that unfortunately would come in the Quarterfinals. I’ll say that the dutch revival continues as a goal in Extra Time ruins Brazil, forever ending the Dunga-defense era.
Netherlands 2* Brazil 1
A2 – France vs D1 – Germany
Another epic battle between the last two World Cup runner’s up. France and Germany are both teams that are equally matched. France is a little more talented, Germany is a little more mentally tough and together. France has more offense; Germany, more defense. However, this is still Germany, and now that everyone is counting them out because of Ballack’s injury and Podolski’s mysterious drop in play, so why shouldn’t they just make the semis for the third consecutive World Cup.
Germany 1 France 0
E2 – Cameroon vs H1 – Spain
This is where the magical mystery tour for the African teams end. If Essien was healthy, Ghana might have challenged for the semis, same if Drogba was healthy and Cote D’Ivoire won their group. Cameroon, the last remaining African nation, just doesn’t have it to knock of Spain, anywhere. Spain has better attack, better middies, better defenders and a better goalie. That combination usually results in a win approximately 93% of the time.
Spain 3 Cameroon 1
Semifinals
A1 – Mexico vs E1 – Netherlands
In what will undoubtedly be a visually appealing match, with the contrasting colors of the Clockwork Orange’s orange and El Tri’s green, the first semifinal pits two teams together that play similar styles. Mexico likes to attack more directly, with more speed and fast-paced advancing. The Netherlands are more about the build-up, the sublime passes that will leave lanes open. However, throw all that out. It is a World Cup Semifinal between a team that has never been to the Final, and a team that hasn’t been in 32 years. Mexico has, in my book, played two extra time games in a row. They have become the Turkey from Euro 2008 of the World Cup. Look for it to continue with another dramatic game, and it will end just like Turkey’s run in Euro 2008 did, with a loss 3-2 in the semifinals.
Netherlands 3 Mexico 2
D1 – Germany vs H1 – Spain
The two teams that played for the Euro title in 2008 (a game that ended 1-0 with Spain finally winning a major trophy) is the ultimate battle of a team trying to reach its destiny and the perfect opponent. Spain is the ultimate underachiever at the World Cup. Finally, though, with the knowledge that this group of individuals who are as talented as any group of players since Les Blues from 1998-2000, has already won a major title, Spain is poised to win a World Title. Of course, the World Cup Winner’s club is very selective, with France being the only new winner since 1978. Germany, the team that has made the final 7 times, winning 3 of them, protecting the World Cup Winner’s club. I say that in what will probably look a lot like the Euro 2008 Final, Spain does it again.
Spain 2 Germany 0
World Cup Final
E1 – Netherlands vs H1 – Spain
In what would be the first World Cup Final to feature two teams that have never won the World Cup before for the first time since 1934 (yes, you read that right), this matchup is unlikely, but it would be a dream. The two most attractive teams in football (not in terms of attractiveness, because I don’t stretch out the limousine, if you know what I mean, but in terms of attractive football) meeting in a World Cup Final. It would be perfect. The last time we had a World Cup Final where both teams scored more than 1 goal was in 1966, so this would be a great repeat of that wonderful Final. Spain and Netherlands are perfect teams to play one another. It would be a weird twist on the battle of possession. Spain would probably win the battle anyway, but Netherlands is deadly on the counter-attack, and better in the air. I would have to just go with a hunch and say that in a tournament where so many first have happened (Mexico making the semis, Spain making the final, two teams that haven’t won the tournament play for the title) we get a high-scoring extra time final. Torres with the winner. Xavi with the Golden Ball.
Spain 3* Netherlands 2
