2010 World Cup Contenders

In 2010, soccer fans get the chance to share their love for the sport and their country in what promises to be an exciting World Cup when it kicks off in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Here are those teams that should be in contention and gives their fans something to cheer for in the 2010 World Cup.

Contender # 1 - Brazil

These five time world champions enter the tournament as the heavy favorite even though the team received a tough draw, playing North Korea, Ivory Coast, and ending with Portugal.

Coach Dunga will be leading a team with players like Kaka, who is looking to erase a disappointing 2006 World Cup campaign. Kaka is a nightmare for the defenders who will need to contend with his amazing passing and dribbling skills.

Contender # 2 - Spain

Another heavy favorite in the 2010 World Cup, Spain will be looking to continue the success they had in their qualifying group where they won all ten matches while scoring 28 goals in the process.

The team is filled with top players at each of the position. They will be looking for Fernando Torres and David Villa to continue scoring goals considering they were responsible for seven of the team's goal in qualifying. If they are able to come away champions, the choke label will start to disappear.

Contender # 3 - England

Coach Capello has help direct his team into the World Cup with a solid workman like approach and no taste for the flair. Striker Wayne Rooney will need to step up in the 2010 World Cup to erase the lackluster performances from his previous two appearances.

England's draw of Algeria, Slovenia, and the United States could work out in their favor and help build up their confidence. The biggest concern for the team is the reoccurrence of mental lapses that has hurt them in the past.

Contender # 4 - Italy1

After qualifying in dramatic fashion for the 2010 World Cup, Italy is in position to repeat as world champions. The team led by Coach Lippi will be relying upon goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to help carry them to a second consecutive title.

The big concern for team Italy is their inability to start tournaments off with the needed urgency. If they get off to a slow start, then it could be an early exit and they will need to beat up on their first round draw of New Zealand, Paraguay, and Slovakia to gain momentum.

Contender # 5 - Germany

They enter the 2010 World Cup riding the win over South Africa and ready to take on Ghana, Australia, and Serbia in their first round draw. Germany's recent defense issues should cause no among soccer fans, because the team has always stepped up come tournaments.

The main man for the German soccer team is Michael Ballack who will be a hard match for his opponents thanks to his combination of solid passing skills and ability to score goals.

Resources

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/