Who Will Win World Cup 2010?

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The World Cup 2010 finals in South Africa are almost upon us as June approaches and now much of the attention will be turned onto it with domestic leagues across Europe winding down their seasons. Fans will start wondering who will win the World Cup 2010 trophy and already most of the favourites named are the countries that have met with success in the past. Many of them are past winners or continental champions such as England, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Italy while others like Ivory Coast are hoping to upstage the bigger lights.

The question of which team is capable of lifting the World Cup 2010 trophy can be difficult to answer. There are too many countries that will bring some of the most talented players in the world to the tournament. It is also a competition that has constantly thrown up many surprises in days gone by and nobody can really take results for granted. The climate situation in South Africa where the games will be staged will also be an unknown as it will be the first time the World Cup finals are played in wintry conditions. This may prove a stumbling block for the countries not used to it such as those from different time zones like Europe and Asia where they are experiencing summer times in their continents at the same time.

Spain are emerging as one of the teams that many experts are tipping to become world champions for the first time. After winning Euro 2008, the Spanish national side has become the darling of football purists for their commitment to the beautiful game. They have no shortage of world renowned players like Fernando Torres, Iniesta, Xavi and David Villa who are all in demand by every club that can afford them while many other quality players cannot even make their first eleven. They may now appear to be the complete team that can go all the way but caution has to be used in backing them to go all the way. Spain have not won the World Cup previously for a mental weakness that many thought had been banished with their Euro victory but which reared its ugly head in last year's Confederation Cup. If they are to repeat that display, it may lead to more regret and disappointment in South Africa.

No list of favourites for the World Cup can be complete without mentioning South American giants Brazil. The current incarnation under manager Dunga may not provide the entertaining and magical attacking football that fans crave for but they are built solidly and have winning as their priority. The list of players trusted and selected by the coach are also no pushovers in terms of individual ability. Kaka and Robinho can easily walk into any top club with their dribbling and attacking skills but Dunga's credit has been to bring together all these talented individuals into one cohesive unit. The manager has already called on fans to back the team even if they dislike him due to his penchant to forgo the country's tradition of samba soccer in search of results which the public also craves as much.

Fabio Capello has been tipped to turn England from also-rans into true contenders this time. Under the watchful eye of the disciplinarian, the English players have shedded their prima donna ways to play with greater team ethic. There is some semblance to what Manchester United evolved into under Sir Alex Ferguson as the Scot held a fearful grip over the players but it inspired them equally to achieve unprecedented success. Capello is a similar manager with England players having spoken of their fear and respect for the Italian. His desire for results and order is manifested in the form of Wayne Rooney - a young striker who has become the talisman of the England side. Rooney bears the hopes of a footballing nation on his shoulders at the World Cup 2010 finals and if he can avoid injury and play true to form, there are very defenders who can keep a lid on the player. Capello and England will be hoping for that end and the transformation has also led to many experts to name them as possible contenders for the tournament prize.

Spain, Brazil and England are but three of the many contenders who have the potential to win the 2010 World Cup. Due to the form these teams have been in prior to the tournament finals, their chances may also be slightly better compared to other teams like Germany and Argentina. However, form is but one factor that will decide who emerges from the heap when the final comes around on July 11th. If it were only down to form and quality, previous World Cups would have been entirely predictable but they have never been that way. While the smaller nations like South Korea and Denmark may never go all the way except in a fairy tale, they can rest assured that they start on level footing with the rest of the participating teams. That is the magic of the World Cup and why football remains the most popular sport in the world.

George Savage reports on the World Cup 2010 finals and has a vast knowledge of football history and trends. If you are looking for World Cup 2010 live streaming then visit George's site where he will keep track of the tournament's action day by day, up to the minute.