David Villa

Four years ago, Miroslav Klose won the Golden Shoe with five goals and it looks as though a similar total will be required in South Africa to finish top of the scoring charts. The bookmakers now make this competition a three-horse race and the strikers involved all look likely to play at least two more games at the 2010 World Cup.

There are three players that have scored four goals in this tournament, although Robert Vittek (40/1 Ladbrokes) can only sit and watch after his Slovakia team were knocked out by the Netherlands. You should only consider backing him if you think that nobody else will hit five goals or more.

David Villa is once again the market leader after his winning goal against Portugal on Tuesday and it’s also worth noting that the Barcelona striker has now opened the scoring in his past three matches. It’s fair to say that Spain would be out of this World Cup if it wasn’t for the 28-year-old who seemingly has the ball glued to his feet in possession and the bookmakers go no bigger than 2/1 (Ladbrokes) about him.

Villa has been playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Gonzalo Higuain since the group stages, with the Argentina forward profiting from having the hard-working Carlos Tevez and the creative Lionel Messi playing alongside him. It has helped the Real Madrid forward also score four goals and these have been achieved by playing one less game than the Spanish forward. We could be set to have an El Clasico showdown between these players in the semi-final and Higuain is on offer at 11/4 (Blue Square).

However, the fact that these two teams are in the same half of the draw means that one player will only be playing two more matches at this World Cup, while Brazil look likely to play the quarter final, semi final and final. That’s potentially 270 minutes for Luis Fabiano to add to his tally of three goals which have helped the Selecao cruise into the last eight of the competition. While the Sevilla striker might struggle to find the net against the Dutch, he might enjoy himself against Uruguay or Ghana – something which could make the 9/2 (Coral) an attractive proposition.

We probably shouldn’t discount Luis Suarez, who is also proving himself to be a world-class striker at this tournament. The Uruguayan hauled himself into contention at the top of the scoring charts thanks to the winning goal against Mexico followed by a brace against South Korea at the last sixteen stage. A repeat of this performance against Ghana on Friday night would see his odds contract sharply from the 16/1 (Paddy Power) currently available.

Diego Forlan (25/1 Paddy Power), Carlos Tevez (25/1 Sky Bet) and Miroslav Klose (25/1 William Hill) are the players with an outside chance of winning the Golden Shoe, having scored two goals apiece thus far.

Argentina have now scored nine goals during this World Cup, so it’s little surprise to see one of their forwards topping the Golden Shoe table. While plenty of money came for Lionel Messi to top score during this tournament following an awesome season for Barcelona, it’s his Real Madrid compatriot who is instead leading the way.

Gonzalo Higuain has a big debt of gratitude to Messi for the fact that he now has four goals to his name and the 22-year-old is now 7/4 (Sporting Bet) to finish top of the pile. His hat-trick against South Korea during the group stages shot the striker ahead of the competition and another goal against Mexico on Sunday night means that he stays in front of the chasing pack.

However, La Albiceleste have a tough quarter final match against Germany on Saturday, where it’s perfectly possible that their participation in the World Cup will end. Perhaps the smart money should still be on David Villa, the Spain striker who has been scoring for fun in his last couple of matches.

The former Valencia man is on his way to Barcelona ahead of the new season and he’s been impressing his new employers in the colours of the national team. Although the 28-year-old drew a blank against Switzerland, a brace against Honduras followed by a goal against Chile means that he’s one of several players on three goals at the moment. Coral offer 7/2 that he adds the 2010 World Cup Golden Shoe to the Golden Boot he won at Euro 2008.

With Spain playing Portugal and then a potentially winnable quarter final against Paraguay or Japan, we could see Villa filling his boots. The other player who could be racking up the goals in the next two games is Brazil’s Luis Fabiano, whose brace against the Ivory Coast keeps the Sevilla striker in the hunt for the top honour.

Brazil face Chile on Monday night and, while they are likely to meet the Dutch in the last eight, Holland do not appear to have the strongest defence and Fabiano can be backed at 8/1 (Coral) to take the plaudits. Considering that the bookmakers are offering ¼ odds for the first three places, many might be contemplating an each-way wager on the Selecao player.

However, there are now six players on three goals and only one of them (Landon Donovan) are no longer involved in the tournament. Robert Vittek (50/1 Sporting Bet) is the least fancied of the quintet, despite striking twice against Italy in the group stages, and that’s probably because his team are expected to go out against the Netherlands on Monday. Indeed, Holland’s Robin Van Persie is much shorter in the betting (22/1 Sky Bet), despite only having one goal to his name thus far.

The other two players on three goals at the moment are Asamoah Gyan and Luis Suarez. The Ghana forward scored a spectacular goal in extra-time to beat the US on Saturday and he’s 25/1 (Ladbrokes) to finish top of the pile, while Suarez scored a stunning winner against South Korea and is more fancied at 14/1 (Sky Bet).

