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 G

IVORY COAST:

Built up by many as Africa's biggest hope they face the daunting and unfortunate task of being paired alongside 5 time world champions Brazil and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in what is known as the group of death. In every single World Cup there is always one group named the "group of death" with the irony being that the elephants were also in this situation 4 years ago. Instead of Argentina it is Brazil and instead of Netherlands it is Portugal it just underlines how cruel football can be but despite this the Ivory Coast have every chance of going through. The Ivorians have a galaxy of stars but ultimately there is always a star player in every side and in Emmanuel Eboue.....I mean Didier Drogba they have a genuine world class player. Last Friday he broke his right arm against Japan and it looked almost certain that he would miss the world cup but thank god he is on the mend now. Drogba is the best striker in the world at what he does he an abundance of qualities but most of all his presence strength power athleticism and his commitment for the cause. There is no better striker around at playing on his own he has had an unbelievably good season but unfortunately a certain englishman gets overhyped and overpraised. In Sven Goran Eriksson they have a man whos reputation has taken a huge battering in the last few years with Mexico and more notably England. This is a good opportunity for him to restore some credibility so what better way of doing so by knocking out a giant of the game and by taking Ivory Coast into new terrority. With so much quality in midfield and attack Sven will need to find the right balance as the backline virtually picks itself. Gervinho and Kalou will be fighting it out to partner Drogba which unfortunately means Aruna Dindane will have to slug it out with the others from the bench. The Ivorians are one of the fittest and most athletic sides in the tournament from Eboue to Romaric to Gervinho they are a side with a big engine. The Toure brothers will be the linchpins for the defence and midfield Yaya must forget his club issues and just focus on the WC for now. Like all the other sides the Ivory Coast will need to beat North Korea while they key match for them could well be the opening match against Portugal. If the elephants lost the opening match to Portugal they would be in huge trouble as they would most probably need to beat Brazil to stay alive or at least a draw and hope other results work in their favour. Ivory Coast have failed to live up their expectations in recents ACON and the previous WC in 2006 is this finally the moment that Ivory becomes gold?

Hopes and dreams:

To go as far as possible maybe the last 8

Key player:

Didier Drogba- Massive influence within the dressing room

My predictions:

Ivory Coast 3 Portugal 3

Ivory Coast 1 Brazil 3

Ivory Coast 2 North Korea 0

Second round defeat to Spain

NORTH KOREA:

Ever since I started my write up I have been dreading the moment when I would have to write about North Korea I know virtually everything about every national team at the world cup but North Korea is pushing myself to the limits. North Korea have only ever been to one world cup but what they achieved in 1966 will always be in world cup history beating a strong Italy side 1-0 it still remains one of the biggest shocks in WC history. There has since been documentaries and DVD's released about the game but for me its just as remarkable that they got to the quarter finals and gave Eusebio's Portugal a scare. From that moment on they have been non exsistent although in many ways it was to be expected especially when you look at and consider the everyday day to day life and the economic situation of the country. North Korea is one of the poorest countries in the world which means they have no money to spend on training facilities on coaches or anything like that. Since 97% of their squad play in North Korea it is fair to state that they are all largely unknown apart from the Japenese born Jong Tae Se but even he isnt that well known. They will most likely be cautious due to their lack of class and for a period of time they could be hard to break down but evidentally you dont expect them to keep Ronaldo and co for 90 minutes. At the end of the day most people in the country probably dont even know what a world cup is and even the ones who do know will only get to see propagranda highlights(if they have a TV that is). If they lose 5-0 and barely have a shot on goal they will probably pretend the game never happened or they will just dress it up and pretend the only side fluked a 1-0 win. If North Korea were to score or get any kind of result it would be all down to the dear leaders inspiration just like if it rains its the americans fault but if its sunny it would be the leaders devine work of course. I saw the other day they tried tricking fifa into thinking their striker was a GK just so they can add another striker in the squad just shows you how far fetched they are. I actually dont believe they will be too bad at all but ultimately anything other than 0 pts and 4th place in the Group G would be pretty staggering its almost unthinkable. The lowest ranked country at the world cup they will need to do well to avoid 3 losses but having said they have already exceeded expectations just be getting to South Africa. The whole world will be intrigued to see what the North Korean's can produce.

