World Cup 2010 Power Rankings

Submitted by podizz on Fri, 06/11/2010 - 08:14
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  1. Brazil (G): A win in South Africa would give this fabled national team a World Cup in five different continents (and six overall). Though the names Ronaldo and Ronaldinho will be conspicuously absent in 2010, there is no reason to beleive that this well-oiled machine of a futbol program wont be right there come mid-July. Key Players: Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Dani Alves, Maicon, Julio Cesar, Lucio
  2. Argentina (B): La Albiceleste will try to add a third cup title to their legacy behind none other than the best pound for pound player in the world, one Lionel Messi. Winners of the last two Olympic golds, there is every reason to beleive that the Argentines will contend for the ultimate prize in a few weeks. Key Players: Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano
  3. Spain (H): With a seemingly simple group and a roster that reads like a La Liga dream team, is this finally the year that The Fury captures its first ever World Cup? After suffering one of the bigger upsets in recent Cup history to the Swiss, one thing is for sure, things just got a whole lot more interesting in group H. Key Players: Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Iker Casillas, Gerard Pique, David Silva, Carles Puyol
  4. Germany (D): After finishing in third place and as the runners up in the last two Cups, the Germans will once again take on the world in hopes of overcoming that hump with a win in 2010. With three cups and an astounding eleven (out of a possible sixteen since they withdrew in 1930 and were banned in 1950) semi-finals or better showings already under their belt, Germany is a vitual lock to go deep. Key Players: Miroslav Klose, Philipp Lahm
  5. Portugal (G): Though this will only be the fifth World Cup Portugal has even qualified for, many are expecting big things out of the Portugese. However, it will be no easy ride as de-facto Mr. Universe Christiano Ronaldo must first navigate his countrymen out of a menacing group of death containing powerhouses Brazil and Ivory Coast. Key Players: Christiano Ronaldo
  6. Netherlands (E): Like Spain, this is another squad that is seriously due for their first cup. After being ousted from two consecutive finals matches in the seventies (each by the host-country no less) the Oranje have returned to world-class form with high hopes for South Africa. Key Players: Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben
  7. Italy (F): The defending champs, second only to Brazil all-time in World Cups (4), will look to get back after it despite having lost arguably the greatest keeper in the world in Buffon to back issues for the rest of competition. Chances are slim that these Serie A all-stars have it in them for a repeat. Key Players: Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi
  8. England (C): Though they can lay claim to hosting the best club league in the world in the Premier League, when it comes to international competition, England's history has been one composed largely of dissapointment. Having failed to make many waves since their sole World Cup in 1966 and miraculously devoid of a European title, the pressure is on for The Three Kings to come up big in 2010. Key Players: Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole
  9. France (A): For all intents and purposes, France shouldn't even be playing in this World Cup were it not for Henry's hand ball heard 'round the world. That, coupled with their best player being embroiled in a prostitution ring sex scandal, Henry being clearly on the back nine of his career, and the general disdain for Coach Domenech, and France is a hard team to get beind in 2010. The talent is certainly there, but it seems Les Blues will need another heavy helping of luck if they are to advance very far this time aorund. Key Players: Franck Riberi, Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Patrice Evra, Karim Benzema, Yoann Gourcuff
  10. USA (C): This is not your father's football squad. With an easy group designation and a gift-tie against rival England, the US is certainly capable of making some waves in South Africa. Don't rule out a knockout stage upset or two. Key Players: Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey
  11. Uruguay (A): Key Players: Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez.
  12. Mexico (A): Key Players: Giovani Dos Santos, Rafael Marquez
  13. Ivory Coast (G): Key Players: Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure
  14. Chile (H): Key Players: Alexis Sanchez
  15. South Korea (B): Key Players: Park Ji-Sung
  16. Paraguay (F): Key Players: Nelson Haedo Valdez
  17. Serbia (D): Key Players: Nemanja Vidic
  18. Denmark (E): Key Players: Nicklas Bendtner
  19. Cameroon (E): Key Players: Samuel Eto'o
  20. Switzerland (H): Key Players: Alexander Frei
  21. Australia (D): Key Players: Lucas Neill
  22. South Africa (A): Key Players: Siphiwe Tshabalala.
  23. Nigeria (B) Key Players: Nwankwo Kanu
  24. Ghana (D): Key Players: Michael Essien
  25. Hondurus (H): Key Players: Wilson Palacios
  26. Japan (E): Key Players: Yasuhito Endo
  27. Slovenia (C): Key Players: Milivoje Novakovic
  28. Greece (B): Key Players: Vasilis Torosidis
  29. Slovakia (F): Key Players: Marek Hamsik
  30. Algeria (C): Key Players: Madjid Bougherra
  31. North Korea (G): Key Players: Hong Young-Jo
  32. New Zealand (F): Key Players: Ryan Nelsen
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Rankings were made based on a cumulation of world ranking, current cup play, and prospects for advancement.