Who will win the 2010 World Cup?

With the latest rounds of World Cup qualifiers taking place last week, the battle to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is coming to an end. Even at this early stage, it is interesting to speculate who will win the top prize in football next summer. Personally, I think one of three countries will emerge victorious:

1) Brazil

History suggests that Brazil have an excellent shot at triumphing. Every single World Cup in Europe has been won by a European nation, with the exception being Brazil in Sweden ’58. Every World Cup held outside Europe has been won by a South American nation. Argentina is the only other South American nation that would have a realistic chance, but at the moment it appears extremely unlikely, given that they may not even qualify.

Brazil have the form and quality to back them up as well. They have won their last 11 fixtures and have not been defeated for more than a year. Dunga’s men top the South American qualification table, having only lost one of their 16 matches. Their Confederations Cup victory this year is sure to boost confidence ahead of the World Cup next year. Despite possessing quality players like Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano , however, Brazil’s squad just is not as good as it was in 2002 and 2006. Ronaldinho’s lack of form, for instance, has led to him being dropped from the team. During the last World Cup, he was widely regarded as the best player in the world. Nevertheless, Brazil possess a team that most would envy, and as such, have to be regarded as serious contenders for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa.

2) Spain

Following Spain’s victory in the European Championships in 2008, there appears to be no way of stopping the Spanish national team. After winning the tournament in style, Spain have swept all before them in the World Cup qualifiers. Barcelona’s treble victory last season has also led many to believe that Spanish football is on the rise.

Following tournament after tournament of underachievement, there now seems to be no reason for believing why the Spanish cannot go on to win the big prize as well. With stars such as Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Silva and Torres amongst others, the Spanish possess an envy of talent. These players have developed a very good understanding among themselves. With their attractive, attacking brand of football, Spain is the popular choice.

3) England

Under Fabio Capello, England have finally become a force to be seriously reckoned with. I say seriously reckoned with because they have always been thereabouts at major tournaments, but they have not reached the semi-finals or finals for a long time now. While it is too early to say that England will reach this far next year, it seems very likely.

Capello’s leadership has made England an efficient outfit. They have overcome every challenge put before them in the World Cup qualifiers with great professionalism. In their recent victory over Croatia, they even managed to rack in the goals, which brought great satisfaction to the English fans following their defeat to the same country in the qualifiers for the European Championships, a result that led to their elimination. Capello has led England with an iron fist, and it is obvious that the discipline he has brought to the squad has had a tremendous effect. He has already stated that he will not let the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of the players have a detrimental effect next year. The manner of England’s victories over the past year has meant that they have to be taken seriously. It is highly likely that they will be contenders for the championship in South Africa next year.

I have to stress that these are my views at this point in time. Based on the progress of these and other teams, my opinion of the contenders for the World Cup could very well change. At this point, however, I see one of these three nations emerging victorious.