Joe's Predictions ;)

.......the countdown continues, but it's just a mere 50hrs to kickoff at Soccer City; midnight on Friday!

The list of injuries is increasing by the day but without further delay, here are my predictions for the 2010 Coupe du Monde.

I can't see any major upsets at the group stage this year, so my group winners are pretty much the top seeded nations. I can't see the Socceroos lasting long, with maybe only a draw to send them bouncing back down under. I also wouldn't be surprised to see New Zealand's oddly named 'All Whites' getting murdered by the natives before a single game!!

Kiwi's 'All Whites'

Group Winners:

Group A - France

Group B - Argentina

Group C - England

Group D - Germany

Group E - Holland

Group F - Italy

Group G - Brazil

Group H - Spain

It doesn't take long to get interesting.......in my opinion, bye bye to the last of the African teams in Round 2: Nigeria & Cameroon. Some other interesting games in round 2 could include - Germany Vs USA, England Vs Serbia & Holland Vs Paraguay.

Quarter Finals:

1. Holland Vs Brazil
2. France Vs England
3. Argentina Vs Germany
4. Italy Vs Spain

Ferdinand confirmed his exit from the English squad today, nevertheless I think England have the strength and depth in their squad to back up all the hype and be serious contenders this time around. They should slip passed France (cheating basterds!) and line up a mammoth Semi with Brazil.

Also a massive test at this stage for Spain to step up and bypass defending champs Italy.

Semi Finals:

1. England Vs Brazil
2. Argentina Vs Spain

Football's not coming home! Brazil should send the English back in plenty of time for their premiership pre-season!!

The Spanish are hot favorites in the bookies, easy to see why as they thumped the Polish 5-0 in a warm-up match yesterday. But they will have an uphill battle possibly meeting - Chile, Portugal, Italy, Argentina & even the might of Honduras along the way!! But hopefully they can overcome these tests and gain valuable momentum in the process.

Argentina have a similarly amazing line up as the Spanish but there only flaw has to be the manager! I think Maradona will make some poor decisions during the campaign and bring the Argentines undone.

The Madman!

Final:

• Brazil Vs Spain

This could be one of the best finals in recent years, two attacking teams playing a beautiful flowing brand of football. The Spanish could be the first team in history to follow their UEFA European Championship with a FIFA World Cup trophy!

But the Spanish are like the All Blacks of the football realm, they just love to choke in the big games! However they did manage to get the preverbal monkey off their backs and grab the last Euro Championship. So whether they can produce the same confidence in South Africa remains to be seen.

For now, I'm going to put my money on The Samba Kings.

Building on the success of their Confederations Cup victory late last year, I think Brazil have the confidence and pedigree to see off the Spanish and extend their existing record to six world titles.

Brazil could host their first world cup in 2014 as defending champs!

Plus with a nickname like 'The Red Fury' Spain deserve to lose, that just reminds me of Paul O'Connell!!

The Real 'Red Fury!'

Champs:

• Brazil

The 3rd place playoff could be a fierce clash between two teams with a tense history, in previous world cups. But Maradona's men should wallop the English, especially with Beckham not around to kick anyone!

3rd Place Winner:

• Argentina

Top Goal Scorer: David Villa – Spain

Player of the Tournament: Lionel Messi - Argentina

Surprise Team of the Competition: USA

The US have already proved themselves on the world stage and are still one of the most exiting emerging football nations. Most people would have already forgotten, their amazing showing at the 2009 Confederations Cup last November. Only just beaten in the final by a late Brazilian surge. Also some impressive performances from Landon Donovan, Tim Howard & my favorite - Clint Dempsey in the premiership this year have to be noted.

If the US grabs the runner-up spot behind England in Group C, they stand to face the Germans. This would be a big ask for Team American, but Germany are a weakened force without Captain Ballack and have a couple of strikers in questionable form. Also the US are no strangers to a Round 2 victory.

America, Fuck Yeah!

Let the games begin!

Joe