2010 World Cup Predictions

The 2010 World Cup begins tomorrow. Here is an excellent calendar to keep track. I’ve spent the last two months of my life previewing all 32 teams. Here are my purportedly educated predictions (with clarifications where necessary), which will probably look ridiculous when the tournament ends. [Photo via Getty]

Group A: Uruguay, Mexico – Raymond Domenech is a tactically-inept clown. Without Lassana Diarra as a second holding midfielder, Domenech has switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-1-4-1 which was responsible for their 1-0 loss to China. France have a lot of talent, but zero organization and no Zidane to bail them out. Players were standing around clueless and huddling during stoppages to strategize. I hope the money FFF saved by not firing Domenech after Euro 2008 was worth it.

Group B: Argentina, South Korea – Like the South Koreans. Think their slick passing and fitness will get them past the stale Greeks and technique deficient Nigerians.

Group C: England, Slovenia – The U.S. may be the second strongest team in the group, but Slovenia is a bad matchup for them. The U.S. scores most of their goals from counterattacks and set pieces. The toughest team for them to break down would be a tall, rigid defensive team, such as Slovenia. If the U.S. loses to England and Slovenia holds them to a draw, the two European clubs could play out a convenient draw in the final match and eliminate the Americans.

Group D: Germany, Serbia – Aussies are four years older, have most players out of club form and are not coached by Hiddink. Essien is out and neither Appiah or Muntari are healthy.

Group E: Netherlands, Denmark

Group F: Italy, Paraguay

Group G: Brazil, Portugal – Drogba or no Drogba, I think Ivory Coast is overrated.

Group H: Spain, Chile

Round of 16

Uruguay def South Korea – Strikers the difference

England def Serbia – Terrible goalkeeper comes back to bite solid Serbia side. Though, keep an eye on 6’7″ Gigic. Terry has struggled in the air this season.

Netherlands def Paraguay

Brazil def Chile

Argentina def Mexico

Germany def Slovenia

Italy def Denmark

Spain def Portugal

Quarterfinals

England def Uruguay

Netherlands def Brazil – Yes, they are “Brazil,” but Ronaldo, Rivaldo and 2002 Ronaldinho are not in this team. Brazil has a potent system, but they need one to account for a squad that is aging and, in many cases, out of form at club level. If the Netherlands go ahead on a quick goal, Brazil may not be able to adjust.

Germany def Argentina – Tactically astute Germans exploit Maradona’s plan.

Spain def Italy – Could be close, but if Pirlo is unfit or in poor form Italy will be castrated.

Semifinals

England def Netherlands – Don’t like Von Bronckhorst trying to handle Gerrard/Rooney/Joe Cole. English defenders have experience against Van Persie, if he has not been hurt by this point. They also have the athleticism at fullback positions to counter Dutch wingers.

Spain def Germany – Another plucky German performance ends here. The German weakness is holding midfield and should be a liability against Xavi, Iniesta etc.

Final

Spain def England – Spain should not be troubled by England’s direct style. They dominate the ball and forces England onto its heels.

Champions

Spain have the best starting eleven and the most depth. They have experience winning together and continuity. They are in great form and have a more than adequate coach. There are teams that could beat them, but they would need to be extraordinarily lucky. I expect Spain to win this tournament, and hopefully with many delicious highlights like this.