Historical fact

According to historical data, no team from Europe has ever lifted the World Cup outside of Europe. A country from the host continent eventually won every World Cup except for Brazil in 1958 when it won in Sweden. When the first World Cup was held on Asian soil in 2002 in Korea and Japan, the ultimate winner was not an Asian country but again Brazil. The Asian countries were not yet ready to win, although South Korea came close. These are the historical facts of the World Cup for the last 100 years or more. Eight years on, do you think an African country is really ready to lift the World Cup on home soil? Reckless are those who bet against history.

Our approach will be to bet on a South American country to lift the World Cup again outside of Europe, with some money invested in an African country to do so for the first time in history.

Team Analysis

Brazil has been winning way too often and their odds are pretty low at 4.5, but still good. Some money must go to them.

Argentina is the dark horse. Not many people give them a chance because they have a certain eccentric Diego Maradona at the helm. They have wonderfully talented players at their disposal and I have a feeling they will make all of their critics swallow their words by joining in despite all their unwanted attention on Diego. It reminds me a bit of Italy in the last World Cup. The Italians had a lot of problems with team spirit, someone dying, etc. But they managed to use that as a bonding tool to bring the team together and play effective football to win the World Cup.

England, as always, is overrated. Fabio Capello will only get them so far. History will not be kind to this talented group of players. Gerard, Rooney, Lampard, Terry will have a good World Cup, but only until the Semis again. I have the strange feeling that they will go out on penalties again. Guess who will miss the crucial penalty?

My, famous Portugal will come out in the first round this time. Too bad they’re in the group of Death. They are too dependent on Ronaldo. I’m afraid Carlos isn’t Scolari this time. Anyway, apart from Ronaldo, the other players are all mediocre.

I like African teams. This World Cup could be yours. In the past World Cups, they have shown the world that they are talented, skilled and capable of surprising the best. Remember Roger Milla and the Indomitable Lions. Now, with more high-profile players in Europe and, more importantly, with better coaches hired and on home soil, this could be the World Cup where new ground is broken. The first African nation to lift the World Cup on home soil? It won’t be South Africa, not with Pinnar-type players. The real caliber players are in the Ivory Coast and even in Ghana. Players like Drogba, Toure, Kalou, Essien are great players with great experience. They could be the next big thing for African players.

As for the Asian teams, I think they have had their chance. This is neither the time nor the place to bring another great performance this time. Teams underestimated his abilities in 2002. They won’t make the same mistakes again.

Spain. Sigh…. They have the lowest odds. Although talented, they will fall short against the South Americans. Winning the European Championship is one thing. Winning the World Cup against Brazil and Argentina is another. Also, they are not in Europe. Good luck to them.

Germany and Italy? Her era is over. Look at his leagues right now. It’s hard to imagine them dating winners outside of Europe.

Proposed pool winners and runners-up (1 indicates pool winner, 2 indicates runner-up) (See http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/index.html for pools)

A1 – France A2 – Uruguay B1 – Argentina B2 – Nigeria C1 – England C2 – Algeria D1 – Germany D2 – Ghana E1 – Netherlands E2 – Cameroon F1 – Italy F2 – Paraguay G1 – Brazil G2 – Ivory Coast H1 – Spain H2 – Chile

Playoff Proposal (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/kostage.html)

Second Round Matches Quarterfinals Semifinals Final/3rd-4th

France – Nigeria Nigeria Ghana England – Ghana Ghana

Netherlands v Paraguay Netherlands Brazil Brazil v Chile Brazil

Germany vs Algeria Germany Argentina Argentina vs Uruguay Argentina

Italy v Cameroon Italy Ivory Coast Spain v Ivory Coast Ivory Coast