Order of Favorites

After the first set of matches, the scenario is quite interesting. Some teams lived upto the expectations. Some teams did not but showed a promise to improve. Some teams dint even show promise.

I am gonna order the favorites, considering their quality, current form and bench strength. Guys, I have ordered them relying on what my mind says. Not what my heart says. If you ppl hav any disagreements with the order I have come up with, please do comment!!

But before I talk about that, I will have to rave about Spain.
It was all one-way traffic in the Spain-Ukraine encounter. Spain, with its dazzling display, has done away with the tag of perennial underachievers and has sounded a warning to the favorites for the WC.

Xabi Alonso, the midfield engine of Liverpool (after Gerrard of course), and prodigy Fernando Torres scored either side of a David Villa brace. I saw the first half and hence first two goals and went out to play carrom, slightly disappointed. Thought I was heartened by Spain’s display, I was disappointed to see Shevchenko starved of service. And hence no goals to Ukraine. I hoped that Sheva will score goals in the WC cos I really like him. With Xavi, Alonso and Senna controlling the midfield, Ukraine had no chance really. Their defense looks good with Puyol and Sergio Ramos impressing. A well balanced team. And look at their bench. Fabregas, Raul and Albelda. Wow!! I want to see Fabregas to start. He is too good.
Asif told me about the next two goals. Well done, Spain.

Not to my tentative list of favorites to win the title.

Argentina and Czech Republic are in pole position.
The Czech Rep. functions well as a team and with Nedved, Rosicky, Poborsky and Galasek, they are surely gonna go a long away on the road to Berlin. They hav problems up front thou. Koller injured and Baros recovering. But who knows? As I said, they may do a France 98. And I will be very happy if they do that, cos they are MY 3rd favorites along with Holland.
Argentina sizzled with their class and talent in the match against Ivory Coast. And they have not used Aimar, Messi and Tevez yet!!! Hehe!! They have the strongest bench. And there is Riquelme the magician. Go Argentina!! After all, they are MY second favorite team. No guesses on who’s MY 1st!!
Brazil are not far behind these lead two, quite simply because they have the talent to do it. They can turn on the style any time. Forget the match against Croatia. They will play better against better teams. It is just a matter of time before they get their samba soccer going. I don’t mind them winning the world cup cos I have always loved Brazil. But I want England or Argentina to win it this time. Next, Holland or Czech.

Here comes the second rung of teams.

Spain surprisingly leads the second rung of favorites for the ultimate prize. And deservedly so. They sparkled against Ukraine which is not a push over. And their bench strength is good too.
Next come Portugal and Netherlands. They looked good but not entirely convincing. But ye, things are jus starting. They will improve surely cos they have immense talent. I hope they improve.
Next come Germany and England. They played good attacking football. And Ballack is yet to play!!! Moreover, they have the home advantage which is a big factor in football. But their defense is weak which is why I have classified them here.

Next come England, one of the pre-favorites. I was disappointed with their performance against Paraguay. Heat was cited as the reason. It maybe a lame excuse. Rooney, when he returns, will do the magic. He will be the ONE to take England, on the road to glory. I just hope he is usual sizzling self, when he returns and the injury has not affected his game much. Surely they will improve. Go England!!! I have classified England here considering their current form.

France is the last. Obviously. They have all the talent and quality. But where’s the output??

And I need to mention about Ivory Coast. They played awesome attacking football. They were damn unlucky to be put in a group containing Argentina and Netherlands. I hope they have better luck next time in 2010.