In Visitors, I invite one person each week to share perspectives on a sport, a sporting event, sporting aspects or any thing in between. This week, Matthew Pitt, as knowledgeable a football fan as you can get, joins us to give his thoughts hours before world cup kicks off along with detailed predictions of what might happen. If you would like to contribute for a future edition of Visitors, do not hesitate to e-mail me.

By Matthew Pitt

The football World Cup is, perhaps along with the Olympic Games, the biggest sporting event on the planet. This summer’s tournament is expected to draw crowds of up to 80,000 at matches, and global television audiences of over a billion people. What can this audience expect from their month-long football extravaganza? One can only speculate – the World Cup is notorious for throwing up surprises at every available opportunity – but all the same, certain things can be relied upon going into the tournament.

The winner usually comes from a group of eight to ten teams, which remains more or less the same from one World Cup to the next. This summer’s host nation, Germany, have been repeatedly written off in recent years, but with home advantage and a fairly easy group, could be set to challenge again. Their conquerors in the 2002 final, Brazil, are the runaway favourites for the tournament – they have by far the strongest XI on paper. However, football is not played on paper, and there are a number of other nations with a decent chance of usurping the five-time winners and current holders.

England look strong, provided Wayne Rooney recovers in time for the knockout stages; the Netherlands, despite not qualifying for the 2002 event, have a talented squad; and Argentina have opted for youth over experience, giving them the edge over some sides in the competition. The other sides completing the list of title favourites are the experienced (some would say ageing) Italians, the unreliable but flamboyant Spaniards, the youthful Portuguese, the fading French, and the unfancied but stylish Czechs.

A list of players to watch would be fairly self-explanatory to any avid football fan – it is second nature these days to watch out for the likes of Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane (who will be playing his last few games as a professional footballer – savour them), Thierry Henry, and Wayne Rooney, should he make it back to full fitness soon enough to make an impact. One could assume almost before their sides had even qualified that the likes of Ronaldinho and Zidane would shine in Germany – however, it takes a closer look at some of the more unfashionable sides to speculate as to the less obvious names to look out for.

Togo have qualified for their first ever World Cup this year, and while the vast majority of their squad will most likely go unnoticed at the tournament, there is one man who will carry the weight of their hopes on his shoulders. Arsenal’s recent acquisition Emmanuel Adebayor is not only the spearhead of the Togolese attack, but also their most experienced player at only 22 years of age. He is a tall, strong centre-forward, but with no little flair to accompany his physical attributes. However far Togo go in the coming month, Adebayor will be the one who gets them there.

Chelsea’s new £30million Andriy Shevchenko plays in his first World Cup for his native Ukraine – indeed, it is the first time the former Soviet state have qualified for an international event. It would be easy to assume that with a proven world-class player such as ‘Sheva’ in their ranks, Ukraine will be reliant on him for most of their success. However, this will not be the case, as their side contains several other highly talented individuals, playmaker Andriy Voronin and winger Anatoliy Tymoshchuk in particular. They could be a good bet for the quarter-finals, or perhaps even further if luck goes their way.

Sweden find themselves in England’s group for the second World Cup in a row, and this time will be hoping to do better than the 1-1 draw they achieved last time around. Their attack will be built around the flawed genius of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Juventus star who, for all his off-field problems, has a rare knack for goalscoring and creativity to go with his immense height. If the man known simply as ‘Zlatan’ finds his best form, then England will be in for a tough test against the only Scandinavian nation to have qualified for this year’s event.

The Ivory Coast are another nation taking part in their first tournament, and they will be a stronger side than many may expect – their midfield partnership of Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure is a blend of creativity and power, while Chelsea’s Didier Drogba will be their target man up front. With many sides seeing Drogba as the main threat, this may allow his strike partner Aruna Dindane to capitalise. Dindane is a powerfully-built forward with extreme pace, whose goalscoring instincts brought him to the attention of both Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion in 2005. While Drogba provides the phyiscal threat, Dindane’s pace and goalscorer’s instinct will ensure that opposition defenders have their hands full when dealing with the Ivory Coast’s strikeforce.

