FIFA 2010 – The Fantastic Four !!

The most exciting event on the planet – FIFA World Cup 2010 is about to start in another 5 days. The next one month would see lots of discussions, time, energy, etc being spent on discussing, debating, supporting, arguing and what not on the matches, the errors, the goals, incidents, etc. Though India does not have a high ranking football team and may not make it to the World Cup in years to come, Indians are no less passionate about football especially the world cup. There are 3 main regions where football is still a passion – Bengal, Goa and Kerala. While most Bengalis root for Brazil, most malayalees root for Argentina (ever since Maradona scored this famous goal ; infact there is also a milk shake named after Maradona :)). Being a mallu by origin, I have also caught on to this following and since the 1986 world cup (which was the first world cup that I watched religiously along with my dad), when I was just 8 years old, I have been supporting Argentina, no matter they win or lose. I just like their style of play …

There are some rituals that most people practice ahead of the World Cup – and one of them is announcing is your favorites. I had done a similar exercise for the World Cup 2006 (read the article here) and one of the teams went on to win the world cup (ahem !!).

Now for the four teams that I would be supporting this world cup.

Favorite 4: Netherlands

The Netherlands are the dark horse of this world cup. They have always had talented players but havent been able to convert the potential to victories. Somehow the killer instinct has been missing and this time could be no different. However, I like the orange jersey and will be supporting them this time and hoping that they beat the odds to make it to semi-finals.

Possible obstacles on the way (if they make it till finals)

• Group Stage: Denmark
• Quarterfinals: Brazil
• Semi-finals: England
• Finals: Argentina

Players to look out for

• Robben
• Sneijder
• Persie
• Van der vaart

Favorite 3: Italy

One of the boring teams, they were the surprise package of last world cup playing precision football to win the world cup. Defense is their strongest forte and it is a treat to watch them execute their strategies. Though they are the title defenders, it might be difficult for them on their road ahead.

 

Possible obstacles on the way (if they make it till finals)

• Round of 16: Denmark
• Quarter Finals: Spain
• Semi-finals: Argentina
• Finals: Netherlands

Players to look out for

• Buffon
• Cannavaro
• De Rossi
• Gilardino
• Pirlo

Favorite 2: Spain

Spain amazed everyone with their display of skill, aggression, defense, etc during the Euro 2008 tournament and ever since they have been one of the favorites to win World Cup 2010. If they continue the same level of play as in Euro 2008, they can definitely lift this years world cup.

 

Possible obstacles on the way (if they make it till finals)

• Round of 16: Portugal
• Quarter Finals: Italy
• Semi-finals: Argentina
• Finals: Netherlands

Players to look out for

• Casillas
• Puyol
• Villa
• Xavi
• Torres
• Fabregas

Favorite 1: Argentina

They have been my all time favorites and even though they are not in the best of their form, they would continue to be my #1 favorite. Argentina is known for aggressive soccer and for me, they play in the most stylish manner. Their hopes are primarily resting on Messi and this could put more pressure on him and could be their downfall.

 

Possible obstacles on the way (if they make it till finals)

• Quarter Finals: Germany
• Semi-Finals: Spain
• Finals: Netherlands

Players to look out for

• Rodriguez
• Heinze
• Messi
• Tevez

My favorites aside, Brazil and Germany could easily make it to the semi-finals. These two teams know how to pace up their play and make it to the semi-finals and have real good chance of making it till the semi-finals. Interesting WC on hand. The best part is that there is no group of death and hopefully the best 16 would make it to the knock-outs.

Who are your favorites ? Let me know ..