According to the bookmaker odds, there are four players in with a shout of being the leading goalscorer in South Africa, with Spain’s David Villa among them. The striker was captured on camera hitting out at Honduras defender Emilio Izaguirre during his team’s 2-0 win on Monday, although FIFA have surprisingly decided against taking further action and it means that the Barcelona new boy has two goals to his name and is 4/1 (bet365) to add the Golden Shoe to the Golden Boot he collected during Euro 2008.

While there’s no denying his goalscoring talent, there is of course the possibility that Villa will play just one more game at the World Cup. While Brazil, Argentina and Holland have the knockout stages ahead of them, Spain’s continued participation in South Africa depends on victory against Chile – something which is not certain. Indeed, the bookies make them a 1/2 shot to get the three points they need.

Slight favourite on this market is Gonzalo Higuain, the Real Madrid striker who scored a hat-trick against South Korea to surge to the top of the market. Diego Maradona decided to rest the forward for the final Group B match against Greece, although he’s sure to return hungry for goals against Mexico, who aren’t renowned for having a tight defence (they conceded against South Africa and Uruguay). You can currently back Higuain at odds of 3/1 (William Hill).

Luis Fabiano is next in the betting, having bagged a brace during Brazil’s 3-1 win over the Ivory Coast. The Sevilla striker bounced back after a disappointing match against North Korea and perhaps offers the best value at odds of 11/2 (bet365). After all, the forward is likely to play against Portugal on Friday and will then potentially line up against Chile or Switzerland in the last sixteen. Four goals might yet be enough to win this award.

Uruguay’s Diego Forlan also has two goals to his name after three Group A matches and is also an interesting contender. As mentioned in a previous article, La Celeste look as though they have a clear route through to the semi-final and that means three more matches for the Atletico Madrid forward to make his mark. Sporting Bet offer 12/1 that the former Manchester United striker finishes top of the pile.

These are the four players who look as though they are going to battle it out for this award. Lionel Messi is available at 25/1 (Paddy Power) and perhaps shouldn’t be written off ahead of a potential goalfest against Mexico, although the Barcelona forward seems to be heavily-marked at this World Cup, something which at least is allowing his team-mates to score. Similarly, Robin Van Persie will hope for the chance to play against Cameroon during the Netherlands’ final Group E match. The Arsenal striker is currently available at 33/1 (bet365) to win the Golden Shoe.

Spain v Chile Betting Odds

Spain to win: 8/15 at Coral
Draw: 10/3 at Ladbrokes
Chile to win: 13/2 at Paddy Power

Spain

Just one point from their final match and Chile will cause one of the biggest surprises at the World Cup by winning Group H ahead of Spain. Spain were famously undone in their first 2010 FIFA World Cup fixture by a dogged and determined Switzerland, who beat the pre tournament favourites 1-0. Now Spain have a mighty battle against Chile in their final match, to get the three points they need to guarantee qualification. Spain recovered from their opening loss with a 2-0 victory over Honduras. While it was not emphatic, it was a very comfortable victory in which Spain could have had treble the amount of goals they scored. Star Striker David Villa missed the opportunity to become his country’s leading goal scorer in history, as he missed his chance at a hat trick from the penalty spot, but looked very sharp throughout the match. Spain played exactly the same way they did against the Swiss, with fantastic pace, fantastic movement and passing ability. But still they may be rueing just why they are missing so many chances in front of goal. They have already been bitten once in their opening match, and it is something which m ay seriously come back to haunt them. They were supposed to be pretty much home and dry in the group by now, but instead they face a high pressured match against their toughest opponents in the group.

Chile top the group with six points, with Spain back on three. A win will not be a formality for the Spanish, as Chile have looked one of the most impressive teams at the tournament so far. They have not been spectacular, but they have been very, very good, and this final group H match should be the best of all the group matches that have been, and will be played. This is simply a mouth watering match, with a lot on the line, as Spain really need a victory to guarantee themselves a place in the last sixteen. A draw may not be good enough, and a defeat certainly won’t, as Switzerland are level on points with Spain, but they play the group outsiders Honduras in a match the Europeans will be expected to win. There is a scenario here that Spain, Chile and Switzerland will all end up on six points if the Spanish and the Swiss win their matches. Then it will all come down to goal difference, and even that is too tight to call at the moment. But before all that, Spain’s Vicente Del Bosque needs to focus on how to defeat Chile, who haven’t conceded a goal yet. Spain certainly need to be a bit sharper in front of goal, and they will hope to get Iniesta back into the line up if he is recovered from injury, as Liverpool striker  Fernando Torres does not look match sharp at all. Del Bosque said after the Honduras victory, that he wants more from his players, more from his team. He will be worried against the scoring chances which have gone begging, as they may not get many of them against the tough Chilean defence. Spain’s World Cup is on the line, and expect this to be a fantastic match.

