jonmoen
The 2010 FIFA World Cup: South Africa
I’m more excited for this particular World Cup than words can explain. This past week I should’ve been studying for my final exams which are anything but simple, however something far more pertinent to my life has occupied my time. To release some steam, (and because I love to rank random things) here are a couple of top 5’s for 2010.
THE WINNER
I like to pride myself on my knowledge of the world game, and the rosters of almost every team. I know the styles of most nations, and the star players of the important ones. However, this knowledge is worthless in determining the winner of this year’s World cup. Here’s my go at it.
5. Netherlands—Their all-out soccer is something to be admired. 10 men forward and 10 men back on every offensive possession and defensive stance. My only question is : will this “ultimate” style of soccer last for 30 consistent days in the heat and altitude of South Africa this summer.
4. Argentina—Aside from Spain, the most offensively dominated squad of this year’s cup. For Argentina it’s fairly simple: Can they defend against the best strikers, and will Lionel Messi be able to relay his outlandish Barcelona form to Argentina.
3. England—One of their best squads in decades (make it 44 yrs to be exact) and they know it. Critics like to point out the last 44 years of disappointment, but with talent like this, it’s gonna take a lot to screw it up
2. Spain—The best roster of the 2010 World Cup. They lost to USA (nothing against the yanks).
1. Brazil—In my opinion the most brilliant style of football currently. Add a little extra power to this year’s Brazilian squad in the form of Lucio, Fabiano, and Melo…and I just don’t see them losing.
GOLDEN BOOT
5. Wayne Rooney—Yup, I like Manchester United. But that is irrelevant given the season Rooney just had with them. He ended slow and injured which is why he’s not higher on this list, but if he finds form again, he will definately be competing for the boot.
4. Antonio Di Natale— I don’t think Italy has that strong of a squad this year, but Di Natale has been unreal in the last couple years, and not enough people are talking about him. Of the last 4 years for Udinese he has scored 30 goals 3 times and 15 on the year he didn’t. Italy has no other potential star, and alot will fall into the hands of this man.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo — Had an incredible season with Real Madrird. He has as a knack for the goal like I’ve never seen before. Add that to the fact that he might be the only gifted goal scorer on his team, and a couple penalties here and there. The sum will be the highest goal total if Portugal make it to the quarters this year.
2. Lionel Messi — The quickest player ever. Not a single defender in the game can keep up for a full 90 minutes. If Messi can get a lot of touches on the ball, look for those touches to result in goals rather frequently.
1. Luis Fabiano (O Fabuloso) — I look at the Confederation Cup, his season with Sevilla, and the fact that he’s a member of Brazil to make this prediction. Strikers with an ability to head the ball into the net (none are better than Fabiano *currently* ) are becoming increasingly more valuable. He also has incredible strength on the ball, decent pace, and a rocket for a foot.
2. Lionel Messi — I touched on it earlier. Messi is the best
