The world cup is soooo close now I have been looking forward to this moment for a such a long time everytime I see world cup ads or world cup flashbacks I get pretty emotional

GROUP C

ENGLAND: I am now speaking as a fan

Every major tournament England are expected to go really far and go on and win the world cup the media the fans and the players themselves have always fallen into this trap. The last world cup under Sven was shambolic there was as much interest as there was with the "WAGS" as there was with the team there was no discipline the focus wasn't as great as it should have been and as a result we experience yet another QF heartache on PENS. The thing that amazes me with England is how consistently consistent they have been at being a good side who goes to the QF rather than break that mould. I know we all say it every year but maybe just maybe this could be our year....could it? I am a bit worried that maybe these group of players are just that extra bit too late Lampard is 32 soon and Gerrard and Terry have all had hit and miss seasons and age is catching up with them as well. Losing our captain Rio is a huge blow I am gutted he is one of the best defenders in the world even before the tournament has started we have been dealt a major handicap. Luckily we have one of the worlds best strikers who right this season has been phenomenal he might only be 24 but he has been the leader of this team now for over 6 years and our hopes rest on his shoulders. Providing Rooney doesn't lose his cool he will take some stopping but to go far in the tournament we would need more than just one player at the peak of his powers he cant do it on his own. Since 1966 we have always suffered cruel heartbreak in 1970 England are 2-0 against West Germany with around half an hour left a place in the semi's almost looks assured Sir Alf Ramsey was taking off the likes of Bobby Charlton thinking the game was won. The day before the match the then worlds best GK and arguably best of all time Gordon Banks went down with food poisoning so Peter Bonnetti deputised for him who wasn't a bad GK by any means. The bottom line is he allowed the ball to go through his arms to let the Germans back in the game and after that he was all over the place and evidently they went on to fight back and win the game 3-2. Had Gordon Banks been playing I have not an iota of doubt that we would have won the game won the semi final match afterwards and meet Brazil in the final. In 1982 England got knocked out despite not losing a single match we didnt even lose on pens or anything like that it was because of a ridiculous system used back then. In the 2nd round instead of having knockouts they had mini groups with 3 teams in each pot but the bottom line is had Kevin Keegan not missed a head from 4 yards out then we would have progressed and who knows? up until that point England were the best side in the tournament the eventual champions Italy started off sluggish but obv ended up being world beaters after the QFs. Which brings me to 1986......let me say 3 words here gentleman HAND OF GOD it was because of him and him only that Argentina won that game again had he not cheated im sure we would have beaten the Argies who were a very average side. Maradona and Jorge Valdano were the only 2 players of note in that side a complete injustice it hurts to know that Belguim were awaiting in the semi's you telling me we wouldnt of won that? Italia 90 probably the greatest WC of all time before now forget about David Platt or Cameroon because teher is only 1 game everyone talks about and that is Germany. To be honest once it gets to a shootdown against the Germans you know its virtually impossible they dont have a 100% winning record for nothing. It's just the disapointment of getting so close to the final and not making it by a matter of inches in normal time. Didn't qualify for USA in 94 after losing(robbed) to Holland but again in 98 we falter against an arch enemy on penalties having felt injustices during the match itself. That greasy twat Simeone got Beckham sent off when England were bossing the game and then with about 5mins left the ref denies Campbell a winning goal for an "apperent" foul by Shearer on Carlos Roa. It doesn't make up for those pathetic penalties by Ince and Batty bur still it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth which brings me to Korea and Japan. The fact we beat the scum the fact we crushed Denmark the fact Michael Owen scored an eary goal v Brazil which for 30mins at least made the whole nation believe hang on if England beat Brazil we will go on and win the WC. However small details can change everything and the bottom line is a fluke goal from Ronaldinho knocked England out I always believe whoever would win this game would go on and win the WC and as it proved. To be honest 2006 was a recipe for disaster even before it began so I wont make excuses for this but my point is we have been incredibly unfortunate on many occasions so near and yet so far but Capello is the man to make England winners again. I promise you if Capello can't make this team into potential winners then no one can it almost feels as if this our last real hope of major success at the world cup. I wont lie I was truely disgusted by the performances against Mexico and more so Japan and I was also truely disgusted with the temperament of Rooney he shows himself up for the scouser that he is. I always try and love and worship Rooney but when he can't even sing the national anthem or keep himself in check then it puts alot of strain on my love for him. I understand Rooneys frustations im someone who can lose it easily there are times when I want to do alot of damage to some people but not in a friendly against Japan ffs. Just talking about England now I am mega boiling hot really pumped I wont rest for a single second my veins will be popping I will be kicking everyball I wont have a voice at the end of the match my throat will be more sore than Carly Tucker. I thought Theo Walcott was a dead cert for a place in the final 23 but I have to say I 100% agree with Fabio's decision I honestly hate it when people say but Theo has pace so fucking what. Guess what so do our other wide players and unlike Theo they feel confident enough to take on the fullback down the byline he has been awful since the game v Croatia so he only has himself to blame. To be honest im more disapointed by the exclusion of Adam Johnson he has looked really sharp for City he doesn't pick the easy options he always tries to beat his marker and already he has won several pens for City after getting into the right areas. Anyway its all irrevelant now the only thing that matters is that the players who have been choosen will perform to their absolute maximum I dont want any regrets. Fabio will pick a traditional 4-4-2 with Gerrard playing LW once Barry returns from injury I would play Crouch with Rooney and after that the team picks itself. Now I shouldn't have to say this but make sure your house is covered with England merchandise car/s England flags and show everyone we are England we invented football and now its time to bring football home. ITS COMING HOME ITS COMING HOME ITS COMING FOOTBALLS COMING HOME COME ONNN ENGLLANNNDDD 3 LIONS ON A SHIRTTTT JULES RIMET STILL GLEAMING 42 YEARS OF HURT NEVER STOPPED ME DREAMING.

