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All that is except one chosen nation whose entourage will be allowed that special pleasure of victory. That could be Brazil who were they to win a sixth world cup would prove to be twice as good as the next best nation ever, with their closest competitors Italy and Germany with three wins. Equally, with 32 nations here, the prospect of a ‘new’ winner to the competition is perhaps more possibly now than at any previous tournament: Holland and Spain, those with the perennial under achievers tag spring to mind.

Yet the time has come for this columnist to nail his colours to the World Cup mast. With heart ruling head admittedly, there is something about Sven Goran Eriksson’s squad – even without Wayne Rooney – that makes this England squad real challengers. The midfield talent at the disposal of Sven; Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, allied to the resolute defending of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, all backed up by a truly world-class goalkeeper in the form of Robinson, make the final throes of Eriksson’s reign the best chance for an England victory in a generation.

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Nonetheless, as I write this I’m conscious that only perhaps Spain can rival England’s record of talented players and national underachievement. An England exit in the last 16 after a series of unconvincing performances remains a possibility. So to look at other teams that will do well and it is to continental Europe that my eyes fall. Spain’s capacity to let themselves down is well known, and with a nation where ‘nation’ means so little it is a real prospect yet again.
Nonetheless, maybe this group of obviously talented players under the canny Aragones could succeed.

Equally the Dutch, who under Macro van Basten, at last all seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet could well prosper in a nation so close to their own. And lastly another nation that boarder’s the hosts, France: the self-evident class is there in the playing personnel and it will clearly be a final hurrah for the likes of Zidane.

The focus on European teams is not too downplay the self-evident talent from elsewhere in the world, but to acknowledge the history of the competition which has only seen one nation win on a continent on which it is not a resident. It is to that extent, and relative to their capacity for the exceptional, that I do not see Brazil emulating their forebears on 1958 and returning from Europe with the trophy. Equally, Argentina who so disappointed in 2002, may again struggle to fight the right blend amongst their talented squad.

So to those who might do better than might be expected. I suspect that Serbia & Montenegro will prove much harder opposition than some suspect: a wonder goal here and there and a favourable refereeing decision could see them into the last eight if they can get out of their group. The same could apply to Australia, who are making their second finals appearance and their second in Germany. Replete with star individuals they could well come together under Hiddink’s thoughtful hand.

From Africa, the continent whom Pele predicted would win the world cup by 2000, would seem to be best served by the Ivory Coast. A dynamic team led by Didier Drogba could well make an impact. Regardless, of our individual perspectives, the tournament that captures the world’s attentions every four years is almost here and let us rejoice in that. D-Day minus three … and counting.

By J. Simon Rofe,
Englandfans member since 1995, England fan since birth.