No more years of hurt for New Zealand

After 24 long and painful years, containing near misses and tragic failures, New Zealand finally have their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy once again.  All those years ago France were once again the victims, but this time around it was much closer and Les Blues came mighty close to spoiling the party.

The 8-7 scoreline highlights how The All Blacks were nearly pipped to the post.  Amongst the post match celebration, relief must have been a huge factor.  Tony Woodcock's early try seemed like it would settle the hosts, but the underdogs, overwhelmingly beaten by New Zealand in the group stage and also suffering a loss to Tonga, refused to be beaten.

Thierry Dusautoir, today named International Rugby Board player of the year as some consolation, as he and his forwards pressed at the scrum and line out.  When the captain slid in under the posts and Francois Trinh-Duc converted, a stadium was stunned and a tense last half hour followed.

It was left to Stephen Donald to slot over a late penalty, and some late defensive heroics to seal the win.  The 27-year-old had started the tournament way down the pecking order, and only last week was on a fishing trip, and he couldn't quite believe it after the final whistle.  Talking to the BBC he said: 
"My preparation wasn't ideal but it was an unreal experience.
"To pretty much come from nowhere just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet."
He added:  "You always dream about things like playing in World Cups, but as number four in line you start to give that up a bit. But when I got the call I felt like the dream just got that much closer to reality again.
"To pretty much come from nowhere and find yourself playing in a World Cup final is an unreal experience - it just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet, and it's the same for the rest of the guys. They were just sitting around the changing room, not moving much and not saying much.
"The coaches said to me to be ready because it could come down to me having to kick the winning goal, and that is exactly how it panned out."

Following the injury to inspirational Fly-Half Dan Carter earlier in the tournament, some doubted whether this side could fulfill it's years of planning to triumph on home soil.  These doubts were heightened when Captain Richie McCaw fell to injury, luckily though it wasn't too serious and he was able to return to lead his side in the knockout faze.  Piri Weepu performed heroics in the semi-final victory over Australia, taking on the tactical nous of Carter, but found himself a little out of his depth in the final but crucially New Zealand had the supplies to call on to get over the line.

Many sides had huge hopes coming into this tournament, and true the trophy could have gone back to any number of countries.  Australia and South Africa are always strong, England always confident but marred by off field antics, Ireland played some excellent rugby and defeated The Wallabies but were undone by a Wales side unlucky to have Sam Warbuton sent off in their semi-final loss to the runners up.

It is now on to England 2015, and while there's room for improvement in hosting a tournement they do have a huge act to follow.  New Zealand will no doubt head over as favourties, and Red Rose amongst others have some growing up to do, but right now it's about a nation that will celebrate a victory that is long long over due.

Future Stars - Coutinho

Brazilian Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, better known by just the latter, is one of the few things Rafael Benitez did right at Inter Milan. Giving the attack minded 19-year-old his Serie A debut in an otherwise unsuccessful stint in charge of the Nerazzurri.

Originally signed my Inter in 2008, red tape meant he was unable to ply his trade at the Italian giants until last year. Up until that point he was loaned back to his native country, where Vasco De Gama took him under their wing for two years.

Now officially in Milan, he has made quite an impression, and is one of many Brazilian players who could be charged with winning the World Cup on home soil. With the Samba nation currently going though something of a transitional period, a new breed, not too dissimilar to England, will be trusted with bringing back pride to a damaged nation after South Africa 2010.

Until that point an already promising club career will surely continue to prosper. Interest is already starting to come from around Europe, such has been his impression in such a short space of time.

The final looms!

The pinnacle of world football is almost upon us, with Spain and Holland all but ready to contest the 2010 World Cup final.

South Africa has thrown a fantastic football party, and one of world top nations is about to shed it's 'underachievers' tag.

Holland have not lost a game at this years tournament, and this coupled with the fact they also went unbeaten during qualifying makes them a daunting proposition.

Some said they breezed through a mediocre qualifying phase, but they have answered all their critics as they stand on the brink of greatness.

Largely hailed as the best side not to win the World Cup, this current crop of Dutch stars could etch their names on the record list for many years to come.

Key to success are of course the fearsome duo of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, the latter of which is an unlikey joint top scorer.

Against Brazil he bagged both goals, as Holland showed great grit and determination to come from behind against the side who many tipped to go all the way this year.

Uruguay were pushed asisde, with a stern defence also showing they can get on the score sheet as Giovanni Van Bronkhorst smashed in a stunner.

Also if Gregory Van Der Wiel and Nigel De Jong are restored to the line up, they will field shirt numbers 1-11.

The group phase was a pushover as were the qualifying and last 16 stages, could they be about to lift their first World Cup.

Spain on the other hand are the pinnacle of beautiful passing football.

