SPORTS: DANCING BRAVE COLUMN FOR WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE, 2010
By Andre E Baptiste ( isports@andrebaptiste.com)
------- WHO WILL WIN THE 2010 WORLD CUP -------
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa starts on Friday amidst a lot of anticipation and some trepidation, depending on which team you are supporting. Unlike four years ago in Germany when Trinidad and Tobago was among the list of 32 teams that participated, we now find ourselves mere spectators to this great event. And while we can all lament the many situations that occurred that led to this. Let me remind those who may have forgotten:
1) The decision to Black lists several of the players from the 2006 World Cup Campaign over money.
2) The chopping and changing of coaches from the Dutch style to a Colombian with language problems , finally to Russell Latapy when it was all but over
3) A decision by Captain Dwight Yorke, with Trinidad and Tobago leading El Salvador 2-0 away from home and with 35 minutes remaining, and having been awarded a penalty. Yorke decided to give Stern John, his friend the chance to take the penalty against the obvious and expressed orders of the coach. Stern John ….missed.
However , as we examine this World Cup , it has become clearer with every day , that the South African obeah men and women have set about working on clearing the way forward for some major upsets , with many leading players either out of the World Cup, or forced to play with one injury or another.
England has perhaps been hardest hit; with know David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand.
Germany has lost their captain and talisman in Michael Ballack.
Ghana has lost Michael Essien.
Nigeria have lost John Obi MIkel
There are several players as well with injuries including Arjen Robben of Holland and Didier Drobga of the Ivory Coast, Andrea Pirlo of Italy.
So Let us look at the Groups:
In Group A – I expect France under 57 year old coach, Raymond Domenech to qualify at the top of the group, based on their pedigree and their skill level. Hosts Country – South Africa under Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira should captured second spot especially if Everton’s Steven Piennar has a good first round of matches. Uruguay will be dangerous but one expects that 30 year old Diego Forlan may be drained after his great exploits with UEFA Cup Champions Athletico Madrid.
Group B – Diego Maradona’s Argentina is favoured to win this group easily especially if Lionel Messi decides to showcase his talent on the world scene. The Eagles of Nigeria under the guidance of the wily Swede Lars Lagerback and with 25 year old Obafemi Martins in form will be the challenger. Former European Champions – Greece – have the veteran, 71 year old Otto Rehhagel at the helm and he may have plans to stifle both Argentina and Nigeria.
Group C – England were once hailed as the team to beat in this World Cup, but a steady diet of problems both on and off the field involving the manager Fabio Capello (and his players index) and several of the players (notably John Terry’s dismissal as captain over an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex- girlfriend (who is Bridge’s child mother). Injuries to Beckham and recently Rio Ferdinand (who was installed as Captain after Terry’s removal) will have hurt the team. There is no doubt that new captain Steven Gerrard is a weak and ineffective captain (just ask Liverpool players). However they can still possibly win this group. The United States of America will challenge them strongly though, given their discipline and growing world cup experience. Coach Bob Bradley will be expecting that Tim Howard ( Goalkeeper) , Landon Donovan ( Midfielder) and Clint Dempsey ( Forward) will be able to use their experience of the English Premier League to surprise England on June 12 th. Of the others, Algeria with utility player Nadir Balhadg can be a spoiler if allowed too much space,
Group D- At the last World Cup, Germany were the hosts and did not win. This Time around, they will have to play without influential playmaker and Captain Michael Ballack; however Coach Joachim Low will look to Bastian Schweinsteigert to inspire his team. Ghana missing the other Michael, Essien will be a tough under Coach Milovan Rajevac.
Australia have shown signs of improvement, but whether they can have that little bit of luck that is needed in these group stages, will be the question. Tim Cahill of Everton is a poacher and if presented with goal scoring opportunities could hurt Germany and Ghana.