Hopes and dreams:

To get to the last 4 for starters and then bring the WC home

Star player:

Wayne Rooney one of the worlds most feared players

My predictions:

England 2 USA 1

England 5 Algeria 0

England 3 Slovenia 1

My gut feeling says semi finals which is an achivement in itself but there are no limits

USA:

I like this side alot they have the potential to have a great WC its always expected nowadays that the US qualify for the WC but now the stars and stripes need to deliver and prove they are part of the elite. Everyone talks about Ivory Coast being the surprise package but for me I believe it will be the US they have been building a very good side for a number of years now they are so well moulded. I would be amazed if USA didnt occupy the top 2 places in the group if they beat England which they are more than capable of doing then they will most likely top the group. If these guys were a premierleague team I would say they are most like Everton very fit hard working organised good fanbase skillful fast attackers very capable side. Of course everyone speaks about Landon Donovan and rightly so he has been the prince since 2002 he has proved any lingering critics by performing heroically for Everton and proving his worth at the highest level. Donovan might get the most attention but imo Clint Dempsey is their most dangerous player he is an all round player he is extremely dangerous from set pieces or crosses he is an intelligent player who times sneaks into danger area's unnoticed his timing is always timed to perfection. Obviously you are all aware of the British based players they have in their squad the with Bocanegra also having years of experience in english football but after those guys the next best thing is the coaches son Michael Bradley. He is a complete winner he hates losing he once had a fight with Danielle De Rossi he is an aggressive fearless competitive player. He isn't just a tough player though he can play a bit too he might be the coaches son but he more than merit's his place in the side alot of scouts will have their eye on him. Jozy Altidore is an almost certain starter upfront he will likely play upfront on his own with a supporting player Dempsey/Donovan just behind even though he picked up an injury today he should be fine for England. Before Jozy left for Europe I thought this kid was going to be the real deal but his career has been a complete disaster since for various reasons. He still plays for Villarreal but only technically speaking I dont see him being there for much longer he hasn't been given any sort of chance but when he did get regular football at Hull he was useless. In his last game he got sent off for hiting Alan Hutton he still has alot of growing up to do but if he finds a good enviroment to play in he will show his true potential. I know the saying talk is cheap but I have seen enough evident to believe they can upset the apple cart if they were to meet Germany in the last 16 im sure they would fancy their chances. Quarter finals? sure they are more than capable they are going to shock alot of people just you wait and see.

Hopes and dreams:

Making a statement of intent by reaching the QFs and maybe more

Key player:

Landon Donovan will earn himself a permanent move to a good european club this summer.