Spain World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: W1, D0, L1
GF/GA: 2/1
Cards: Y0, R0
Most Shots: David Villa, 9
Top Scorer: David Villa 2
Shots/On Goal: 46/16
Fouls Committed: 17
Total Passes: 1315
Pass Completion: 77%

Chile

They are justifying their position as one of the World Cup dark horses. They have been playing some fantastic football under coach Marcelo Bielsa, and they look a tough nut to crack. It was said that they would come to the World Cup with a strong defence, but it has not really been tested so far, because their midfielders and attackers have been stealing the limelight. The way Chile play is a joy to watch. They are a positive side which use a lot creativity to get themselves into advanced positions behind the defence. While they are team which like to attack at pace, there does not appear to be any sacrifice when it comes to defensive duties, and that is something which will pose Spain problems. Chile have the midfield which will really test the physical and mental attributes of the Spanish, and if Chile hit their stride going forward, the Spanish defence will come under threat from the air and from the wings. There is not a harder working team at the World Cup than Chile, and they look as if they have got their form and their build up just right for the big stage.

They look a big threat down the left hand side, and pass the ball around with some aplomb. This will be a clash of two very good passing sides, and not only is there a top spot at place, the winner of Group H will be able to avoid playing Brazil in the next round. Now more than ever will the Spanish be feeling the pressure of expectancy, and it is they who have to take the initiative in the game and go for the win. But Chile coach Bielsa, who will happily tinker with his formation and tactics all afternoon, is not to be trifled with. They are not a side packed with household names to fans of European football, but for a side who finished just one point behind Brazil in South American qualification, they need to watched out for. Chile have the advantage in this match, but knowing that a draw will suffice, and if they need to shut up shop for 85 minutes of the match, then that is what they will do. That may not be their best strengths, but they should be able to match and counter attack whatever Spain can throw at them. This is a finely balanced match, which the European Champions need to up their game for.

Chile World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: W2, D0, L0
GF/GA: 2/0
Cards: Y8, R0
Most Shots: Alexis Sanchez, 9
Top Scorer: Mark Gonzalez, Jean Beausejour, 1
Shots/On Goal: 40/12
Fouls Committed: 40
Total Passes: 1096
Pass Completion: 75%

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Spain will start as favourites, simply because they are such a good side. But the odds on a Chile win look to be a little exaggerated. They are a good side which will battle hard and cause Spain a lot of problems. Chile holding out for a draw is certainly not out of the question on this one. Spain may just edge this one, with their quality and class winning out at the end of the day. It won’t be easy and they will know that they have been in a scrap.
Chile +1 for 11/10 at Bet365

Current Chile V Spain Odds:

Here are a selection of some the Goalscorer Match Bets that Stan James are offering on South Africa 2010. These are great alternative bets to enjoy, instead of just putting all of your money down on the outright winner of the Golden Boot. Stan James’s Goalscorer Match Bets, pits some of the world’s greatest football stars against each other in a head to head betting contest. Suddenly it is not about who will score the most goals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but who will score more than their match bet rival? There are some interesting World Cup odds to sort through on this one, and ones which could bring some decent returns. The race for the World Cup top goal scorer will be a fascinating one, with a plethora of stars all vying for the position of being World Number One. There are a lot of players who have a lot to prove to other rivals. But these Stan James bets are not about the overall tally in beating the world, it’s just about beating the Goalscorer Match Bet opponent.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) v Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
First up we have two of the most exciting forward players on the planet. Argentina’s Lionel Messi goes up against Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in this first bet. Remember, you need to pick who you think will score the most goals out of the two of them, or whether you think they will hit the same amount of goals. Both are in teams from which a lot is expected, but also which have their flaws and weaknesses. Messi has been accused of not bringing his A game to the national side, and Ronaldo has not quite been his proficient, free flowing self in his first season at Real Madrid. This is a battle between two of the genuine world stars, but who will have the most goals in them?
Messi Evens
Tie 3/1
Ronaldo 7/4

Arjen Robben (Holland) v Franck Ribery (France)
Next up we have the Bayern Munich pairing of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. After picking up an injury and becoming a doubt over participation at South Africa 2010, Robben seems more and likely to strap on his boots and play. Whether Holland will rest him at the start of the tournament to make sure, it is not exactly clear, but all the same Robben has been in startling form this season for his club and country, and the ex-Chelsea man is expected to be amongst the goals. But will French star Ribery upstage him? Ribery has the world at his feet, but will he be able to deliver in a France side that seems to be stumbling blindly around looking for the right attacking formation? Les Blues are lacking goals despite all their talent, but if they fire, then so can Ribery.
Robben 6/4    
Tie 2/1    
Ribery 13/8    