With a large crop of Barcelona players, seven of which started the semi-final against Germany, this hardly suprising.

David Villa is once again topping the scoring charts, along with Sneijder, with Andres Iniesta and either Pedro or the mis-firing Fernando Torres expected to sit just behind him in a three pronged attack.

Iker Casillas has put som early dodgy performances behind him, with his defence looking stronger with each passing game.

From the midfield Xavi is no doubt the key man.

He touched the ball every 46 seconds in the semi, and along with Xabi Alonso the pair form a fearsome duo with a wide array of passing ability.

After defeat to Switzerland in the first game Spain have come back stronger, and with them being widely fancied for the trophy before the tournament they could become the first side in history to win the Euro's and then the World Cup.

Beside all the debate one thing is for certain, this year will be the first time a European side has won the World Cup outside of Europe.

Before that happens though their is the little matter of the third/fourth placed play off.

Uruguay haven't beaten a European side in their last 14 attempts, since defeat to germany at the same stage in 1970.

It should be an excting conclusion, to the best sports event in world sport.

Group A

SOUTH AFRICA - World Ranking 83

We'll start this preview with the largely unfancied hosts, who will have it all to do just to make it out of group A. A recent run to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup has restored some belief into the nation, where they matched Brazil until an 88th minute Daniel Alves goal, but all three other teams in this group have some pedigree.

However being on home soil will no doubt improve their chances, but the fact that no host has ever gone out at the group stage will play on their mind. The side has gone backwards since the 2002 World Cup, and didn't even qualify last time out. That coupled with this years pour African Nations showing, where they didn't make it out of the group, will make it a tough tournament for the hosts.

One thing is for certain though the fans of Bafana Bafana - translated as 'the boys the boys' - will make it very colourful and noisy. Particularly with those Vuvuzela's we are hearing so much about.

Strengths

Out of the many holes that could provide their undoing, the hosts are fairly organised and do have a fairly strong defence. Their defence is made up of both European and South African based players, and this eclectic eclectic mix could work in their favour. Aaron Mokoena, just one cap away from his century, is the stalwart and often breaks up play from the centre of midfield. And after his turbulent season at Portsmouth, he will be determined to make a mark this summer.

Weaknesses

With top scorer Benni McCarthy currently out of favour, goals could be the main problem for this side. McCarthy hasn't enjoyed the best of spells for West Ham since his January move and as a result is out of the squad, so someone's going to have to be a hero if they are to progress.

Key Man - Steven Pienaar

Despite his slow start on Merseyside, Pienaar is now an integral cog in David Moyes side. His pace, trickery and eye for goal have enhanced his reputation, however the latter needs to improved for country as he's netted just twice. If he can put transfer rumours out of his mind, Pienaar could just be the spark required.

One to Watch - Kagisho Dikgacoi

The Fulham man hasn't really been given a chance at Craven Cottage, but here he forms a key partnership in the centre of midfield with Captain Mokoena. A good tournament here could restart his career, and this determination could ensure they are a tough side to break down.

Manager - Carlos Alberto Parreira

Now in his second spell in charge of South Africa, split up by a spell at Fluminese in 2009, Parreira certainly has a tough job on his hands. However he is very experienced, and a World Cup winner when he took his home nation of Brazil to the title in 1994, so he could provide the spark required.

Odds - 125-1

Prediction - If Mokoena can instill some of the fight evident at Portsmouth during the final months of the Premiership season, South Africa could have an outside chance of making it out of the group. Realistically though, it is a very long shot.

France - World Ranking 9

The build up to this year World Cup hasn't been the smoothest for the '98 winners. Firstly a poor qualifying campaign led to a playoff place, that was settled by THAT Thierry Henry moment. Then a sex scandal rocked the build up, before it was confirmed that Raymond Domenech would be leaving after the tournament with Laurent Blanc taking over.

Never has a French side been so hated both internally and externally, and they will have a lot to do to silence the critics that have been circling for years.

Strengths

This side is crammed full of quality throughout, and on there day could well be capable of defeating anyone in the world. Their midfield has plenty of craft and creativity, with the goalkeeping department also very strong. Both Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda have been linked with every European heavyweight, and the latter has also just won the league title with Marseille.

Weaknesses

It is well documented that age is the reason behind the sudden decline of France, however you could also point the finger at their lack of goals. Nicolas Anelka can't turn his club form into his country, Thierry Henry isn't looking anywhere near his best anymore and the one time golden boy of French football Karim Benzema isn't even selected following his lack of game time at Real Madrid. Instead Domenech has turned to forgotten man Djibril Cisse who has netted 29 times for Panathinaikos this term to turn his sides fortune.

