Brazil

[FlyingJesus]

A fresh and in form Kaka > Gerrard or Lampard imo

Can't bring myself to agree with this, obviously I haven't seen Kaka play as much as I've seen Gerrard/Lampard but despite not being as quick as the Brazilian midfield they are incredible at what they do, and if we're talking fresh and on form (which Kaka often isn't anyway) then ours, Gerrard especially, could certainly outplay him I believe.

I think that Spain have by far the strongest squad in the world and the strongest first XI too so I wouldn't say that they narrowly beat England. Argentina and France had the potential to have extreamly strong squads, better than Englands, but the managers messed that up for them

Spain definitely set for big things, they're my favourites to win as long as they don't start making silly mistakes. Argentina I agree with you on - if Maradona wasn't such a mong trying to make sure Messi doesn't get more national praise than he did instead of letting them all do their thing as they do so well in league games then they could easily be even more deadly than they already are. France though I can't see doing well this year. Euro 2012 could well be theirs though if some of their younger players like Gourcuff and Lloris keep improving the way they have been.

Everyone forgets the actual underachievers. Holland. Their squad is packed full of talent, okay their defence is well, inept, but apart from that they're a match for anyone.

It's true they have some good players, but they're even worse for bottling it than we are and that's always been the case.

I highly disagree with that. At AC Milan, he was an amazing player. He hasn't played well for Madrid but he's had injuries for a while which have only recently showed up for Madrid.

Let's face it any player with pace is going to be amazing in the Italian leagues, I could probably play for some of the lower table teams there ;|

[CHA!NGANG]

He hasn't just got pace though

And I do rate Gerrard and Lampard don't get me wrong but I think that when all of them are fresh Kaka edges it. Just my opinion though. All 3 are top class players.

And by France, I mean if the manager wasn't stupid, they could actually have gone quite far and had a very strong squad. I mean they have quite a few good keeper, some were left out like Frey who retired because of Domenech, then they have Sagna, Clichy, Evra, Abidal, Gallas, Mexes (left out), and some other good defenders, maybe less so for Gallas.

Midfield they have Toulalan, Ribery, Malouda, Nasri who I think could have done really well but oh well, Gourcuff e/c/t. Attack, Benzema could have done well but he's been left out too, then they have Henry and Anelka who are also strong.

They have a strong side but they don't work well together at all. In fact, apparently the squad is split into two different groups and one set won't pass to the other, which is why Anelka never passed to Gourcuff yesterday.

[StefanWolves]

I really think Spain will bottle it, they're my favorites to win but I just have this feeling that they will bottle it. Their preparation seems unideal, they've only just arrived in SA.

[FlyingJesus]

He hasn't just got pace though

Next to Nesta&co... haha

In fact, apparently the squad is split into two different groups and one set won't pass to the other, which is why Anelka never passed to Gourcuff yesterday.

lol I hadn't heard this, is there a proper reason they're supposedly split or is it something ridiculous like French league players vs overseas

I really think Spain will bottle it, they're my favorites to win but I just have this feeling that they will bottle it. Their preparation seems unideal, they've only just arrived in SA.

I can definitely see it happening, they just seem like that sort of team. It's a shame though because they really are the best lot out there I think, and usually quite fun to watch once they get going.

[Browney]

lol I hadn't heard this, is there a proper reason they're supposedly split or is it something ridiculous like French league players vs overseas

Apparently it's cause the older players like Anelka and Ribery thought Vieira should have been taken, and Henry should start in place of govou.