Whatever happens in this summer’s event, fans can be sure of a great spectacle – the host nation will provide some superb venues and passionate support, and with global interest in the tournament at its highest recorded level, the stage is set for the world’s greatest players to show us what they are made of. The time has come for the best of the best to prove they can handle the pressure – the world is waiting with baited breath.

World Cup Predictions:

Group A:

1st: Germany
2nd: Poland

Germany, as the host nation, can be expected to perform strongly – although they must avoid becoming over-reliant on Michael Ballack. Poland have the potential to surprise a few people, but will need to make sure confidence doesn’t become a problem. The other two sides in the group, Ecuador and Costa Rica, are inexperienced in World Cup terms, but may spring a shock or two if their pace catches the Germans off guard.

Group B:

1st: England
2nd: Sweden

Despite looking like being without Wayne Rooney for the group stages, England should have enough to top this group – Peter Crouch’s recent hat-trick against Jamaica suggests he may have what it takes to replace the team’s absent talisman. Sweden are always strong, but will need to work better as a team if they are to go far. Having said that, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s height and pace could trouble the English defence in the group’s key fixture. Paraguay have a talented forward line, but lack the defensive nous to succeed against the stronger nations. Trinidad and Tobago are just happy to be here.

Group C:

1st: Argentina
2nd: Holland

This year’s “Group of Death”. Argentina and Holland will both have aspirations of winning the tournament, while Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro are two of the more talented “lesser nations” in the competition. The big-match experience of the two favourites should see them through, but this group is the hardest to predict by a distance. Any side in it can beat any of the others on its day.

Group D:

1st: Portugal
2nd: Mexico

Another tough group to predict, but only by virtue of the fact that none of the teams bar Portugal are particularly good. Mexico should go through by virtue of Jared Borgetti’s goalscoring prowess, but if Iran can make use of the chances Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi will create, they might progress. Angola will struggle to compete.

Group E:

1st: Italy
2nd: Czech Republic

The Italians are an experienced side, and should have the firepower to top the group – but do not be surprised if the Czechs, led by Arsenal’s newest recruit, Tomas Rosicky, overcome them. The USA and Ghana will both be looking to Premiership players for their inspiration – Ghana to Chelsea’s Michael Essien, and the USA to Fulham’s Brian McBride. Do not bet against either one springing a surprise or two.

Group F:

1st: Brazil
2nd: Croatia

Brazil will probably run away with this group. Croatia’s World Cup experience and knack for grinding out victories should see them through, although Japan will be looking to prove that the success of 2002 was not a home-territory fluke. Australia have talent in Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka, but will struggle to challenge against more experienced opposition.

Group G:

1st: France
2nd: South Korea

France will probably finish top of this group by virtue of its weak nature, but they are by no means the force they once were. Korea’s success in 2002 came on home soil, but they remain a talented side, and Ji-Sung Park is a highly influential player on his day. Switzerland and Togo will both be heavily reliant on one individual for goals – the former on Alexander Frei, the latter on Emmanuel Adebayor.

Group H:

1st: Spain
2nd: Ukraine

Spain’s flair and experience should see them top the group, but Ukraine could well snatch a victory if their defence can hold out. Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are well-organised, but will struggle to make a real impact against more talented players – Saudi football is still recovering from the 8-0 defeat to the Germans in 2002.

The Knockout Stages: The Second Round

Germany v Sweden

The host nation will need to ensure that their defence can cope with the trickery of Zlatan, and the creativity of Freddie Ljungberg in midfield, otherwise they could find themselves once again looking to Michael Ballack for inspiration. If the home side can keep their shape and avoid giving Sweden space, they should triumph.

Winner: Germany

Argentina v Mexico

Argentina should have too much pace and skill up front for the defensively naïve Mexicans – the trickery of young Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez should ensure a comfortable victory, unless the Mexicans can remain organised and sneak a goal somewhere.

Winner: Argentina

England v Poland

Having met twice in the qualifiers, these sides will know what to expect from each other – England, however, appear to be clicking at the right time after their 6-0 demolition of Jamaica, and should progress if they continue that form through the group stage and on to the second round.

