Historical fact

According to historical data, no team in Europe has lifted the World Cup outside of Europe. A host continent country eventually won all the World Cups except 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 eventual winner was not an Asian country but Brazil again. Asian countries were not yet ready to win, although South Korea was close. These are the historical facts of the World Cup for the last 100 years. Eight years later, do you think an African country is really ready to lift the World Cup in its homeland? 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 make a first in history.

Equipment analysis

Brazil has been winning too often and their odds are quite low (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 that they will make all their critics eat 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 unite the team and play effective soccer to win the World Cup.

England, as usual, 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 to penalties again. Guess who will miss the crucial penalty?

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

I like African teams. This World Cup could be the only one for them. In the last World Cups they have shown the world that they are talented, skilled and capable of defeating the best. Remember Roger Milla and the untamed lions. Now, with more high-profile players in Europe and, more importantly, better contracted technical coaches, and in their homeland, this could be the World Cup where new ground is broken. The first African nation to lift the World Cup at home? It won’t be South Africa, not with Piennar-type players. The true caliber players are the Ivory Coast and even Ghana. Players like Drogba, Toure, Kalou, Essien are great players with great experience. They could make the next big leap for African players.

As for the Asian teams, I think they have had their chance. It is not your time or place to bring another great performance this time. Teams underestimated their 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? His era is over. Check out their leagues right now. It’s hard to imagine them dating winners outside of Europe.

Proposal for group winners and runners-up (1 indicates group winner, 2 indicates runner-up) (see http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/index.html for groupings)

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 v Nigeria Nigeria Ghana England v Ghana Ghana

Netherlands v Paraguay Netherlands Brazil Brazil v Chile Brazil

Germany v Algeria Germany Argentina Argentina v Uruguay Argentina

Italy vs. Cameroon Italy Ivory Coast Spain vs. Ivory Coast Ivory Coast