Hopes and dreams:

1 goal and 1 point

Key player:

Who needs a player when you have Kim Jong Il

My predictions:.

North Korea 0 Brazil 5

North Korea 1 Portugal 3

North Korea 0 Ivory Coast 2

PORTUGAL:

With just 3-4 matches left in qualification I have to confess I thought Portugal wouldn't make it to South Africa they were almost on the brink of no return. However one man changed their fortunes he almost single handedly dragged Portugal from the depths of despair to virtually securing a plane ticket to South Africa. Surely I am talking about Cristiano? if not then Nani? no ladies and gentleman I am infact talking about Brazillian born Liedson who came in and transformed the Portugese fortunes. Liedson made his debut away to table topping Denmark a game the Portugese dared not lose there was huge pressure on Portugal to at least get something. Portugal started off very well and surprising for the most part dominated but wastefulness and the wrong decision making let them down and to add insult they were 1-0 down just before HT to a wonder Bendtner strike. Portugal had lost alot of confidence and they were far from impressive in the 2nd half it looked as if Denmark would hold on to a 1-0 win BUT then with time running out Leidson came on and things started to happen. Suddenly Portugal looked a threat again and after knocking at the door relentlessly the big bad wolf that is Leidson finally blew down the house to keep Portugal's world cup dreams alive. From that moment Leidson and Portugal never looked back they then went on to finish 2nd and then they dismantled Bosnia in the play offs much to many peoples relieve. Of course the whole world wants Ronaldo to be at the world cup he is one of the top 2 players in the world he has everything in his locker. Ultimately it has to be said though that Ronny has not quite produce his magic for the national team like he has done for Man Utd and Real Madrid but that means very little. If you switch off for even a second this guy will make you pay he might not always be involved in the game but he is a player who produces moments. Unfortunately Ronaldo's ex United pal Nani has recently been ruled out the WC a big blow for Nani but Portugal are blessed with lots of talented wide players so they wont miss him too much. Its great news to see Pepe back in the fold might you I do find it laughable how one of the worlds great CB's plays in DM but it doesn't matter where he plays just glad to see him returning. Raul Meireless is a great player in my mind the most important midfielder in the NT a true box to box player he always covers the most ground in any match. Portugal have 3 weaknesses one is the GK Eduardo who is unproven at the top level the second is playing David Beckham.....I mean Duda at LB and the third is they lack a proper no.9. This is not a new issue apart from Nuno Gomes there just hasn't been another good striker to note for the past 10-15 years. Carlos Querioz is a brilliant assistant but he hasn't really proven himself as a coach nevertheless even if Jose Mourinho was the coach I still wouldn't back any money on them. Portugal will be fighting it out with the Ivory Coast for 2nd place but even if they manage that there would be a small matter of Spain in the next round. Portugal are like marmite you either love them or hate them.

Hopes and dreams:

To knock out Spain and go to the semi's

Key player:

Cristiano Ronal--dohhhh

My predictions:

Portugal 3 Ivory Coast 3

Portugal 3 North Korea 1

Portugal 2 Brazil 3

Just like Ivory Coast-either first round or second round defeat to Spain

BRAZIL:

The five time world champions will be looking to make it numero 6 this summer so it comes as no surprise to see the selecao once again named one of the favourites to lift the trophy. The much criticised Dunga has formed a side based around his styles as a player they may not have the flair or style that past Brazillian teams have had but they are as equally effective. Brazil have so much power in their side in Julio Cesar they have one of the finest most consistent gks around which is a rarity for the samba kings. Maicon and Lucio were also the key components in Inter's successful season Juan is a reliable defender while the newbie to the side Michel Bastos has come and made the LB position is own despite playing as a left winger for Lyon. The ancient Gilberto Silva will combine with Felipe Melo to become the solid wall in midfield allowing Elano/Ramires Kaka Robinho to help Luis Fabiano get the goals at the other end. Four years ago there was much talk about the front 4 Kaka Ronaldinho Adriano and Ronaldo but ultimately the latter 3 in particular were unfit and they were extremely unprofessional there are no organisation or discipline on or off the pitch. Dunga prefers having lesser talented players with less personality all he cares about is that the players fill and tick the right boxes which are required to play in this team. I wont deny that I am some what angry and baffled by the exclusion of Diego and more so Pato this just isn't a logical or sane decision. I can accept if maybe there was a debate over whether Pato should start or not but how on earth can you leave him out the squad? To choose Grafite instead is simply beyond bizarre Pato is one of the best young players in the world Dunga likes to hit teams on the break so he leaves out the quickest player in the squad.....nice one. Who needs Neymar when you can have Baptista ahhhh even despite Dunga's mindless selections Brazil will be one hell of a TEAM despite having few world stars. Brazil's defence was a solid as a rock in the South American qualifiers the best and most memorable game was when they went to Urugauy and won 0-4 despite getting absolutely muredered. Julio Cesar made countless world class saves Urugauy hit the post and bar several times however Brazil went on the counter attack and bang bang bang the Uraguarians didnt know what had hit them. The boys in yellow still occasionally play some sublime stuff but not as frequent as we would all like but if anyone doubts their world cup credentials they should get their facts right. 3 years ago Argentina were arguably the finest team in the world everyone was drooling over them with both countries in the Copa America final most people were saying this would be a convincing win for the Argies. What happened? Argentina got stung and Brazil went on to win 3-0 so dont confuss quality and style with results because they are too different factors. Brazil have 3 possibilities semi finals finalists or winners I honestly do fancy the latter they may not be the 1970 Brazil or even 1998 but this group are winners just you see.

Hopes and dreams:

World cup glory only this will do

Star player:

Kaka- Despite a poor season he remains a driving force for the selecao

My predictions:

Brazil 5 North Korea 0

Brazil 3 Ivory Coast 1

Brazil 3 Portugal 2

Potential winners

GROUP H

HONDURAS:

Having qualified for the WC in dramatic fashion the Hondurans will fancy their chances of creating a few upsets during the summer. With Costa Rica in pole position heading into the final qualification match it meant Honduras needed to win and hoped their central american counterparts slipped up. With Honduras having already sealed a 2-0 win the players and coaching staff where waiting anxiously to see what Costa Rica were up to. When the news filtered through that Costa Rica were winning 2-1 with 3minutes remaining all hope for automatic qualification looked lost but unbelievably something quite shocking had happened. With virtually the last kick of the game the Costa Ricans had conceaded just seconds before the full time whistle the scenes from both camps could not have been more different. While its recognizable that USA and Mexico are way ahead of their development the Hondurans are rapidally excelling themselves as the 3rd best side in the Central America. Admittedly they dont have an abundance of top class talent but they have some very good players particulary in Wilson Palacios and David Sauzo. I am a big fan of Palacios he was good at Wigan but ever since he has joined Tottenham he has grown into a top consistent performer.Wigan's Henry Thomas and Figueroa will also be representing for the flag for the premierleague despite the struggles Wigan suffered they were two of their better players. David Suazo is a well known figure in Serie A most notably with Inter and was playing frequently in his first season under Mancini but the arrival of Mourinho basically ended his Inter career. Suazo is a legend in his country im certain he will cause Chile and Switzerland alot of problems with his footwork pace and power. Honduras have a good mix of technical and physical strength they aren't just a typical latino country who plays fancy football they have a dogged side to them also. The likes of Henry Thomas and Wilson Palacios will be in the side to put their foot in get stuck in and break up the opponents rhythm. Honduras have plenty of journeyman in their ranks none more so than legendary hitman Carlos Pavon who just seems to get better with age. They may not have alot of pedigree at this level but they are capable of fighting for 2nd in the group if they perform to their capabilities and have a fit Suazo. However it has to be said that Honduras are the weakest team in the group and are up against 3 nations with world cup experience in abundance so it will be a tough ask but in football nothing is impossible.

