This promises to be one of the most open World Cups for a long time, in terms of the winners and the football we will be treated to.
From a betting perspective, I can't look beyond Spain (7/2 with Sky Bet) and Brazil (9/2 with Sky Bet) as my two favourites, but after that you could list half-a-dozen sides that could lift the trophy and no-one would be that surprised.
Spain: have the talent, belief... and Jamie's backing!
I would include England in that group as well. It's not been the best week for Fabio Capello and his squad - certainly not for Rio Ferdinand - and had I been writing this 10 days ago, I would have given them more of a chance.
But, looking at their group and their draw after that, providing Wayne Rooney can stay fit and on the field, and Stevie Gerrard, Frank Lampard and the rest can find their form, I really wouldn't rule England out. But they'll need to win a penalty shoot-out first (England to be knocked out on penalties 4/1 with Sky Bet), because you just know there's one coming our way!
Winning knack
Of the other sides in with a chance, I can't wait to see how Argentina go. Whether Diego Maradona, as great a player as he was, has cracked it as a manager, I'm not sure. If you're looking to back them, my advice would be wait and see, for the first game at least! If it clicks into place they have to be a great bet - but it all depends on the manager. If Jose Mourinho was in charge for instance, there wouldn't even be an issue.
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Holland (in to 9/1 with Sky Bet from 16/1) are another side like that and of course, for all their problems, Italy and Germany are tournament sides that have that knack of winning ingrained in their football. Italian club football may be in a real state right now - Inter won Serie A without any Italian players starting regularly - but I was flicking back through the record books and was amazed to see that while we all know Brazil have won five World Cup five times, Italy have won it four times.
That is something that takes years to develop and it gives you that added confidence. That is also why I like Spain so much because while the tag of favourites means you are there to be shot at, they also have one thing you cannot coach - belief. It's like when Manchester United waited so long to win the league; as soon as they did, went on to dominate and we could see the same with Spain over the next month.
Explode
The football they produce is also a joy to watch, and I do think we are in for a great tournament for attacking football and goals this summer. I have mentioned the new Jubilani ball before but at the weekend I had a kickabout with my little boy with one and it is unbelievable; it really does just explode off your foot - and that was only in my back garden!
Forget shooting from 20 yards, if I was out in South Africa, at altitude, I would be having a pop from 30, even 40 yards out - it really is that kind of ball.
Also for the first time that I can remember, we are going into the tournament without a new clampdown from FIFA, so at least we all know where we're at. That means the stage is set for the best players to go and express themselves.
I was watching a recap of the 1982 World Cup the other day and I saw Claudio Gentile scythe through the back of Zico; he got booked but then did it five more times and still didn't get sent off! These days the attackers know they rules favour them but, while I still love nothing more than a crunching 50-50 tackle that is such a big part of our culture over here, it's all set up for the very best in the world to deliver.
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That means Lionel Messi, Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Xavi, Didier Drogba (if fit), Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Carlos Tevez, Samuel Eto'o, Wesley Schneider and the rest performing on the biggest stage of all - and you wouldn't bet against that.
Red-hot favourites
I just look through the talent Spain have at their disposal and I just can't see anyone that is equipped to stop them. Fernando Torres, David Villa, David Silva, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabgregas... those attacking names just roll off the tongue. In the past I would've said be careful of backing them because they have been perennial under-achievers, but I think winning Euro 2008 will make them even stronger this time round. I would also put Brazil right up there. With players like Robinho and Kaka they still produce the football we all love to watch, but this side has a steeliness to them that has been missing before. Dunga was a defensive midfielder himself and has instilled that in his players as well. Yes, they always want to win beautifully but this side also knows how to win ugly - and you need that at a World Cup.
Best of the rest
England have to be up there, they really do. The heat won't be a problem, the draw has been incredibly kind to them and in Capello they have the right man in charge. I am not sure the same can be said of Argentina, though. They are good value at 13/2 and you know any side with Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuan, Diego Milito and - unbelievably - Juan Sebastian Veron in, is going to create chances, but the big question is how - and more importantly what - Maradona does. Wait and see would be my advice. Holland are another side who, if they live up to their potential, have the players. Robin van Persie is a world-class striker, Wesley Schneider is coming off the back of a fantastic Champions League campaign and if they can get Arjen Robben fit and flying like he was towards the end of the season, they cannot be ruled out.
Dark horses
I would have to put Holland and to an extent, Argentina in this category, simply because we don't quite know what to expect. They are certainly sides you wouldn't want to face, because you know if they get it right, they can beat anyone in the world. I also like the look of Portugal in that respect. They always seem to struggle for an out-and-out goalscorer, but in Ronaldo they have a genuine star and if they can get the likes of Simao and maybe even Deco to do enough alongside him, they will give anyone a run for their money. Italy are sixth favourites at 14/1 but do have that know-how, although I do think they lack that real star turn, that genuine No 10 as it were, having been used to Alessandro del Pierro, Roberto Baggio and Francesco Totti in the past.
White elephants
If you're looking for a nation to steer clear of, then I would look no further than France. To me, they are a team that is dying, even coming into the World Cup finals. When you've got a coach who refuses to pick Scorpios and so many egos in one team, it is hard to see that all gelling. Plus, there is so much ill-feeling towards them after the Thierry Henry handball, I just think that will take its toll. I've been in Dublin this week and they feel that strongly about it, they are even considering supporting England!
Out of Africa
Plenty of people are tipping Ivory Coast to be the surprise packages, but they really need Drogba to be fit. Love him or loathe him, he is a top, top striker and above all, he is their talisman. They have Salomon Kalou, Abdulkader Keita and Yaya Toure to turn to, but I'm afraid their hopes lie with Drogba. Ghana are a young side and without the influence of Michael Essien, it is hard to see them going far. Cameroon and Nigeria are two nations that have World Cup experience and the odd star turn, but will do well to get out of their groups - something I can't see Algeria doing. As for the hosts, I can only hope South Africa make it past the group stages. The further they go, the better it is for the whole tournament - and don't be surprised if the odd decision goes their way - but it will be a huge achievement if they get out of Group A.
Golden Boot
There are so many world-class strikers on show, but I have had a look down the list and I have to say, for value I really like the look of Carlos Tevez at 40/1. I know he may not start every game, but Argentina will make chances and score goals, that much I do know. You want to be backing a striker who is in a relatively easy group, so even someone like Wayne Rooney, or Miroslav Klose, who usually does well at World Cups, will be worth a punt.
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