Jermaine Defoe (England) v Peter Crouch (England)
Who will make more of an impact as England’s secondary scoring source? Well, it could actually be their third main source after Rooney and Lampard, but in the battle of the England strikers, will Jermaine Defoe or Peter Crouch prevail at South Africa 2010. Defoe showed his worth through England;s successful qualification campaign, looking sharp and full of speed. But Peter Crouch is the current active England player with the best goalscoring record for his nation. There are still some doubts as to who will get the nod to start alongside Rooney at the World Cup. Will it be Crouch or Heskey? Defoe is more likely than not to be used only in a substitute capacity, so does that tip the favour in Crouch’s direction? What if Heskey starts? Who will be the first choice substitute for him? All sorts of connotations in this one, but take your pick whether Defoe will score more than Crouch, or the other way around at the World Cup.
Defoe 7/4    
Tie 2/1    
Crouch 11/8    

David Villa (Spain) v Fernando Torres (Spain)
Next the two deadly Spaniards go head to head in a World Cup goal scoring battle. This pretty much could be the race for the Golden Shoe right here, but there is a chance to pick up some extra World Cup Odds, just by pitting the two against each other. Villa, the first choice striker with the better international goalscoring record, is being tipped all over the place to top the goal scoring chart, but can his international team mate get the better of him? Will the two Spanish striking stars end up with parity? The two form a deadly partnership, and Torres brings out the best in Villa. But can the Liverpool star shine again as he did at the European Championships, where he netted the crucial winner that gave Spain the cup?
Villa 10/11    
Tie 3/1    
Torres 15/8

Wayne Rooney (England) v Fernando Torres (Spain)
How about a Manchester United v Liverpool striker battle? England’s Wayne Rooney goes up against Anfield hero Fernando Torres in this Stan James Goalscorer Match Bet. Rooney is Fabio Capello’s big hope at the tournament, and England’s World Cup dreams pretty much rest upon his shoulders. That means he should be amongst the goals to continue his prolific goalscoring year for club and country. But Fernando Torres is clearly no slouch, and there is not too much to chose between the two of them when it comes to picking out a top goal scorer. Torres has all the finesse and quality of finish, while Rooney is a more of a brute force direct handful for defences. Which style will win out at South Africa 2010?
Rooney 5/4    
Tie 3/1    
Torres 11/8

Those are just a selection of the great Goalscorer Match Bets that Stan James are putting forth. There are other major players and pairings to look over, such as David Villa v Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi v Wayne Rooney and David Villa v Lionel Messi. This is a great market to explore with some though provoking selections to be decided up. The list at Stan James goes on in the fairly unique method of betting on the goaslcoring heroics at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Milito v Eto’o, Higuain v Ronaldo, Aguero v Forlan, Gerrard v Lampard, Messi v Higuain, Tevez v Robinho and Torres v Gerrard can all be bet upon. Who will be the higher scorer out of the pairing? Six goals is usually enough to win the Golden Boot, and not all of these stars will hit that many. But who will hit the tally necessary to beat their rival in these pairings? Online Bookmaker Stan James are offering up to £25 in free bets on new accounts. Just sign up to Stan James and when you first bet on that new account is settled, the online bookmaker will credit your account with a matched bonus to the value of your original stake (up to £25).
 

Full Name: David Villa Sanchez
Date of Birth: 3rd December, 1981 (28)
Position: Striker

Current Club: Valencia (Spain)
2009/2010 Apps/Goals: 39/27

International Appearances: 55
International Goals: 37

International Accolades: 2008 European Championship Golden Boot. 2009 Confederations Cup Bronze Shoe (Both awarded for the highest amount of goals scored in the tournament)

Interesting Fact: Based on scoring statistics, (The importance of his goals and the games they were scored in) statistics claim David Villa to be the most prolific striker on the planet during a lean four year spell (2005-2009).

David Villa is Spain’s most prolific striker heading into South Africa, scoring seven goals on route to Spain recording an immaculate record through qualification, with Spain winning all ten of their World Cup qualifiers. Despite the fact Villa only played on seven separate occasions for Spain during qualifying, the Valencia forward still scored seven goals and averaged a goal a game.

Villa has this hunger for goals, an eye for goal if you like, that few others boast. Moreover, he’s one of the more versatile strikers in world football as he can play in just about any forward position, whether it be a lone striker role or working alongside a colleague, usually an equally classy Fernando Torres when he’s with the Spanish national team. He isn’t just about finding the net though, although he’s world-class at doing so, as Villa demonstrates his workmanlike work ethic in almost every appearance, willing to drop back and help out in midfield whenever necessary. He doesn’t shy away from hard work, and it’s his hard-working attitude which has earned him the adoration from fans everywhere, especially those associated with Valencia and Spain.