Hopes and dreams:

Second round

Key player:

David Suazo- Must be firing on all cylinders

My prediction:

Honduras 0 Chile 4

Honduras 1 Spain 5

Honduras 2 Switzerland 2

First round exit

SWITZERLAND:

When you think of Switzerland there are many things that come into your mind such as Roger Federer cheese the alps and of course dark chocolate. However lets hope people will soon be talking about the Barnetta's or the Inler's just as much as any of these national attractions. Despite Switzerland continually qualifying for all the major tournaments in recent years they have yet to inspire or produce anything worthwhile. In 2006 they just about got to the 2nd round before playing one of the worst matches in world cup history against Ukraine before eventually losing on penalties. The Swiss play very conservative football they are far from speculator although to be fair they have some good attacking players both youthful and experienced. Derdiyok and Barenetta have both had a great season in Germany with Leverkusen in Shaqiri they have a young Joe Cole someone who uses party tricks all the time. Lets not forget the experienced guys in Hakin Yakin and most high regarded of them all the captain Alexander Frei who is just like RVN all he does is score goals. I am truely amazed though that Vonlanten has been left out when he first broke onto the scene I thought he was going to be a star but maybe his personality and his lifestyle is affecting that. Im disapointed Djourou hasn't made it either but its a decision I understand fully he has barely played this season due to injury and it would have been a big gamble. Senderos always saves his best performances for the national side he will be glad his career is now sorted out so he can focus fully on the world cup. Inler and Behrami are two of the countrys finest players both of whom have been linked to some of european footballs biggest names. Behrami would be the most likely since West Ham are a selling club and despite the hammers abysmal season he has been superb this season second only to Scott Parker. In Ottmar Hitzfeld they have one of the most respected managers around he has won countless trophies during his managerial career most notably with a very strong Bayern Munchen side. He may not be as colourful or flash as a certain Portuguese fellar but he is as every bit of a winner already he is making a huge impact with Switzerland making them a far stronger side than before. One problem the Swiss wont have is expectations because there is very little for me this is always a good thing if anyone under-estimates them they could well be in for a nasty surprise.

Hopes and dreams:

Second round

Key player:

Alexander Frei IF fit

My predicton:

Switzerland 1 Spain 3

Switzerland 2 Chile 4

Switzerland 2 Honduras 2

Unfortunately Chile will be too strong for 2nd

CHILE:

I have been waiting for a while to say this CHILE ARE BACK! the last time Chile were in the world cup Ivan Zamorano was in their ranks it really has been too long. Whenever Brazil or Argentina aren't on you always hope its Chile who are they are a very special side on a technical level believe me they are going to score alot of goals in South Africa. The Chileans had a great qualification campaign finishing second only to the might of Brazil unlike some nations at the WC this side will be good to watch. They are as hot as a Chile pepper they have a good all round team but its the attack that gives you great sensations they have quality and quantity. Alexis Sanchez is a personal favourite of mine I always used to joke that he is Cristiano Ronaldo's twin brother Alexis may not be on the same level as the bigman himself but my word they are so simular. He may not have the same attacking ammunition or the same level of consistency but apart from that the comparisons are vast what a player. In Humberto Suazo Chile have a cannon which doesn't fire blanks he was South Americas top goalscorer in the qualifiers and will be a dark horse this time round. He scores goals and lots of them but he is so much more than just a goalscorer he is the complete package quick skillful good in the air but his best attributes are his power and strength. He spent the second half of this season in La Liga surprisingly with Real Zaragoza I thought he adapted himself rather well and gave a good impression of himself but disapointingly he never really showed his true colours. Sadly though he picked up a knock in training the other day and is a doubt for the WC ahhh I wish the bigman well should he make it I urge you all to put a few quid on him even though there is a chance Chile could meet Brazil in the next round. Matias Fernandez and Mark Gonzalez have yet to fulfill their early promise but nevertheless they are massive players for Chile and will be crucial in counter attacking. When an opponent attacks this team they have two choices they can either break through and score or they can lose the ball and then Chile will break on them so god dam fast they wont know whats hit them. I am certain they will make it through to the next round I have no doubts there is more chance of Chile winning the group than failing to make the top 2. I would love nothing more than seeing Chile go far this tournament I have alot of belief in this team I mean it just you wait they are going to have a great world cup. How far can they go? with Brazil most likely awaiting in the next round not very far but then again........