Winner: England

Portugal v Holland

A reprise of the Euro 2004 semi-final, although the Dutch side will look very different to the one that played in that game. If Cristiano Ronaldo can work his magic against the inexperienced Dutch defence, Portugal may progress – otherwise, the Dutch attack should probably see them through.

Winner: Holland

Italy v Croatia

Both organised sides, with strong defences – however, Italy have a tendency to struggle if teams manage to frustrate their attacking rhythm, and the Croatians are well-equipped to do that. If their attack clicks, they may well spring an upset.

Winner: Croatia

France v Ukraine

A very close match-up – the pace of Henry will be key against the occasionally static Ukrainian defence, but with the French defence unsettled and ageing, Ukraine have a great opportunity to progress. If Shevchenko has a good game, they might well be the victors.

Winner: Ukraine

Brazil v Czech Republic

Often referred to as “The Brazil of Eastern Europe”, the Czechs should provide an excellent match for Brazil, as one of the most flamboyant and expressive teams in the competition. However, the big-match experience and all-round quality of the Brazilians should make sure they win comfortably.

Winner: Brazil

Spain v South Korea

A reprise of the 2002 quarter-final in which the Koreans progressed on penalties following two dubious disallowed goals from Spain – there will be a lot of pride at stake. Korea no longer have home advantage, however, and that could prove vital, with Spanish experience at this level a valuable quality.

Winner: Spain

The Quarter-Finals

Germany v Argentina

A close call. Home advantage will again be vital for the Germans, but their defence lacks the pace to keep up with the skilful Argentine attack. Unless their defensive organisation is impeccable, the Germans could struggle to make their mark against a young and hungry Argentinean side.

Winner: Argentina

Croatia v Ukraine

Both inexperienced, both unfancied – a real clash of the minnows in the quarter-finals, but a fascinating one nonetheless. Andriy Shevchenko’s predatory instincts could again be the difference between victory and defeat for Ukraine – Croatia will need to find a way to combat Ukraine’s high-tempo style. If they do not, and Shevchenko is granted opportunities, they will go out.

Winner: Ukraine

England v Holland

If Wayne Rooney is back to 100% match fitness by the time this game rolls around, he could make all the difference. Holland’s open style of play leaves space in front of the defence which could be easily exploited by a player of Rooney’s guile and skill. However, England’s defence will need to be alert to shut down the threat of Arjen Robben. England may sneak home by the odd goal.

Winner: England

Brazil v Spain

Could the Spaniards’ history of underachieving finally come to an end? Probably not, if they face Brazil. By this time, the Brazilians will be in full flow, and it is hard to see any team stopping them if that is the case. If they’re going to go out, it will most likely be early on – Spain will not have enough to stop them.

Winner: Brazil

The Semi-Finals

Argentina v Ukraine

Ukraine’s lack of experience could cost them dearly here. A semi-final is where the pressure really begins to build – unless the youthful Argentine side cracks under the weight of expectation, Ukraine could find going further than they expected becomes a little too much for them. With a class act like Shevchenko, however, anything is possible – but this will most likely be an Argentinean win.

Winner: Argentina

England v Brazil

For all the passion and fervour of the English fans, their team were insipid the last time they came up against Brazil, in 2002 – they lost to ten men, 2-1. Unless they can show they have greater mental strength and belief this time around, they will come a cropper again. Their midfield will need great organisation if it is not to be dominated by the Samba Boys – a Brazilian win appears likely.

Winner: Brazil

THE FINAL

Brazil v Argentina

In a World Cup Final, anything can happen. These two sides have consistently been among the best in the world for decades – but it has been a long time since they met in a World Cup. The flair and passion of the Brazilian attack will meet the grit of the Argentine midfield – but with Juan Roman Riquelme as their playmaker, the Argentines have a creative spirit to match anything Brazil can offer. The game may come down to whether Riquelme can top Ronaldinho when it comes to dominating the game – and down to whoever handles the pressure better. When it comes to a crunch, however, it is hard to bet against the Brazilians.

WINNER: BRAZIL

This entry was posted on Friday, June 9th, 2006 at 4:33 am and is filed under Football. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.