Villa is so prolific, both for club and country, that rarely will you see a record based on Asturias forward where his goals per game ratio is less than say 0.75 (just under a goal a game). Despite being relatively small in height at just 5ft 9 in, Villa scores goals for fun and has done for the most part of his illustrious career. His record while on duty for his country is incredible having played 55 games for Spain scoring 37 goals. Villa has now put just seven goals between him and Raul’s international tally of 44 goals, with Raul currently Spain’s most prolific hitman in their history. Villa could surpass that amount in South Africa should he enjoy yet another fruitful tournament.

One of the more popular markets during a World Cup has proven to be the ‘Top Goalscorer‘ market, which in it’s simplest form means; who, as in player, will finish the 32 team tournament with the highest amount of goals. The ‘Golden Shoe’ is the official name for the award given to the player with the most amount of goals at the end of the tournament, and it’s second best only to winning the World Cup itself.

Some great names over the years have won the award, the likes of Brazil’s Ronaldo, Portugal’s Eusebio, even our own Gary Linekar, whom will be presenting coverage of the finals live on the BBC during the summers event, has a Golden Shoe in his trophy cabinet, while the current owner of the Golden Shoe belongs to Miroslav Klose of Germany. However, Klose didn’t have strain too much to land the award as his tally of just 5 goals was the joint-second lowest goal tally to have claimed the overall prize in the World Cup’s 80 year history.

So who will claim 2010′s Golden Shoe? Well, we’ve not had much luck predicting some of the previous years winners, with Klose not even on our radar back in 2006, but with some big names representing their country’s over the summer, we’re fairly confident we’ll get closer this time around. Here’s our brief assessment of some of the frontrunners in the betting market to win the 2010 FIFA Golden Shoe.

David Villa

Country: Spain

Club: Valencia

International Apps: 55

International Goals: 37

Club Form: 24 Goals in 40 Appearances

Odds: 11/1 Bet365

Ah, David Villa. One the most wanted strikers on the planet, and up their with the very best with a stunning goal return for both club and country. A fully fit David Villa is a scary thought for any opponent and he’ll be keenly watched over the course of the World Cup by every defender, although very few manage to keep the 2008 European Championship’s top goalscorer at bay for the entire length of a 90 minute game. He’s quick, skilful and so damn clinical in front of goal. You give him even the slightest whiff at goal and he’ll punish you with aplomb – This guy is deadly in and around the box and chances are you’ll see why.

Despite lacking in height (5ft 9in), Villa has this predatory presence in the opposing box, with any half-chance or defensive mistakes immediately snapped up by the little Spaniard. He also has so much to his game. An unlimited inventory if you like. He can take on a defender, weave in between the tightest of defences, take free-kicks and penalties under pressure, score from 30 yards… score from 2 yards; the man is a menace and it’s no wonder the bookies are no taking no prisoners by quoting Villa as the early favourite for the Golden Shoe award, although his price looks extremely generous considering he’s one of many world class players in the Spain squad. A team which will create plenty of chances during the course of the tournament, so Villa will get his fair amount of opportunities to score in South Africa and bolster his already mean International tally.

Fernando Torres

Country: Spain

Club: Liverpool

International Apps: 71

International Goals: 23

Club Form: 18 Goals in 35 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 Expekt

Liverpool’s No.9 is one half of a deadly striking duo for Spain. The name ‘Torres’ is now a household name around Europe after properly announcing himself on the scene after two prolific seasons in a tough and often gruelling English Premier League. In two seasons in England with Liverpool, Torres has built up a stunning goalscoring CV of 54 goals in just 77 appearances for the Reds, although his exploits for Spain are a tad more confined. Even so, the sheer sight of Torres on the starting sheet scares the living daylights out of defenders and he’s one of just a few who are almost guaranteed a starting berth for Spain in South Africa, that is providing he’s fully fit.

For all Torres’ amazing attributes; his lightening like acceleration and pace, his quick feet and skills, his composure in the final and his ability to position himself in the goalscoring areas… amongst others traits, he does seem prone to knocks and scrapes. Since joining Liverpool in 2007, Torres has endured a handful of injuries, some of which have kept him sidelined for several weeks at a time, and he’s had to deal with a stop-start season in England this year which will have affected his preparations for the World Cup somewhat. However, Liverpool’s talismanic forward appears to be back to his goalscoring best and if he keeps up his goalscoring form until the end of the season, his confidence should be sky-high, and so, Torres will surely be thereabouts on the top goalscorers list in South Africa.

