Football World Cup thus far

The FIFA World Cup 2010 is almost at the end of the group stages and the qualifiers from groups A and B are known. In the next few days, the rest of the groups will also be sorted out. There will be a few surprises, as is always the case, but this year has also been a little different in many ways, not least the constant drone of the vuvuzelas permeating every match. South African hospitality has been amazing and they have made a reputation now of being wonderful hosts to great sporting events. Unfortunately, Africa has not shone at this world cup, though the luck of the draw did not go their way. It is possible that no African team will get out of the group stages this time. 

 One feature of this world cup is the quality that the lesser known teams have shown and there have been upsets to boot. Slovenia, Algeria, Switzerland and many others have kicked above their weight whereas England, France and Italy have disappointed. France have imploded without Zidane’s calming influence and Italy are poor without their creative spark Pirlo. The biggest disappointment has been England who came in with huge expectations with Rooney in great form and a manager in Capello who seemed to have instilled self-belief in England’s vastly talented but under-performing team. He would not have dreamed of a sudden crisis in confidence, the kind of which English teams are used to every four years. If England do go out, that would be a major blow to them with the Golden Generation about to retire and new players not ready to fill their void. I would be sad too, having supported them now for so long, all in vain. 

 The usual suspects have come to the party in the shape of Brazil, Argentina and Germany. Spain have shown, belatedly, why they are considered the best team on Earth currently. But their profligacy in front of goal may come to haunt them when they play better teams later on. Brazil seem to play the beautiful game once in a while, when Robinho or Kaka are on the ball, but still manage to get great results. They are not as free-flowing as Brazilian teams of the past, but still play well enough that people would come to watch them. The Argentines have been the most impressive team thus far, Messi-inspired and with a strike-force that no team can match. Theirs has been the most attacking mindset and more should come yet. Germany, who were not favourites, have justified their reputation as perennial contenders by producing brilliant performances with a young team. Their midfield has been virile and Mesut Ozil is a star of the future. Portugal played really well to inflict the heaviest defeat of the tournament on the hapless North Koreans, but it remains to be seen how far Ronaldo can drag them. 

 The World cup is just hotting up and the knock out stages will be, hopefully, much less cagey. Momentum is the key at this stage and whichever team manages to get it all together at the right time will be the favourites. I would back Spain and Brazil to reach the latter stages easily, though I hope England can perform a beautiful pirouette and get back into contention. There is still a lot of time.