My predictions:

USA 1 England 2

USA 1 Slovenia 0

USA 4 Algeria 2

My predictons:

Will reach the QFs

ALGERIA:

31 teams made the WC through qualification but very few nations experienced the emotions and joy that the Algerian's enjoyed after beating arch bitter hated rivals Egypt. On the last game of the qualifying campaign Algeria knew anything less than a 2-0 defeat in Cairo would see them through to the WC but before the game had even started there was war. When Algeria arrived in Cairo their bus was pelted and some players were badly wounded even the hotel staff made life impossible for the players. Outside the hotel fans were trying to keep the Algeria's up all night long when the game finally did start Egypt came flying out the traps and scored an early goal to keep their world cup hopes alive. However despite having 90,000 fanatical support it looked as if Algeria had done enough but beyond incredibly Egypt scored in the 95th minute to say everyone lost their heads is an understatement. Because it finished 2-0 it meant both teams were level on points and gd so a play off in a neutral game was arranged and I was really sure that the Egyptians would do it. I remember watching the match on eurosport I was backing Egypt but despite dominating the game they never really created too much it was an incredible match though for so many reasons. As soon as the final whistle blew every Algerian across the world(Marseille mainly) was most probably going bonkers the players staff and fans were one of the best i've ever witnessed. A matter of seconds afterwards the GK was sitting on the top it was complete chaos but its only right they probably partied for weeks after that to beat their eternal rivals and qualify for the WC is like heaven for them. They dont have as many good players as the Egyptians nor are they as good but they deserve it how well they will do remains to be seen. I must admit it does feel nice to see Bougherra does at the WC maybe he will get the recognition he finally deserves I know a club in London he can join. Belhajd is poor defensively but excellent going forward him and his Pompey team mate Yedba will be putting themselves in the shop window as will many others. Algeria's best and most known player though is probably Ziani his reputation has grown in recent years he has alot of elegance skill and vision but he has had an ineffective year at Wolfsburg. Algeria to be fair play some really nice football they have alot of technical players they are fast and quite skillful but they have a soft centre and leak goals with such ease. You know never what will happen because a team such as Algeria can grow and produce some upsets but personally I feel they will be the slaughter lambs ready for everyone else to pounce on.

Hopes and dreams:

Reach 2nd round

Key player:

Madjid Bougherra- one of the quickest CB's around and he will need to be

My prediction:

Algeria 1 Slovenia 3

Algeria 0 England 5

Algeria 2 USA 4

Rock bottom

SLOVENIA

Slovenia are one of the smallest nations population and footballing wise to be at the WC which underlines what a great achievement it is for them. They were in NI qualifying group so I saw a couple of their matches wasn't that long ago England beat them at Wembley but the game I remember most is the play off against Russia. Russia were 2-0 up in Moscow but an 87th minute goal gave the Slovenian's alot of hope for the return leg as always an away goal changed the whole complexion of the tie. Slovenia went on to do what they do best and that is win scrap a 1-0 win it was very much deserved though the Russians were dam right terrible but that is partly due to the opposition as much as it was their own making. Slovenia pressed Russia high up the pitch and made them look very ordinary it was just like watching an Italian side of the past winning 1-0 they defended brilliantly. Slovenia are like so many teams at this WC hard working very tall and strong very dogged very resilient very route one football at times but they sure are effective. Normally a teams best player is an offensive player but in this case I believe the Slovens best player is their GK Handanovic he would get into most national sides. He reminds me of Petr Cech tall very commanding usually very reliable an easy no thrills goalkeeper does exactly what it says on the tin. Slovenia dont have any household names but they have some good players such as Koren Dedic Novakovic and of course the next big thing Rene Krhin who is hoping to establish himself for club and country. In 4 years time we will be waxing lyricals over this player but right now he will just have to bide his time and work really hard when his chances at Inter come along. If the England are the equivalent of Man Utd/Chelsea then Slovenia are very much like Bolton they have will certain not be pushovers by any means. Despite its limitations im pretty sure they will be targeting second place as a realistic objective the key match will be against the United States.