Wayne Rooney

Country: England

Club: Manchester United

International Apps: 58

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 32 Goals in 38 Appearances

Odds: 12/1 SportingBet

One of the most energetic and enthusiastic players around is Wayne Rooney, of which he’s now added ‘Goalscoring Machine’ to his forte after a sublime season for his club in the Barclay’s Premier League. The Liverpool born forward has been enjoying his best ever seen for Manchester United, already lending a helping in hand in landing the Carling Cup trophy for the Manchester based club by scoring their winner at Wembley. Rooney will be hoping more trophies are still to come, with the biggest of them all being the Jules Rimet trophy in South Africa, but Rooney hasn’t faired too well on the big stage for his country in past events; suffering a tournament ending injury in the 2004 European Championships before later seeing Red in the 2006 World Cup. On both occasions his country went out in the same encounter, so while many back home in England are pinning their hopes on the fiery, ginger faced Scouser, the omens aren’t heavily stacked in his favour.

What Wayne Rooney does have to offer though is some stunning form, both from his club and international duties. Rooney was pivotal during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing as their top goalscorer with 9 goals after 9 qualifiers. However, it’s his form at Manchester United which has catapulted him into Golden Boot contention after a blistering season in the Premiership. After 38 competitive games with man Utd, Rooney has netted on 32 occasions averaging nearly a goal every-other-game. He’s not just about goals though, far from it. Rooney’s model like work ethic is something for our kids back home in England to aspire to. We’ve yet to see a game yet where Rooney just hasn’t turned up and performed, especially for England. He’s rapidly becoming one of the most consistent players around and he’ll set the bar in South Africa for the rest of the England players to follow– Let’s hope the rest match his high standards.

Luis Fabiano

Country: Brazil

Club: Sevilla

International Apps: 36

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 11 Goals in 21 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 bWin

Surprise-Surprise, Brazil have a nifty goalscorer, although this one isn’t exactly your stereotypical showboating Brazilian striker like those preceded him. Don’t get me wrong, Fabiano does have plenty of skill and wit in his locker, but he’s not as bumptious as say a Ronaldo or a Romario, yet his record for his country is second to none and on course to be up their with the very best in Brazil. That is providing he gets enough games in the forthcoming few years as Fabiano was a late bloomer and has only recently come into the limelight at the age of 29

While Fabiano took a while to really make a name for himself, with one reason perhaps being the ultra competitive forward competition he’s had to face in previous years, the Sevilla forward has shown his worth for Brazil despite his country only recently demanding his regular services. His tally of 25 goals in 36 Internationals is just breathtaking, while his form during qualifying put him firmly in the hat for the summers Golden Boot award. That was until injury put his season on hold, with an ankle injury restricting his pitch time for Sevilla of late. Even so, he’s been averaging a goal every-other-game in Spain, and should he be fit and raring to go by the summer time, Fabiano will definitely pose a threat to those craving a Golden Boot – While this could be Fabiano’s last chance to claim the prize with age clearly not on his side any more.

Lionel Messi

Country: Argentina

Club: Barcelona

International Apps: 43

International Goals: 13

Club Form: 29 Goals in 31 Appearances

Odds: 16/1 Boylesports

Where do we even begin to describe the Golden Boot credentials of thee best player on the planet according to FIFA, and just about every honest footballing pundit. The lad is still just 22 years-of-age yet he’s already known worldwide for his footballing exploits. Messi not only has the potential to be the players of the tournament in South Africa but he could very well end up as the greatest ever player to embrace the beautiful game if he continues at this pace. The little Argentine has been in scintillating form for his club, Barcelona, in Spain, racking up a staggering 29 goals in just 31 appearances. He’s already on track to land the Golden Boot award in Spain, which would be some feat for a winger, but does he have the making of a Golden Shoe winner? Some would say perhaps not.

While there is so much to love about Messi; his silky touches, his mazy runs, the sublime pieces of skill and the downright audacious goals, the criticism with Messi, especially back home, has been that he doesn’t quite emulate his club form at International level, with some journalists back in Argentina claiming Messi only really produces his best for his club, Barcelona. His average goal return while on International duty is perhaps the evidence to back up these claims but we mustn’t forget that Messi is still very young, with his best years still ahead of him, and yet the pressure on the lad from fans and pundits back home must be enormous. He’s done extremely well not to over burn, yet he poured his heart and soul into a lacklustre Argentina qualifying campaign. It would have been a huge blow had Messi and Argentina not made the finals, but they are there and the FIFA World Player of the Year will set out to make a real impact in just his second World Cup finals appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Country: Portugal

