The FIFA World Cup 2010

Why yes this is 2 in one day aren't you lucky :)

So the World Cup Qualifying is officially over (almost) but there may be one more sting in the tail. Ireland's intention to ask FIFA for a rematch caught many, myself included, off-guard. Although fair enough they have been denied a place at the world's biggest sporting event by a blatantly illegitimate goal. Personally I can't see a rematch on the cards, as much as I'd love one. Like many others I do think it would be unjust on France who have been incredibly sporting about the whole affair, they are certainly not the first country to have scored a controversial goal (Maradona anyone?) and they certainly won't be the last.

But to the lucky few who did make it through this World Cup sees a chance for a few of the lesser teams to play on the world's stage. Algeria and New Zealand feature again after almost a 20 year absence each. Australia return with the hopes of success similar to those in Germany last time around. Chile played some brilliant football to qualify above the misfiring Argentina in the South American qualifiers. I think those teams could be the ones to watch in the tournament. None lack talent and all are capable of outplaying many of teams in the tournament.

The favourites will most likely be the same as usual though, Italy, Holland, Brazil and Spain are all in the mix and in my opinion at least Germany who should they perform well as a team are capable of beating any of the afore mentioned teams.

The one downside to this World Cup is that my beloved Scotland have once again failed to qualify. After the heartache that was Euro 2008 i was certain we would make it to South Africa and even more so when i saw our group. However our performances lacked spark and the complete change in tactics proved disastrous for the now ex-manager George Burley. The 3-0 drubbing by Wales proving to be the final straw for the SFA.

Next summer will be an interesting one no doubt and I think I'll end with a quick prediction. England if they play well will get to the semis but no further. I think Brazil will put previous failures behind them and reach the final but lose to Spain 3-1.

So it would look something like this:
1st = Spain
2nd = Brazil
3rd = Holland
4th = England/Italy