Sport | Football

Gulf News football pundits give their predictions

Adam Flinter, Hub Editor

WINNING TEAM: I’ll take the easy way out and say Spain. Unless they have some horrific time adjusting to the conditions or are dog tired I can’t see anyone beating them. Even if Torres is not fully fit they still have a wealth of attacking talent and the best midfield in the world. The Euro 2008 win has bolstered belief in their sublime ability and perceived weak links like Carlos Puyol proved he is up to the demands of facing quality week in, week out.
DARK HORSES: I have to steer clear of predictability in the dark horse stakes. This means ruling out the supremely talented but utterly unpredictable Ivorian’s and their group of death. Instead I’ve decided to plump for Chile. Why? They finished second in the qualifying campaign to Brazil and have real coaching pedigree in the shape of Argentine World Cup winner Marcelo Bielsa. Chile have a tough group but could surprise a few people. The fly in the ointment is an injury to key striker Humberto Suazo.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Andres Iniesta (Spain)

Morven Philp, Multimedia Editor

WINNING TEAM: I’m tipping Argentina to win, as Messi is legendary, and it would be nice for him to cement his place in the history books by lifting the World Cup. Also, poor Diego Maradona’s been in a bit of financial trouble of late (his prized diamond earring got repossessed) so he’ll be needing the money! But on a serious note, one of greatest players of all time will be hoping to mark himself out as one of the best managers too.
DARK HORSES: It’s a well bandied-about fact that only seven teams have won the World Cup, so I’d love to see someone new win the trophy. Spain are hot favourites to win their maiden trophy, but I’m going to tip their close neighbours Portugal to do well in the competition. They have Brazil in their group but I reckon they’ll easily beat North Korea and the Ivory Coast, and do well in the knock-out stages. And they have Cristiano Ronaldo…
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Nikola Zigic (Serbia).

Natalie Long, tabloid! Editor

WINNING TEAM: Brazil are always one of the strongest, most entertaining and most dedicated teams at the World Cup, and I think this year is no different — they are simply the best team, with so many good players they can even afford to leave some out! Plus, they’ve got a disappointing performance in the last World Cup in Germany (finishing fifth) to give some added motivation.
DARK HORSES: There are a lot of strong teams this World Cup, so apart from the obvious leaders, I have three dark horses. Firstly, England. I think they will get as far as the semi-final, at which point anything can happen. For the first time in years, England have a manager who is a proven winner. Secondly, the Netherlands are the eternal World Cup dark horses, and finally, Argentina — they have so many good players, starting with Messi.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)

Kevin Scott, Multimedia Reporter

WINNING TEAM: As a Scotsman, it pains me to say it but I have a feeling that England will win the World Cup this summer. In Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard they have players that can trouble any team in the world. But the key difference this time round is Fabio Capello; a brilliant manager who commands respect and knows what it takes to win. I remain unconvinced about England’s central defence but if they get a bit of luck they can beat anyone on their day.
DARK HORSES: I believe Chile will surprise a lot of people in South Africa. They will also win over a lot of neutral fans with their three-pronged attack, which includes the much-hyped Alexis Sanchez of Udinese. They finished second in South American qualifying and under former Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa they should make it out of Group H in second place behind Spain. However, if they reach the knockouts they face a daunting second round match against Brazil, Portugal or Ivory Coast.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Jon Rhodes, Deputy Sports Editor

WINNING TEAM: I know they’re always tipped to do great things and usually self-destruct in a fit of competing egos, but I’m backing the Netherlands to be victorious in South Africa. In Sneijder and Robben they have two players bang on form and with a fit-again Van Persie, I think they are a match for anyone. They may not be as talented as some former Dutch teams, but on the plus side they might lack some of the egos. Here’s hoping they can shake off their tag as nearly-men once and for all.
DARK HORSES: I’m going to say Uruguay. They secured the last spot in South American qualifying, but are not in a particularly strong group with France, South Africa and Mexico. In Diego Forlan they have a striker with real pedigree, and there is genuine enthusiasm about the young talent in the squad. La Celeste, of course, have won the World Cup twice before, and while no-one is expecting that of Oscar Tabarez’ side, they could provide a surprise punch in South Africa.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Robin Van Persie (Netherlands)

Kuda Chikwanda, Copy Editor

WINNING TEAM: Brazil, England, Argentina, Spain and the Netherlands are clear favourites. However, the threat of injuries to Spain’s star players looms large. The Netherlands are notorious for failing to exploit their tactical superiority. England stand a clear chance of making the final (if they avoid penalty shootouts) and can outsmart Dunga’s Brazil (lacking the inspirational Ronaldinho) in the final. The captaincy will make Gerrard shine and with him marshalling the midfield, Rooney upfront, and with the master tactician – Capello – England are the team to beat.
DARK HORSES: The United States, Cameroon, Denmark, the Ivory Coast, Portugal and Greece make up the underdogs. One should never underestimate Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo or Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o. Ghana stand a good chance of stunning Germany and making a good run as Senegal did in 2002 but Essien’s absence has taken the sting out of them. But the United States’ remarkable ascension up the Fifa rankings over the last few years and the fact that they beat Spain 2-0 last year prove that are they top underdogs in this competition.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Wayne Rooney (England)