Hopes and dreams:

Get a win and try get through the group stage

Key player:

Robert Koren will be the key player to unlocking the door

My predictions:

Slovenia 3 Algeria 1

Slovenia 0 USA 1

Slovenia 1 England 3

Group elimination

GROUP D

GERMANY:

Historically Germany have always been one of the 2-3 favourites to win the world cup but since the turn of the decade they have been slight outcasts. Despite this they still reached the final in 02 and the semi's in 06 so while they might not be as speculator and they once were they still have enought about them to go far. The loss of Michael Ballack is a hugely significant blow you aren't just losing your most influencial and experienced player you are losing so much more just like he was at Bayern Munich the whole side is built around him. There's a good chance Sami Khedira a player I rate highly will replace him but dont underestimate the loss of Westermann their defence wont be as strong without him. Lahm will take over the captaincy its a good decision but personally I would have given it to Mertesacker it just underlines the lack of leaders in this side though. The days of De Kaiser Klinsmann and Matthuas are long gone this is a young German side they will have to develop their personalities on the field stick together and grow together. The likes of Ozil Marin and Muller are the next generation of German football most of this squad will be here for years to come so that can only be a good thing but this year will come too soon for Germany. Most intriguely ALL of the squad play their football in the Bundesliga I dont know if that has ever happened before it will be interesting to see if thats a positive or a negative thing. Its also incredible to think that Germany and now a multinational team with players existing from Turkey Brazil and Poland who would have thought it.What really bugs me though is how people think being a hard working efficent side suddenly makes you a dull side but clearly these people need to get their facts right. Germany always score alot of goals just look at their last 2 world cups they score more goals than most by far more than the english also it could be argued they have even better tools now. I would go as far as saying the Germans have one of the most clever and creative midfields in the competition and upfront Klose will be fresh and Podolski always performs on the international stage. Ozil is the player im tipping to be the star of the show he is by far the most creative quickest dynamic player in the squad who can forget the damage he did to England. It wont be an easy group but I still expect them to top the group and then after that anything can happen I dont expect them to get to the final or win it but semi finals? why not they are the type of side who grows and grows as the tournament progresses. Many people might be sceptical but he who laughs last laughs the hardest...............

Hopes and dreams:

Lahm said himself to make the semi finals and maybe more

Key player:

Mesut Ozil

My predictions

Germany 1 Australia 1

Germany 3 Serbia 2

Germany 4 Ghana 2

Who knows? semi finals maybe

AUSTRALIA

Australia makes sure that the world cup is played on all sides of the globe despite the vast distance to South Africa thousands of wannabes are committed to travelling round the world to support the socceroos. Australia always found it a big ask to get to the WC under the old format where they would thrash all the Ocenia sides but then would be drawn up against the 5th best side in South America. That has since change as the Aussies now play in the Asian section which increases their chances of making it to the finals. Most of the squad have WC experience having played in 06 a very experienced squad with a few wise old heads lead by Lucas Neill. Unfortunately for the socceroos there will be no Mark Viduka at this WC so they will miss a big power targetman upfront and Scott Mccdonald was surprising left out the squad so it looks as if they will just use one striker with two supporting wide players. Like alot of middle and lower ranked nations Australia dont have any real superstar but in Mark Schwarzer they have one of the best keepers in the premierleague. Tim Cahill is a class act but like Timo there are alot of players who play or have played in the premierleague which will only benefit them in the long run. Bresciano and Jason Culina are the best of the rest they are two players who have played at the top level I admire the latter alot a really good and funny guy. I really do fancy them to make the knockout stages again they were unlucky last time round when Grosso cheated the Aussies this time round though they will be more careful and more aware of these sort of incidents. They will be solid at the back looking to nick a goal or two but the lack of a proper experienced striker will be an issue there could be an ocer reliance on Cahill and Kewell to do the business which wont help. Nobody is expecting much from them if they get knocked out in the first round will there be a big drama? maybe in Australia but nobody else would be overly surprised the pressure isnt on their shoulders. They can play with freedom and confidence they have the means to go out and express themselves all the pressure is on Germany to succeed while the others will be looking to get 2nd place. Can they do it? no question when you have the barmy army spirit of the Aussies nothing is impossible. A potential surprise package.

