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The 2010 World Cup could be tournament where the convergence of factors produces the most unusual of circumstances.
In this case, a tournament in which any one of 15 teams could emerge victorious.
That’s rarely the case in World Cup play.
All one has to do is look at its history to figure out that isn’t usually the case. South Africa is World Cup No. 19. Only seven teams have won the World Cup and of those seven teams, Italy, Brazil and Germany have won a total of 12.
So less than five months before South Africa begins, why expect anything different? Why beat against Brazil, Italy, Germany, Argentina or any of the other powerhouses from doing it again?
There’s still a fair amount of time to go before the tournament and things can change but right now the convergence of numerous factors points to an unpredictable tournament.
Location is a key. The teams will be playing in a unique setting. It will an emotional, volatile atmosphere and even though it is technically only the home ground for the South African team, it should the be the home ground of all the African teams who have made it to the tournament.
South American teams can’t win in Europe and European teams can’t win anywhere other than Europe.
Neutral ground always makes things more interesting.
Now, more than ever before in football history, the global search for top players capable of playing in the world’s premier leagues, has allowed those players to develop their skills. It’s one reason African soccer has advanced so quickly when it comes to their skill set.
With players throughout the world playing in the English Premier League, Serie A, the Bundesliga, La Liga and other top leagues, playing on an international stage is no longer an issue for any nation.
As most national team managers will tell you, there are few easy games, no matter what country you play. When a country with everything to lose plays a country with nothing to lose in pressure-filled situation, funny things can happen.
Then there is the question of preparedness. Many of the usual suspects to win a World Cup have substantial questions to answer when it come to filling holes in their lineup.
Brazil may be the one in best shape right now. Even though Kaka is struggling with his play and injuries in Real Madrid, Ronaldinho with Milan appears to have found his form. Ronaldinho shouldn’t start but it give Brazil a great deal of depth from the bench.
What about the others?
Spain is next favoured the only questions facing the team that’s been the best in the world the last two years is whether the Spanish have gone off the boil? El Nino, Fernando Torres has been injured. It’s a bad time for his fragility to be displayed.
Italy has problems with a midfield that creates too little and a striking force that doesn’t convert enough of the few chances that are created.
England has had a terrific lead in to the World Cup. But they are still looking for a goaltender they can rely on. You also have to worry about an English side that feels David Beckham can still be an integral part of its midfield for any extended period of time.
Argentina has Lionel Messi but are lacking in what used to be their strongest suit, creative playmakers to give Messi something to work with. They also have unproven and volatile Diego Maradona as coach.
France is coached by Raymond Domenech. Enough said.
Germany is typical Germany. But they have even less flash than they normally do entering a major tournament. They will be disciplined but who will score on a regular basis?
It is the perfect storm and who knows what it will produce.