SOUTH AMERICANS HAVE BEST CHANCE

This year’s Cup isn’t likely to be any different. In fact, the majority of the countries from the remaining four continents don’t stand a chance, and it’s more than likely that Brazil will win a record sixth championship. That would put South America two up on Europe.

Sounds easy, right? Not exactly.

The Europeans seem to have a notable advantage over their South American counterparts. Not only will the World Cup be played an European soil, but also the continent will be represented by 14 teams, compared to South America’s four.

The World Cup has been hosted by an European nation on nine occasions, and all but one (Brazil in 1958, in Sweden) were won by Europeans. Realistically, South America’s only hopes this year lie with Brazil and Argentina, countries that have won a combined seven Cups and look as strong as ever.

Can we assess the possibilities of both sides, as well as those of fellow South Americans Paraguay and Ecuador?

Paraguay, which will take part in its third consecutive World Cup, knows that inexperience isn’t an excuse anymore. Much of its squad participated in the ‘98 and ‘02 campaigns, when Paraguay bowed out in the round of 16 against top-quality opposition in France and Germany, respectively.

Traditionally defensive, Paraguay has kept its solidarity but has improved significantly in an attacking sense. The emergence of Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo Valdez and Julio Dos Santos makes the team more dynamic than in past World Cups. Head coach Anibal Ruiz has promised his side won’t stay back too much, preferring to adopt attacking tactics in order to make the most of the speed he has up front.

Paraguay finds itself in what is likely to be a highly contested group that includes England, Sweden and debutantes Trinidad and Tobago. Although both European teams are favourites to advance to the second round, Paraguay has enough talent to proceed.

Ecuador enters its second World Cup low in morale — it has only won once in its past nine matches. Signs don’t look good for the Ecuadorians, although surprisingly, they have a good chance of advancing to the second round.

Besides host Germany, they face manageable competition in Poland and Costa Rica. A victory over the Poles in their opener is essential, although they must be aware that Poland is very quick on the counterattack, something La Tri struggles to cope with. The clash with Costa Rica promises to be an open contest, as both teams play a similar type of game. Ecuador is highly unlikely to upset the Germans on home soil.