Hopes and dreams:

Anything after the group stage will be a bonus

Star player:

Tim Cahill- lets hope he comes up with a new celebration should he score

My prediction

Australia 1 Germany 1

Australia 3 Ghana 1

Australia 1 Serbia 2

Depends on the final game

SERBIA:

I was expecting a nice surprise from Serbia in 2006 but unfortunately they were attritious and a side who were renowned for their strong defence were blown into a new orbit. Serbia qualified and topped a really hard group which contained the likes of France and Romania they will need to same factor to get out of this tough looking group. To say they are strong and tall is an understatement they are gigantic in Nikola Zigic they have the tallest player in europe and some of these players you dont want to mess with. Nemanja Vidic is small by comparison but he is as tough as nails then you have Ivanovic who has had a great season at Chelsea and at LB you have Real Madrid bound Kolarov. That is some defence one of the best around but its not just in defence where the quality stems from the midfield and attack is just as good. You have Krasic who performed well in the CL this year all the big clubs are after him then you have the captain Dejan Stankovic who will be massively important in midfield.The squad has good depth too with the likes of Tosic Jovanovic and Wolves star Milijas all playing their part. Lazovic or Pantelic will partner Zigic upfront to complete a very strong side one which doesn't need to feel inferior to anyone they go into the tournament with alot of hope. However the recent and quite shocking defeat to New Zealand has rocked the squad the fans were incensed they were ripping seats out chanting death threats and throwing missles on the pitch etc......while the game was still being played. The game was abandoned at one point while Nemanja Vidic got hold of a microphone went over to the fans and told them to calm down but the fans weren't having any of it. All La Liga fans will know about their coach Raddy Antic he is a cool operator he never loses his rag and one of his best qualities is getting the best out of the players where ever he has been. He makes average players good players and good players great players he strills a winning mentality and a close unit group where ever he has been. Group D is such a tough group to call from I have a strong feeling that Serbia will either take the world cup by storm and become heroes or they will flop yet again and suffer torment from their fans. In all honesty the Serbians are far superior to Australia and Ghana but this group has an unpredictable feel to it and I wouldn't want to bank huge sums of money on any side.

Hopes and dreams:

First get out the group and then go where ever destiny takes them

Star player:

Milos Krasic- Pavel Nedveds long lost twin brother

My predictions:

Serbia 2 Ghana 0

Serbia 2 Germany 3

Serbia 2 Australia 1

Probably defeat to England in 2nd round

GHANA:

As you can see by my predictions I have already written off the Ghanians I hope they can prove me wrong as I want all the african sides to do well but I just dont see it somehow. Despite having a great tournament and getting to the final in the African cup of nations the world cup is a complete and utter different ball game altogether. Losing Michael Essien isn't just a blow it is a catastrophe heck knows what that will do them not just on the pitch but also mentally as well. I know Appiah and Muntari are good players but they're no Essien there are not many more more combative players in world football one of the best players on the planet at what he does. If Ghana was a car then Essien would be the engine now without him its like having a Nissans engine inside a Rolls Royce it just isn't the same however life is tough so they will have to try get on with it. They still have a very good midfield and the inclusion of Kevin Prince Boateng is a major plus it will certainly be an interesting confrontation between him and his bro Jerome who plays for Germany.Sulley Muntari was poor for Inter last season and as a result he lost his place in the side he has moments when he just goes awol on the pitch and loses his head. He is a player I admire deeply but he just needs to settle down and not anything distract him he has always been there for Ghana and im sure he will show everyone his capabilities. However there are certain areas which concerns me for starters the goalie Richard Kingson is an utter joke he barely plays for Wigan and when he has done he has been shambolic and against good sides their defence gets fully exposed. Playing in the ACON John Pantsil can sometimes be mistaken for Dani Alves but believe me that isnt a compliment on his part.The Mackem fans will know all about John Mensah whos had a very good season but he will need to stay injury free if they are to have any impact. Upfront they have alot of pace but they lack a cutting edge the fact Gyan is their striking tallisman underlines the problem. Players like Owusu Abyie and Asamoah are good quick skillful players with alot of technique but they wont get you many goals its a major issue. Ghana have again developed into one of the top sides in Africa over the last 4-5 years and continually impress in their own continent but they still have alot to be desired if they are to make it up to the next level. Will the black stars reach for the stars or will they fall into a black hole?

Hopes and dreams:

To get least reach the same heights of 2006

Key player:

Stephen Appiah- Without Essien his experience will be vital

My predictions:

Ghana 0 Serbia 2

Ghana 1 Australia 3

Ghana 2 Germany 4

They are capable of getting 2 wins but most likely they will finish rock bottom