Volunteer Latin America would like to wish the seven countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay and Uruguay) representing the region the very best of luck at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. It would be wonderful to see any of these teams lift the trophy in Johannesburg on 11th July but realistically only two of them have a chance of doing so.
Brazil head to South Africa looking to confirm their position as the best international team in world football by winning the World Cup for a sixth time. Brazil’s World Cup pedigree cannot be disputed, the fact that they have won the competition more times than anybody else speaks for itself. Many critics have questioned the current Brazilian team and whilst it may not be as good as past teams, it is still a collective of world class players that will strike fear in to the eyes of any opponent. We believe Brazil have the pedigree, history and players to make it six of the best come the final whistle of the World Cup final come 11th July.
To win the World Cup you need at least 20 very good players, and if that’s the case, then Argentina, now coached by its most iconic player, Diego Maradona, is well positioned. The team features the current world player of the year, forward Lionel Messi, and the drop-off from there is not precipitous. If they can get it together for six, seven matches, they also have the players to win the World Cup. Maradona and co have a fantastic opportunity to silence all their critics once and for all.
Although Paraguay are long shots to win the World Cup they are a good bet to advance out of Group F into the knockout round. Paraguay beat Brazil and Argentina on their way to South Africa and have reached the last 16 in two of the last three World Cups. The squad boasts huge attacking talent with Cardozo, Santa Cruz and the emerging Barrios. One of the above strikers is a great outside punt for the golden boot if they plunder New Zealand.
Other notable mentions go to Chile and Mexico who should both have enough talent in their line-ups to advance out of Groups A and H. The games between Chile and Switzerland, and Mexico and Uruguay, will play a big part in deciding which Latin American teams advance out of their respective groups to the second round of the competition.
Looking into our crystal ball we see a South American team and a European team in the final on 11 July 2010: Brazil versus Spain. Brazil are a fantastic unit with some exceptional players (Alves, Kaka, Lucio, Maicon, Robinho, etc) and stand out as clear favourites for us.