Czech Republic 28-1

Ranked Number 2 in the World, the Czech Republic, for many, are the big dark horse (along with Sweden 40-1) to go all the way. The main reason being that they have Juventus superstar midfielder Pavel Nedved orchestrating their attack. One would expect only Italy to cause the Czech's any problems in the group stage, and a favourable draw can see them go all the way. Koller, Baros, Ujfalusi and Jankulovski are known to be team players. This mentality could see the Czech's go one better than their 2004 Euro Cup semi final appearance. I rate the Czech's a much more organised team than higher ranked England, Germany and France. Great odds.

 Portugal   22-1

This team is similar to that of Euro 2004, where they undeservingly lost the final. It seems this team plays exceptional football against excellent opposition, but plays uninspired football against lesser known teams. Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Simao are all good reasons to get excited about this squad. The options are endless in the midfield, competitive up front, satisfactory in defense, but limited in goals. Ricardo is brilliant one game, shocking the next. Consistency is the key with Portugal. The ability and flair is there, hence they are termed "the Brazilians of Europe". This could be a good omen considering only European teams have won in the past on Euro soil.

Netherlands   14-1

In my view, the Dutch are one of the most over-rated teams amongst the favourites. I think this is resembled by the fact that they are ranked by Fifa in 3rd place, but are 8th according to most betting agencies, and they failed to qualify alltogether for the last world cup in 2002. There is much to be excited about from a Dutch supporters view however. Van Bommel, Van Nistelrooy and Van Persie seem to be in great form. I can see weaknesses in the Dutch defense, and the team hasn't really been tested by immense pressure, apart from a friendly game loss to Italy (1-3 at home). Grouped with Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro, it will be a tough task for the Dutch. Don't be suprised if Holland exit in the first round, and don't be suprised if they destroy anybody in their path. Too unpredictable and not consistent enough for me.

Spain   14-1

The perennial under-achievers. The Spanish failed to impress at the Euro's in 2004, but have shown great form over the past 2 years. They possess class in every position. I'm hoping for big things from Torres and Fabregas. Reyes and Raul should lead the way, with Puyol controlling a steady looking defence, backed up with 3 class goalkeepers. The midfield will be telling for the Spaniards. Not even the great Morientes could make this squad! A bit harsh I thought. Fantastic odds.

France   12-1

Inconsistency is their forte. Again, like the Portugese, the French under estimate lesser opposition. They possess, in my opinion, the greatest centre midfielder of all time, Zenidine Zidane. His fitness will be the key. If Zidane is match fit and can supply Trezuguet and Henry with his best, this team will go far. Rumour hasit that Barthez will be in goals, but Coupet should be first choice in my opinion. So many good players in this squad. Expect an improvement from France in this tournament. I'm not so sure they can lift the trophy though.

Italy   9-1

Probably the best form of any national team in the World over the past 2 years. This is owed to the attacking approach of Italy coach Marcelo Lippi - 18 games unbeaten and never really looking like being beaten. Italy cruised through their qualifying group and have overcome any serious challenges from the higher ranked countries, including an impressive friendly win over Germany and a 3-1 away friendly win over Holland.

The midfield is the only weakness I can see, mainly due to Totti playing a supporting role behind the two strikers, leaving the midfield one man down in defence. Hopefully Lippi will revert to the proven 4-4-2 system, possibly introducing De Rossi to the midfield alongside Gattuso, Pirlo and Camoranesi. Recent Golden Boot winner Luca Toni is the key, in impressive form with 31 goals this season alone in Serie A.

A nice 2-0 friendly game loss before the World Cup would have been good for Italy,  to remind them of how easily things can go wrong. But I'm sure that the 1-1 Swiss friendly and the 0-0 Ukraine friendly results could be that cold hard slap in the face needed to inject the desire to win back into the Azzurri. The only defence I can see frustrating Brazil. Good odds at 9-1.

Argentina   8-1

The exclusions of Javier Zanetti and Walter Samuel could be their downfall. I can see big things coming from the midfield with Cambiasso supporting Tevez, Aimar and Messi. The experienced Crespo could be the finisher they need up front. A strong squad should see them outplay Holland and Serbia & Montenegro to progress from the group stage (then again we all said that in 2002).

I expect a good performance from a youthful group of players wanting to upstage fierce rivals Brazil. Not too much pressure on Argentina to win the cup from a world view, but I'm sure that back at home the supporters expect nothing less than a World Cup win. Expect a Semi final appearance at least.

Germany   8-1

Only the home crowd advantage will save Germany the humiliation of a first round exit as hosts. Germany doesn't look solid in any particular area, and I think they would have struggled to qualify for the tournament should they not have been selected to host it (sounds like France in 1998, so don't be surprised if they some how win the tournament).

With coach Klinnsman more interested in California lifestyle than actually winning games, I can't see Germany progressing past the quarter finals should they claw their way out of a relatively easy group compared to most others. Ballack is the only name worth mentioning pre-tournament, but this could change should the Germans reach a Semi final. Not worth betting your hard earned money on - one would need the same luck that punters had betting on Greece in 2004.

England   7-1

In my view, and most of the non-biased non-English supporter's view, this squad is over-rated and should find it difficult to progress from a closely contested group. Sweden and Paraguay are not easy opposition, and England must take all 3 points against Trinidad and Tobago to have some chance.

The good form of Lampard and Gerrard at club level hardly makes up for Beckham's quiet last couple of seasons, or for Owen and Rooney unlikely to be fully fit, or for the fact that England are known to leak goals. It will be interesting to see how Lampard and Gerrard perform around English team mates, as opposed to how they perform at their clubs around more skillful foreign team mates. I can see good performances coming from Joe and Ashley Cole, but Englandlack depth in their squad should there be injuries.

A string of poor results including a 4 nil loss to Denmark, a 1 nil loss to Northern Ireland, and the recent 2-1 loss to Belarus certainly don't justify England being 2nd favourites to win the tournament in front of Argentina, Italy, Spain, Portugal or the Czech Republic. Hopefully they won't embarrass themselves between the posts. Robinson and James are not world class goalkeepers. I would not bet money England to go all the way.

Brazil   5-2

Ronaldinho, Kaka', Adriano, Ronaldo. Obviously Brazil are the team to beat. In Attack, Brazil possess the world's best. For Australia's sake let's hope there are a few re-occurring illnesses in the Brazilian team similar to that of the France 98 final ;)

The only weakness I can see is the Brazilian defence. I think they will be challenged by Australia and Croatia in the Group stage. From a Brazilian point of view, the two teams they would least like to face in a second round knock out game would be Italy or the Czech Republic, should these teams qualify from their group. The main reason being that these two teams are defensively sound, and both can punish on the counter attack.

I believe that Brazil's only chance to be halted is in the second round, as they still won't have hit top gear. An in form and organised Czech or Italian line up could be Brazil's downfall (on European soil). However, it is hard to bet against them with so much class in attack. Expect a big World Cup from Kaka'.

No matter who wins the tournament, I just hope that the team playing the best football wins. Watch out for good performances from Ukraine, Sweden, Croatia, Mexico and Serbia & Montenegro.

Enjoy the World Cup, and log on for more updates on AusItalia.com