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I am not old enough
to remember the magical days of Clockwork Oranje, when the Dutch
national side dazzled planet football with their awesome combination of
skillful passing and dynamic movement. It was dubbed “total football”
for good reason. The Netherlands lost back-to-back World Cup finals in
1974 and 1978, and that heartbreak has not been forgotten by a nation
who has constantly flattered to deceive in FIFA’s showpiece event. Now,
however, they have all the ingredients necessary to come out on top.

In my opinion, this
is an extremely balanced side. Arjen Robben’s impact has been keenly
anticipated, and even though the Bayern Munich winger’s chances of
beating injury to take part now look slim, there are so many weapons in
his team’s arsenal. Robin van Persie should be raring to go following a
season where he rarely played for Arsenal. Wesley Sneijder must be on
cloud nine following a historic treble with Inter for whom he was
instrumental. And let us not forget the influential Mark van Bommel who
sets the tone in the centre of the park. Defensively, they have plenty
of talent as well. John Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen have formed a
solid partnership in the centre of defence.

One final word
about the coach. Bert van Marwijk has been able to nurse some big egos
in the squad and convince his players to work hard for each other. Do
not forget the Netherlands have not lost since September of 2008 and
that momentum will help them immensely in South Africa.

Overachievers – Serbia and Uruguay

Not many people
have talked about either of these sides leading up to the World Cup,
but I believe they will turn some heads and can both make the
quarterfinals. Let’s start with Serbia. They have the right mix of
experience and youth in a squad which offers veteran coach Radomir
Antic plenty of options. Their defence is led by tough tackler Nemanja
Vidic, and their midfield is marshalled by Champions League winner
Dejan Stankovic. Add giant striker Nikola Zigic, and speedy winger
Milos Krasic to the mix, and you have a very dangerous team.

Uruguay will also
surprise a lot of football fans. They have enough quality to navigate
pass an unpredictable first round group and can reach the last eight of
the competition. With experienced coach Oscar Tabarez calling the
shots, and Diego Forlan firing in the goals, this is a team that cannot
be underestimated. La Celeste’s defence will be tough to beat. Diego
Lugano is a lion back there, and their wing-backs Diego Godin and Jorge
Fucile are extremely versatile.

Underachievers – Germany and Italy

They have seven
World Cup titles between them, but both Germany and Italy will be going
home early in 2010. Without Michael Ballack, Joachim Low’s side will
struggle to assert themselves in the competition and won’t get past the
quarterfinals. All of their strikers had poor seasons, and I just don’t
see too many exciting players in their line-up. As always, they will be
solid in defence, but will find it difficult to hit the back of the net.

As far as the
defending champions are concerned, the Italians could be heading home
after the round of 16. They are old, slow and predictable. With
midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo struggling for fitness, the Azzuri will
miss a playmaker who can make a difference. Defender Fabio Cannavaro is
past his best, and the same can be said for most of the players in
their starting line-up.

Other notables – Argentina, Spain and England

Argentina will lose
in the final to the Netherlands after beating Spain in the semifinals.
The defending Euro 2008 champions could still win it all but they have
had too many injury problems leading up to the World Cup. I can’t see
their top players staying in top shape and top form throughout the
tournament. As far as England are concerned, they will lose to the
Netherlands in the semifinals, which would still be a good result for
Fabio Capello’s men.

Player of the tournament – Lionel Messi

After scoring a
whopping 47 goals in 53 games in all competitions for Barcelona, Messi
will light the tournament on fire. He has been criticized for his poor
scoring record with Argentina (only four goals in qualifying) but that
will change in South Africa. Diego Maradona will use him in a more
central role, and little Leo will shine like never before in his
nation’s legendary number 10 shirt.

Top scorer – David Villa

One of the
deadliest strikers in the game today, Villa will benefit from playing
with assist master Xavi and he will score at least six goals in the
competition. With Fernando Torres struggling for fitness, the new
Barcelona signing will lead the Spain attack and celebrate plenty of
goals in South Africa.