My picks for the finals are the hosts South Africa and Netherlands.
I always pick the Netherlands/Holland to win every World Cup as long as I can remember. For about some 36 years, ever since I watched them played in the 1970's where I grew up playing soccer barefoot in the dirt and asphalt parking lots. Their concept of Total Football just appealed to me greatly. I played defense mostly, but I do appreciate the well-rounded approach and mentality of the Dutch teams of the past.
Some potential finalists would be Spain, Brazil, Italy, and Germany. There will be some suprises but I don't think the U.S. have a chance this year. Why they still have that lousy coach/manager Bob Bradley is beyond me, the man is a proven loser, time and time again. I bet that if the U.S. make it through to the Quarterfinal round of 8, I will run naked through downtown Atlanta. Any takers?
Yahoo! Sports' 2010 World Cup power rankings
1. Brazil – Dunga's squad is packed with quality but, thanks to a tough draw, faces a rocky road to the final.
2. Spain – The Spanish are hungrily chasing another tournament title after a magnificent Euro 2008 victory.
3. Argentina – A sketchy qualifying campaign is now long forgotten with Lionel Messi and other stars in superb form.
4. England – Fabio Capello's hard-line regime has reaped rewards. Wayne Rooney's health is a huge plus too, but captain Rio Ferdinand is out injured.
5. Netherlands – The Dutch head into another big tournament with an awesome squad, but will they lose their nerve again?
6. Germany – The Germans have the experience and organization to cope with the loss of Michael Ballack.
7. Italy – The Azzurri probably won't repeat as champions, yet a favorable draw could take them far.
8. Cameroon – Boosted by plenty of discipline and a determination to become the first African semifinalist.
9. Portugal – It's a squad beset by problems, but the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo can't be discounted.
10. France – Coach Raymond Domenech is a dead man walking, and the team might not last long either.
11. Denmark – The Danes enjoyed an excellent qualifying campaign, but can they deliver on the big stage?
12. Serbia – Interesting team that divides opinion … the Serbs could crash early or go deep.
13. United States – With no megastars but lots of courage, the Americans are focused on getting out of Group C.
14. Australia – Fiery and determined, the Socceroos could spring some shocks in Group D.
15. Ivory Coast – Didier Drogba's broken arm is a devastating blow to the side's chances of emerging from the Group of Death.
16. Chile – A welcome return to the World Cup after 12 years, thanks to some outstanding qualifying performances.
17. Paraguay – Took a worrying dip toward the end of qualifying but still well-drilled and heavy-scoring.
18. South Africa – The most derided host team in history might not be as bad as everyone expects. Bafana Bafana must maximize their home advantage.
19. Ghana – Would have been ranked far higher if its talisman, Michael Essien, hadn't been ruled out with a knee injury.
20. Mexico – El Tri got their act together under Javier Aguirre, but serious questions about their consistency remain.
21. Greece – No longer just a defensive wall, the Greeks scored 20 goals in 10 games during European qualifiers.
22. Slovakia – This rugged side, lit up by Marek Hamsik's style and craft, could spring some shocks.
23. Switzerland – The Swiss possess a strong backline and a competent midfield, but their weak mentality could be exposed.
24. Slovenia – Banking on a rock-solid defense that has let in just six goals in its past 12 competitive games.
25. Uruguay – Did well to reach the finals but is some ways behind South America's other World Cup representatives.
26. Nigeria – Decent and competitive but lacking the explosiveness of other African nations.
27. Japan – Their speedy strikers could make life interesting. The defense, though, is lightweight and leaky.
28. South Korea – Lacks the firepower to mount any kind of realistic challenge.
29. Honduras – Enterprising and entertaining side will find its Group H opponents too hot to handle.
30. New Zealand – Fast-improving side should avoid embarrassment but not much more.
31. Algeria – Survived an emotional playoff against Egypt but not really of World Cup standard.
32. North Korea – The weakest team + the toughest group = an early exit.
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