Is that the most asked question on the planet right now. I would say it is without a doubt. If you got a ‘dollar’ (the new amount for this old expression) for every time it has been asked in conversations between fanatical fans and even people who couldnt even explain a corner kick, from San Francisco to Singapore and Vladivostok to Invercargill, you probably would be a ‘billionaire’ (the new amount for this old expression).
Anyway, WHO WILL IT BE ??
Up front and my future credibility on the line, I reckon Argentina.
WHY? For one, you have Maradona…….the guy was a genius on the field himself, and yes, he’s a bit of a nutter off it. But, he knows football, and he knows this competition very well. He is a winner. He exudes the famous macho charisma that stirred the passions and emotions not only of himself, but all those who played with him and frankly, all who watched him. He loves the starlight, and he can handle the sideline, the media, the dressing room and most of all, his players believe in him.
Also, and that is a HUGE also, it goes without saying that Lionel Messi can win a game on his own (can he shoulder the pressure – YES). We all know that, and if you dont believe it, STOP, get off the bus, and go home, because you obviously dont know football. But if you stay on the bus with me, then you can add Milito (timely emergence as a true game winner at the highest level), Higuain (proven lethal, say no more) and Teves (out of the blue, supremely capable of destroying a back line)….Wow. Not a bad crop! That group would scare the daylights out of any defence.
Speaking of which, when you throw in one hell of a tight defence of their own with the experience of Samuel, Demichelis, Burdisso and Heinze forming a ‘barrier’ capable of withstanding even the ’smartest & toughest’ strikers. Now add a fluid, industrious and creative midefield in Mascherano, Rodriguez, Veron, all with considerable intelligence and a variety of strengths, and you have, without key injury issues, a formidable team indeed – on paper.
Nobody knows who will win what is an elimination from the second round on, but once the group stage ‘dust’ has settled, some signs may already be in place.
But you know, ultimately, may the best footballing team win. I want to watch attractive and entertaining football like everyone else. If you are an Italy fan and celebrated their 2006 win, then you were only being patriotic, because surely they were one hell of a boring ‘champion’……who won because Zidane was not on the field. I know, I know, but the truth hurts sometimes and you have to face it now.
My World Cup football history memory has its benchmark anchored to the wonderfull team that Brazil gave us in 1982. Bugger, the bloody Italians popped up again in 1982 to spoil the party. I hope that’s not an omen.
Brazil did not win the Final, but they remain the sweethearts of World Cup history.
Sure, the tournament is different now, I understand all the reasons for this, but whatever team you want to win, you should hope they win with style & class.
For the sake of football.

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