A-Leaque Soccer News Australia

Europe or the America’s? Who will return home with the Holy Grail after the FIFA World Cup Final on July 9 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin? Brazil is the obvious choice, but in the world of football be prepared for the unexpected.

Host Germany, England, Italy, France and the Netherlands will fly the flag for Europe while defending Champions Brazil and Argentina look most capable for the America’s.

World number 1 Brazil, the current World Cup champions has all the star power required to successfully defend their title. Names like Ronaldo, Ronahldinho, Kaka, and Adriano will provide plenty of highlights if not the ultimate prize in World Football.

Germany as host comes into calculations. A kind draw has assured a safe passage into the second round and while coach Jurgen Klinsmann has failed to plug the holes at the back the team has continued to score goals at will.

England with key striker Wayne Rooney under an injury cloud are up against it while Italy will need to overcome not only a growing injury list before a ball has been kicked in anger but also a match-fixing scandal in their domestic league.

France the 1998 World Cup winners will be led by Zinedine Zidane while Arsenal striker Thierry Henry will be expected to score the goals that matter.

Netherlands are always a danger, but their World Cup friendly against Australia showed nothing much has changed. Dominating for large periods, the Dutch still struggled to put the ball in the back of the net.

Argentina looms large on the horizon after little trouble during qualification. If Jose Pekerman’s men can reproduce that form then all bodes well for a successful campaign.