Some of the best teams are starting to take form and people should take notice. Teams that are not on the favorites list include the likes of Brazil, France, Italy and Portugal. Brazil struggled against North Korea, France played uninspired in their opening match. Portugal tied against Ivory Coast and Italy simply don't have what it takes to win the tournament.
So which teams are favourites to win? Read my team Analysis of the top 5 teams in the tournament that matter.
Team Netherlands
Holland, the Dutch, Netherlands. Call them whatever you want. They have never won a world cup but have a team that could change that this year. Their team is stacked with talent and have one of the best midfields in the tournament featuring Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie. They had a good showing at the euro championships despite losing to Russia but walked through their previous games in convincing fashion against top quality teams. With Japan and Cameroon left in their group expect them to finish on top and use these teams to prepare for tougher matches.
Holland/Netherlands + 800 at Sportsbook.com
Team Argentina
In their opening match the Argentinians looked very strong and seem focused on the task at hand. Their team is stacked with midfielders and strikers and expect them to put on a show this tournament despite much criticism leading up to their opening match. The critics said this team doesn't have a legitimate coach with Diego Maradona and that they struggled to qualify for the world cup. Lionel Messi is no doubt the best player in the world and he is surrounded by some of the worlds best players: Maxi Rodriguez, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito. Tevez and Milito alone could do all the damage for all of their goals. Expect this team to play most of their games in their opponents half torturing the goalkeeper.
Argentina +650 at Sportsbook.com
Team England
The British are mad and passionate about their football but have some of the best fans in the world. Having the best fans in the world also adds a lot of pressure that other top teams seem free of. The opening game of the tournament saw Robert Green let in an easy goal which some are suggesting that he is a specialist of spills and should be the new CEO for BP. Jokes aside, team England have one of their most complete teams in a long time and have a coach that has instilled a confidence that no other English team have had in the past 30 years. Expect this team to get stronger in the tournament and Wayne Rooney to find his goal scoring touch. Emile Heskey is proving that he is useless as a striker and that means more time for Peter Crouch who can disrupt any defence just by his height alone with defenders fearing any cross.
Expect England to get stronger as the tournament goes on and fans around the world to get behind their team to win. If England are to win the tournament they will have to beat at least 2 top contenders and that won't be an easy task.
England +900 at Sportsbook.com
Team Germany
The German teams have a history of winning with 7 appearances in the final and 11 if you count semi-finals. Their opening match against Australia saw them win easily 4-0 and could have easily added a few more goals on top of that if it wasn't for wasted opportunities. The German team is a bit underrated at this tournament with teams like England, Spain, Brazil and Argentina taking the spotlight for teams that might win. Germany are very strong despite being without former captain Michael Ballack. Their midfield is strong with Bastian Schweinsteiger who is great at scoring and advancing the ball down the field driving fear into defenders. He can lead the pace and let their wide selection of strikers do the damage.
Germany's arsenal of strikers includes Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski, Cacau, Mario Gomez and Mesut Oezil. The only problem Germany has is which lineup of strikers to use as they all are capable and can do the job.
Germany +800 at Sportsbook.com
Team Spain
The tournament favorites are the Spanish squad who are winners of the Euro championships in 2008 and have one of the best teams on paper. In addition to having a good team they have confidence and have walked over many teams en route to qualifying for the world cup. There is not a position on this team that is considered a weak spot and could be the best in all the positions.
Goalkeepers
Iker Casillas who should be considered the best goalkeeper in the world who plays for Real Madrid. Backups include Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes.
Defenders
Include Carles Pujoy, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, and Carlos Marchena.
Midfielders
Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Xavi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, and David Silva.
Strikers
David Villa, Fernando Torres, Pedro and Jesus Navas.
Spain + 333 at Sportsbook.com