Hopes and dreams:

Quarter finals

Key player:

A tough one but it has to be Humberto Suazo

My prediction:

Chile 4 Honduras 0

Chile 4 Switzerland 2

Chile 1 Spain 2

Brazil looms

SPAIN:

Despite never having won a WC before infact despite never having even come close to winning one Espana are massive favourites to go on and lift the trophy this summer. Phew! Normally I am a man of many words but this Spanish side are just so incredibly good I dont know where to begin they leave me grasping and just applauding their sheer brilliance. Spain are the biggest underachievers in the tournaments history......did I hear someone say England? no my dear England get knocked out in the QF's because they are a QF team thats not under achieving. Spain have always had the talent but for some reason they would always self destruct in the 2nd round or quarter finals infact before euro 2008 I have never tipped Spain to win anything in my lifetime. How times have changed they have the best international SQUAD ever seen they have broken countless records they have lost just ONCE in 50 matches and winning 97% of those matches. England might have Wayne Rooney but Spain have Torres Fabregas Villa Iniesta Xavi Alonso Navas Pique Casillas Silva..... do I need to go on? The fact that the worlds current no.1 GK Victor Valdes is 3rd choice tells you everything and theres England deciding to play a 39 year old calamity or Robert Green. Spain's second side could potentially win the world cup when you have world class players like Jesus Navas only playing a bit part role it strikes fear into every non Spaniard. I love the way Del Bosque and his players are downplaying their chances saying they are not among the favourites I know why they are doing it though its virtual they avoid complacency. The Spanish public and media are getting over excited like they normally do but its a dangerous game when you expect to win rather than hoping you do. When you expect to win you lack that competitive edge you lose that physical tension as a winner myself let me tell you something never let praise over ride you because praise makes you weak. There is no denying though that they aren't just the best side at the world cup they are the best side by some distance did anyone see the Poland match the other night? I swear on my life David Silva scored one of the most fluent best team goals you will ever see infact I take that back just another goal scored by the Spanish I mean. The free flowing possession game Spain plays is even better than what Barcelona produce they play with such patience its almost too easy at times.It must be awful for the opposition no matter what game play you come up with you will still spend 90% of the game chasing shadow's you need to be extremely fit to play against these guys. David Villa is the worlds best striker bar none his international record is nothing short of sensational David Villa is only a few goals short of Raul's all time record having played 45 fewer matches. I would be very surprise if Villa and Torres dont at least get 4-5 goals they are both major contenders for the golden boot. They might be world class strikers but the goals are spread through the team even Pique gets plenty of goals they can lose several key players and still be just as good. It's not a question of whether Spain will get to the final its just a question of who they will be lining up against this all star cast. Do we honestly believe Spain wont win the world cup?

Hopes and dreams:

To become world champions for the first time

Key player:

Torres? take your pick

My prediction:

Spain 3 Switzerland 1

Spain 5 Honduras 1

Spain 2 Chile

Anyone who beats Spain will be world champions

WAHOOOO!!! After spending an eternity writing about all 32 world cup hopefuls I am at last finished I have been so busy lately so for me to do all this is just remarkable. I started several days ago and well I did have my doubts whether I would finish in time but im a fighter I never give in my hands are extremely red now but thats not a problem. I wont be coming back until you match my demands but I still hold you all in high regard and I always wish you the forum members well. Tomorrow feels a bit like christmas but only it lasts a month and it only comes around once every 4 years once the parade starts thats the moment you know its finally here. This is a huge moment for Africa I am deeply happy for them the continent has suffered some hard times but hopefully things will change for the better. Anyway I spent alot of time doing this so the least you can do is read it all and leave me some feedback that would be much appreciated thanks very much. "pounces my heart"