Club: Real Madrid

International Apps: 69

International Goals: 22

Club Form: 22 Goals in 24 Appearances

Odds: 20/1 bWin

Despite claiming the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year award, the bookies don’t fancy the cheeky Portuguese star with Cristiano Ronaldo looking rather tasty at 20/1 to finish this summers finals as the most prolific player on the planet. The charismatic forward will certainly be eager to land the Golden Shoe award as it’s about the only accolade the Portuguese superstar, and captain, hasn’t won in what has been a glistering career up till now. There isn’t an awful lot Ronaldo can’t brag about, especially after his £80Million pound move to Real Madrid last summer from Manchester United after two very impressive years in England, even ending the 2007/2008 season as England’s deadliest forward with a sublime return of 42 goals in all competitions. Ronaldo now lays claim to being the most expensive footballer, not only on the planet, but to have ever lived.

Why is Ronaldo such big odds? Well, to put it bluntly, he will be spearheading one of Portugal’s poorest national sides in it’s history in South Africa and they’ll do well just to make it past the group stages. In a group consisting of Brazil and the Ivory Coast, Ronaldo will need to show some of his magic in order to drive Portugal deep into the competition. However, Ronaldo is another big name who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations when playing for his country, yet the burden of success upon his shoulders will be huge this summer as he will head into South Africa as the Portugal captain – God knows why as I couldn’t respect a player who spends a large portion of his game diving and winging, although the other half is usually spent scoring goals, so that’s probably why.

The Portuguese are now a one man team and if they are to go through, we have no doubts that Ronaldo will be to blame – and blame is the correct word as the inevitable will happen somewhere down the line where the winking, take my shirt off whenever possible, Ronaldo breaks English hearts for the third time in a row.

We will try to add others as we go along… But here are few other names, including their respective odds, that could challenge some of the more obvious selections at more appealing odds.

Gonzalo Higuain

Country: Argentina

International Apps: 4

International Goals: 2

Odds: 25/1 PaddyPower

Didier Drogba

Country: Ivory Coast

International Apps: 68

International Goals: 43

Odds: 33/1 bWin

Nicolas Anelka

Country: France

International Apps: 64

International Goals: 14

Odds: 40/1 SkyBet

Alexandre Pato

Country: Brazil

International Apps: 8

International Goals: 1

Odds: 50/1 WilliamHill

Andrea Pierre Gignac

Country: France

International Apps: 10

International Goals: 4

Odds: 66/1 Boylesports

Manager:Vicente Del Bosque
Captain: Iker Casillas
FIFA World Ranking: 2
World Cup Appearances: 12
Best World Cup: Fourth Place – 1950

Spain Team Profile

Ah, the silky Spaniards. The favourites to win South Africa’s show-piece event, the side no-one in their right mind will look forward to playing, as the former World No. 1 now turned World No. 2 seek out a sensational double after winning the 2008 European Championships in their last major tournament.

The Spanish will try to complete a double of major honours as they prepare for South Africa 2010 with the objective being to become the first European nation to back a European Championship success up with victory in the World Cup. However, to do so Spain will need to make their first ever World Cup final to even stand a chance of making even more records under Vicente Del Bosque. In fact the further Spain have ever got in a World Cup is the semi-finals, and even then it was on just the one occasions over a decade ago.

Times have changed though since 1950, the one and only time Spain made the semi-finals of a World Cup, and 2010 is surely the year when Spain at least break their duct of having never reached a World Cup final. Their squad is lined with world-beaters, some of football’s biggest names, and under the wise old knowledge and guidance of Del Bosque, this Spanish team is arguably the best there has ever been. They sailed through qualifying with an immaculate record, winning all 10 of their qualifiers – The only team with a perfect 100% record going to South Africa, while it was only last year their run of 35 games without loss came crashing to an end at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Spain were widely known for being one of the biggest underachievers in International football but their success in the 2008 European Championships has put that unwanted tag to bed for the time being. However, big things are expected of the Spanish once again, and with one of the best squads in the tournament, the underachieving tag could come out of the closet should Spain not make serious inroads during their stay in South Africa.

Nicknames: La Furia Roja (The Red Fury), La Roja (The Red One)

Manager

Vicente Del Bosque is a veteran in his managerial career and is not short of a success or two either. In his playing career, he spent all his days as a defender, winning five Spanish La Liga titles with Spanish giants Real Madrid. He then went on to manage Real Madrid after he hung up his playing boots and led the club to their most successful period between 1999-2003, winning a brace of Champions League titles along with two La Liga titles.

Del Bosque‘s also has bags of experience when it comes to managing ‘big players’. Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo were all under his guidance while at Real Madrid and moulded the three legends of football into a world class act. He will be aiming to do the same with Spain and he certainly has a host of quality players at his disposal.

