World Cup Debate: Who Are The Top.10 Contenders For South Africa 2010?

Gregory Sica provides readers with a list of who he thinks are the top.10 World Cup contenders...

1. Brazil
The Selecao are favorites to win their sixth World Cup in South Africa. With his heroic victory over Chile last week, extended their winning streak to 11 games and their unbeaten run to 19. Brazil are very motivated, especially after crossing the last arch rivals Argentina, qualified for another World Cup. Dunga has assembled a formidable unit that will be disappointed with anything less than another World Cup title.

2. Spain
The European champions, crushed Estonia 3-0 to claim their eighth straight win in World Cup qualifier. Spain are strong in all departments and that has scored 21 goals and have conceded only two clearly explains his depth. However, very unexpected defeat to the U.S. in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup may not mean as good as they think. Spain may finally join the elite of world football?

3. Germany
When it comes to the World Cup, regardless of form, the Germans are always candidates. The fact that they are flying high in the qualifying round will probably mean that at its best in South Africa. Joachim Löw has assembled a side mixed with youth and experience that has an attractive style of football. Germany is the aim of improving the performance of their riders in Euro 2008, when South Africa.

4. England
For the first time in many years, England can be considered serious World Cup. Fabio Capello has been able to take full advantage of a talented group of players and have claimed eight wins successive World Cup qualifying, including a stunning 5-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley. The three lions are as confident as ever, but how they go against tough teams like Brazil, Germany and Spain?

5. Italy
The world champions will be looking to equal Brazil's five World Cup victories next year, and no one should bet against them. The Italians have shown time and again that, even if they have an impressive team, when it comes to the World Cup to exceed their expectations with the very efficient tactical football. The Azzurri may have fought in the Confederations Cup, but if they improve their game that might be candidates.

6. Argentina
Argentina has much work to do if we want to qualify for the World Cup, much less win. The Argentineans have suffered several serious setbacks under Diego Maradona and will have to claim positive results against Peru and Uruguay to qualify. If they do this, and Diego Maradona, finds a way to get the most out of Lionel Messi and the rest of his players, Argentina could again be the party that once used to be.

7. Ivory Coast
If there were ever a time for an African nation to win the World Cup, it is now. Cameroon, Tunisia and Ghana, all seem very strong, but it seems that Ivory Coast are the African nation most likely to make a stand in South Africa. That will be familiar with conditions in the country means that will enhance their chances of reaching crucial stages of the tournament. Didier Drogba and company. we know that nothing less than a semifinal appearance of the Elephants will be considered a failure.

8. Netherlands
With eight consecutive wins in the Netherlands cruised into the World Cup and it seems that it takes to be among the favorites. The Orange is a young team with much potential, the weakest parts however, they have faced during the World Cup qualifiers and you can just crumble when against the traditional heavyweights. Can the Dutch to meet expectations and show that they can beat the best?

9. Chile
Marcelo Bielsa has transformed the Chilean football for good, and the red could be a revelation in the World Cup. During the South American qualifiers that have been in exceptional form, and have alerted the world with their attractive brand of attacking football. However, Chile has to find consistency or could be removed from the World Cup when they face a team that knows how to take advantage of their vulnerable defense.

10. France
The French were not at their best during the World Cup qualifying and could miss the World Cup altogether. There are lots of tension in the French countryside, and this is reflected in poor results. The winner of the 1998 World Cup knows that if they qualify for the World Cup will have to pick up his game tremendously, or they may face early elimination. Les Bleus have much potential, and if they find the ideal combination, players like Franck Ribery could turn a lot of heads.