Group E – Holland (or Netherlands) have always played some of the prettiest football in the world, but yet still have not won the World Cup. Many have suggested that yet again they seem heading in that very direction, with imposing victories in their two warm up matches. Have they peaked too early? In Wesley Snieyder, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben, they have potent forwards. But with no Edwin Van De Sar in goal, they will be weak defensively .Arsenal ‘s Nicklas Bendtner will lead Denmark’s attacking force , and the experience of former great Danish captain , now coach Morten Olsen will be critical if Denmark is to advance to Knockout stages.
Cameroon will be placing all of their hopes of success at this tournament in 28 year old Samuel Eto, who just won another Champions League title with Inter Milan. Former star of Cameroon football Roger Milla has angered some including Eto by suggesting that Eto does not give his all for Cameroon, as he does when he plays club football. This sort of criticism can either inspire or deflate Eto, only time will tell.
Group F – Defending Champions Italy on paper has the easiest group in terms of qualification and may not need to break into a sweat to win this. Coach Marcello Lippi returns after Donadoni’s failure and his team has looked below par in the build up. Daniele De Rossi is expected to be the mainstay of the team, especially if Pirlo remains under the weather. South American team Paraguay has played very attractive football under Argentine Geraldo Martino and with the tricky Roque Santa Cruz can cause an upset. Slovakia has a young talented midfielder in 21 year old Marek Hamsik who can create chances for teammates and score goals.
Group G – South American Champions Brazil, who are aiming for their sixth World Cup Title have a less skillful team than usual this time around, and this might actually work in their favours with Coach Dunga instilling some steel into the team. There are none of the great superstars of the past , but in Kaka ( forward) , Julio Cesar ( Goalkeeper) , Maicon ( Attacking defender) and Robinho ( Forward), they have the armoury to unlock any safe. The Ivory Coast will be hurt if Didier Drogba’s unfortunate injury prevents their imposing striker from giving of his best .New Coach Sven Goran Erickson will be hopeful that some of his players with English Premiership experience will step up to the plate. Portugal an ageing team will hope that Cristiano Ronaldo can rekindle his form of early years and carry Portugal on his back to the knockout stages.
Group H – European Champions Spain, arrive in South Africa as the favourites among all of the leading bookmakers in the world (as low as 4-1 in some quarters). Coach Vincente Del Bosque most difficult decision will be, which players to leave out. Spain has possibly at least 6 or 7 of the best players in the world and numerous quality reserves in nearly every position. Names such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas stand out.
Chile under the guidance of Argentine Marcelo Biesla cannot be underestimated and 22 year old Carlos Cormona will be a player to watch. Switzerland did not lose a game in the last World Cup, but still went open early; they will need to score goals and win matches this time around and will hope that 30 year old Alexander Frei will deliver.
In my opinion if all of the fancy teams win their respective groups –
Group A – ( France ) , Group B – ( Argentina ) , Group C – ( England) , Group D – ( Germany) , Group E -( Holland) , Group F – ( Italy) , Group G – ( Brazil ) and Group H – ( Spain_) and subsequently win their respective matches in the knockout stage ( the last 16). Then this will be the quarterfinal line ups
Quarter Final 1 – Holland versus Brazil
Quarter Final 2 – France versus England
Quarter Final 3 – Germany versus Argentina
Quarter Final 4 – Italy versus Spain
These matches make for mouthwatering expectation and will have many glued to their televisions, as we will witness some of the most exciting football ever.
For me, I expect the semi finals to be between
Semi Final 1 – Brazil versus England
Semi Final 2 – Argentina versus Spain
Naturally in most World Cup, there are upsets and outsiders, and this is where we can expect Holland and France to be dangerous if they reach the quarterfinal stage. And Let us not forget the African teams such as Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon.
As to who will win the World Cup , I know the entire country wants to know – Who I select – both on radio and TV , I have been inundated by requests . So Here goes, …… will win the World Cup.
One more time …… will win the 2010 World Cup.
:: AB