Spain Key Players

Iker Casillas

There has been an ongoing debate for some time about who is the best goalkeeper in the world but for the last decade or so, Iker Casillas has always been in the frame. He has been Real Madrid’s best ever goalkeeper and arguably Spain’s greatest ever, also. Lightening fast reactions, quick reflexes and his immense presence in his own penalty area makes for one of the worlds finest goalkeepers and when Casillas is on top of his game, it really does take something extraordinary to beat him.

David Villa & Fernando Torres

For most countries, one world-class striker is hard to come by. Spain, though, they have two of the World’s best forwards on the planet in Valencia’s prolific David Villa; a predator in and around the opposing penalty area, and Liverpool’s own Fernando Torres; a player with immense talent and the composure of mind to crate and score a goal from a seemingly impossible position. These two are menacing together, almost unstoppable when partnered, and it bodes well for Spain that two of the favourites for the Golden Shoe are in their team.

Fernando Torres has scored 23 goals in 72 games for Spain, which is actually on the slim side, but Villa more than makes up for Torres’ sloppy looking international record, scoring a staggering 36 goals in 55 caps for his country. To say these two have goals in them would be stating the obvious.

Xavi & Iniesta

The World’s most skilful players often enjoy the limelight in football today but if you ask any football purist who they think the best player in the world is, we bet these two would get an awful lot of mentions. The pair have the ability to not only control a match but also dictate the tempo at which it will be played. They take the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen with their swift one-two’s and their inch-perfect through balls. The duet are a lethal combination at both club and international level, and because they both play for Barcelona, the chemistry between the two is perfection. If you want to halt the Spanish express, you’ll need to find a way to stop the source; Xavi & Iniesta.

Strengths

Spain‘s biggest asset is their ability to retain the ball. Quick and slick should be their motto. Their crisp passing doesn’t just get them out of sticky situations but it also creates chance after chance and it’s a defenders nightmare keeping up with the pace of Spain‘s passing. They switch the flank at every opportunity in a bid to expose the opposing full-backs and their own full-backs forward and they will look to bombard the defence with crosses. The good thing about Spain’s play is they can vary their style of play. One moment they will be feeling out the oppositions defence with the short, crisp passing while the next they’ll be flinging the ball out to Sergio Ramos & Capdevilla to whip the ball into the forwards. This makes reading the play very hard and is one of the reasons why Spain have become so successful in recent years.

Weaknesses

Spain‘s passing maybe close to perfection but they’re a side who can pass the ball around too much in a bid to score the ‘perfect goal’. Spain generally don’t have a problem against sides that attack them, despite their defence not being the strongest, but when a team sets up in a defensive manner and puts 10 men behind the ball, Spain can often struggle to break these teams down. Too much time is wasted in the centre of the park and were a big side to go one-nil up, it’s feasible that they could then hold out the Spanish attacks and use Spain’s strength to their advantage.

Spain Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Europe
Group: 5
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 10-0-0
Goals Scored: 28
Goals Conceded: 5

World Cup Potential: 5/5

Spain, with the array of talent within their midst, really should be targeting at least a semi-final, of not a final appearance as their squad is just too strong not to make serious progression in South Africa. The pressure, though, on Spain is massive and it remains to be seen just how the Spain players deal with the intense pressure and the expectations of a nation. They’ve generally faltered on the biggest stage of the lot, in the World Cup, and the fact they’ve never even made a final before is a big concern, although Spain have never had a team as good as this and it would be criminal were they not to go close during the summer.

The Spanish are the favourites to win and rightly so; there odds to win outright underline this, but whether their class will equate into a World Cup victory remains to be seen. For one reason or another, we have our doubts. Remember, this is a country which hasn’t just never won the World Cup before they’ve never even made the final of a World Cup. Even so, stronger claims for the crown than most.

Spain World Cup Betting Odds

Spain to win the World Cup (before the final):      1/2 – Bwin

Before the World Cup the odds on Spain were 17/4 

Official Spain World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool)

Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders

Raul Albiol (Real Madrid)

Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid)

Joan Capdevila (Villarreal)

Carlos Marchena (Valencia)

Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

Carles Puyol (Barcelona)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders

Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)

Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Javier Martínez (Athletic Bilbao)

David Silva (Valencia)

Xavi (Barcelona)

Jesus Navas (Sevilla)

Strikers

Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

David Villa (Valencia)

Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)

Juan Manuel Mata (FC Valencia)

Pedro (FC Barcelona)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Spain Fixtures – Group H

29 June – 19.30 – Round of the last 16: Spain v Portugal: 1-0

03 July – 19.30 – Quarter Finals: Spain v Paraguay: 1-0

07 July – 19.30 – Semi Finals: Spain v Germany

11 July – 19.30 – World Cup Final: Spain v Holland

World Cup Group H - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Spain