Key Man - Franck Ribery

When your called the 'jewel of French football' by Zinedine Zidane, it is fair to say that some kind of creative spark can be expected. Last season he helped Bayern Munich to the double contributing 16 goals, which fuelled rumours of a £60m move. However a new contract has been signed, and with his future sorted his sole focus is now the World Cup.

One to Watch - Mathieu Valbuena

The creative Marseille midfielder was a suprise inclusion in France's 23 man squad, but netted on his debut against Costa Rica to silence some of the doubters. He is battling in a midfield full of creative spark, but he could just slip under the radar and shock a few people this summer.

Manager - Raymond Domenech

After taking the job in 2004, Domenech was always going to be onto loser after he confessed that astrology played a bigger part in team selection than statistics. And after it was confirmed that Laurent Blanc will soon be replacing him, motivation could be hard to come by. On the other hand, a surprise World Cup win could be the ultimate send off to show his nation what they'll be missing.

Odds - 18-1

Prediction - France should walk the group with some ease, but a run to the quarter-final is perhaps the best they can hope for unless Domenech can utilise some of the attacking talent at his disposal.

Mexico - World Ranking 17

Sven came and left in double quick time after a less than impressive qualifying campaign, that left Mexico on the verge of not qualifying for this year World Cup. However Javier Aguirre came in and restored the lost belief, and guided them to the finals. Therefore keeping up their impressive record of World Cup appearances since 1994.

A stark improvement is needed though if they are to progress, as they notoriously do not travel to World Cups well. Apart from reaching the last eight in hosting years of 1970 and 1988, they have only ever reached the second round.

Strengths

One of the main points to note that came out of Mexico's qualifying campaign, is the depth that goals can be found throughout the side. Eighteen different players found the back of the net, while young players have also begun to find there feet. This youth though is harnessed by experienced, the likes of Rafael Marquez and Cuauhtemoc Blanco are still heavily relied upon.

Weaknesses

Goals can often be leaked where they are on top, e.g. the recent England friendly. On top of that they also didn't do anything to quash there 'dirty' reputation that follows them around.

Key Man - Carlos Salcido

Despite being one of the older members of the Mexico side, Salcido's attacking up the left flank is an integral part of his play. He had an impressive tournament in Germany 2006 after which he was linked with Arsenal, and he will be hoping to continue where he left off.

One to Watch - Gio Dos Santos

Spurs forgotten man Dos Santos has found his feet in the national side, and has begun to become an important part of the squad. If he can get back to the type of form when he broke through at Barcelona, he could have a sterling tournament and put himself well and truly in the shop window.

Manager - Javier Aguirre

In his second stint as manager, Aguirre took over from the doomed Sven era and guided Mexico to the Concacaf Gold Cup and the World Cup. He is however a controversial character, being fined £16,000 after a Gold Cup bust up in which he kicked Panama's Ricardo Phillips.

Odds - 80-1

Prediction - If they can overcome Uruguay they will be strong favourites to progress from the group behind France, however history tells us this is where it will end.

Uruguay - World Ranking 16

After just squeezing through qualifying by a single point, Uruguay will not be overly ambitious but will be confident of beating there last World Cup finish. They crashed out of the group stage in 2002 (along with France), an didn't even qualify last time out in Germany. A marked improvement is needed if they are to beat Mexico to second place.

Strengths

Undoubtedly Uruguay's main strength is the attacking talent that lies within their squad. Diego Forlan is now a veteran of the side, but is arguably in the form of his life for Atletico Madrid (just ask Liverpool and Fulham). Alongside him is Luis Suarez who is the jewel in the Ajax crown, a player of terrific talent whose links to Manchester United are seemingly unending.

Weaknesses

Inconsistency has blighted Uruguay for many a year, and it is something that will need to be sorted before June 11. They no doubt have the quality to progress, but a 6-0 win over Peru followed by a 4-0 thrashing by Brazil in qualifying sums this up.

Key Man - Diego Forlan

The Manchester United flop has found his feet in La Liga, and is going to the World Cup in great form and with great confidence after his Europa League success. After first moving to Spain he become golden boot winner at Villareal, before moving to Atletico to replace Fernando Torres. A difficult task it would seem, but his scoring has continued and he could from a great partnership with my one to watch.

One to Watch - Luis Suarez

A terrific young talent who could greatly benefit from the wise old head of Diego Forlan. He been scoring goals galore in Holland for Ajax, so attack could really be the best form of defence for Uruguay.

Manager - Oscar Washington Tabarez

Another coach in his second spell in charge of his national side, Tabarez is known as El Maestro in his homeland due to his ability to make the most of limited resources. Spells at AC Milan and Boca Juniors show that he has ability to atleast take Uruguay through the group.

Odds - 100-1

Prediction - With the form of Diego Forlan, they should just get second place ahead of Mexico. However along with France, they won't progress much further.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow, as we go through group B of Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.