And your 2010 World Cup champions will be.....

My official predictions. Some of my picks actually don't reflect what I wrote in my breakdowns. This is due to the fact that I've changed my mind slightly on some teams. For instance, I originally didn't pick any African teams to reach the round of 16. You'll see that has changed slightly.


Group A:

1. France
2. Uruguay
3. Mexico
4. South Africa

Group B:

1. Argentina
2. Nigeria
3. South Korea
4. Greece

Group C:

1. England
2. USA
3. Slovenia
4. Algeria

Group D:

1. Serbia
2. Germany
3. Australia
4. Ghana

Group E:

1. Netherlands
2. Denmark
3. Cameroon
4. Japan

Group F:

1. Italy
2. Slovakia
3. Paraguay
4. New Zealand

Group G:

1. Brazil
2. Portugal
3. Ivory Coast
4. North Korea

Group H:

1. Spain
2. Chile
3. Switzerland
4. Honduras


Round of 16:

2B Nigeria over 1A France

1C England over 2D Germany

1E Netherlands over 2F Slovakia

1G Brazil over 2H Chile

1B Argentina over 2A Uruguay

2C United States over 1D Serbia

1F Italy over 2E Denmark

1H Spain over 2G Portugal


Quarter-finals:


England over Nigeria

Netherlands over Brazil

Argentina over USA

Spain over Italy


Semi-finals:


Netherlands over England

Spain over Argentina


Final:


Netherlands over Spain


The Dutch, Holland, Netherlands, call them whatever you want, they're my pick to win it all this year. So why do I pick the Dutch? To the casual fan this may seem like an odd pick. What about Brazil? Spain? Italy? Argentina? Let me assure you, Holland is in the same category as those teams in the world's view. This is not by any means a pick out of left field. Here's why...

No team in this tournament boasts the offensive talent of the Dutch. And it might not even be close. Where do we even start?

How about with two players who led their respective clubs to the Champions League final?

Just one year ago, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were shown the door at Real Madrid. Sold to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in order to usher in the signings of Ronaldo and Kaka, among others. Although Real Madrid may not regret the decision, the German and Italian sides are probably still busy writing thank you notes to Madrid. With Robbens's mazy runs from the right wing and Sneijder's pin-point precision with assists, the Dutch are led by two of the most in-form superstars in the world.

How about depth in the midfield which no other team can boast?

Rafael Van der Vaart may start, but if not he will feature off the bench. The attacking midfielder has been spectacular for country in the past. The defensive midfield is strong as well. Mark Van Bommel and Nigel de Jong are tough tackling d-mids who protect the more attacking oriented players in front of them. They know their role and do it well.

How about young, up-and-coming stars who are wanted by every big club in Europe?

Ibrahim Afellay and Eljero Elia will introduce themselves to the world coming off the bench. Both players will soon find themselves at a big European club after the World Cup.

How about one of the most dynamic strikers in the world, and a more than worthy back up?

Robin van Persie may be the tourament's top scorer before its all said and done. The Arsenal forward has a cannon for a left foot and the creativity to create goals for himself. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is a bench option who's style differs from van Persie in that he poaches goals in the box.

How about a defense that is no longer a blatent weakness?

John Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen are a reliable pair in central defense. Greg Van der Wiel is one of the most sought after young right-backs in the football world and while Giovanni von Bronkhorst may be just a little past his expiration date, he's still a more than capable left-back.

How about the recent results to back up all my claims?

Ya all this talent is nice, but how has it translated on the field of late? The answer is: really well. They didn't lose a game in qualifying, a perfect 8 wins in 8 games. Yes, their group wasn't that great, but 8 of 8 can't be ignored. The Euro 2008tournament was Holland's coming out party. They demolished France and Italy with a deadly counter-attack and slick passing. Unfortunately, they ran into tactical extraordinaire Guus Hiddink, a Dutchmen himself, who coached the Russian team which knocked them out. No manager of that calibre will be at the helm in South Africa, and the Dutch are all the better for it. The most recent match Holland played? A 6-1 demolition of Hungary. The perfect tune-up for the World Cup.

The Dutch come into this tournament brimming with confidence, dripping with talent, and the perfect blend of youth and experience to win the World Cup. The Dutch forward line is good enough to terrify any defense in the world and their own defense is no longer an obvious weakness. That is why the Dutch will be your 2010 FIFA World Cup champions.