With the World Cup now only two days away, it is always a good idea to put a few bets on to make the next four weeks all that more interesting.

But with so much to look at and consider, what do you go for?

Well The World Cup Blog is putting £20 worth of bets on and if you are looking for some free bets and offers from a variety of bookmakers click here:

Winner

There are only ever 8 or 9 teams who are capable of lifting the trophy. The two South American teams – Brazil and Argentina, and the European ones – England, France, Holland, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Out of these nine teams only six have lifted the trophy, with Uruguay being the seventh, although football was very different back then.

Italy are the holders, but have much the same squad as four years go, and it is unlikely they will be able to play to their optimum level throughout the month. Too many of their players are now past it, and I think this will become clear very early on.

Argentina and France are both in similar situations. Each has very controversial coaches and were lucky to qualify for South Africa. While Argentina should qualify from their group, France may not. If they do, I wouldn’t expect them to go very far.

Argentina have some brilliant strikers, but are fragile at the back. France, on the other hand, look like a mess and they could repeat their infamous displays of 2002.

Holland eased through their qualifying section, which involved Scotland. With the likes of Sneijder, Van Persie and Robben, they are a decent outside bet. However, when a Celtic reject in Edson Braafheid can make the squad, you soon realise how weak their defence is.

So that leaves Brazil, England, Spain and Germany.

I would say the winner will come from one of these four, but even England are looking weak as too many of their big players are out of form at the moment.

It has to be Spain. They are the outstanding team of the world and it is their chance to finally win the World Cup. Odds of 4/1 are as good as you will get, but they should reach the latter stages.

Germany at 14/1 is tempting, especially as an each way bet.

Top Goal scorer

This is slightly harder to predict, but also more fun.

It is not always the best forward to wins this award, but who has the easiest teams in their group.

Luis Fabiano will lead the line for Brazil and, with North Korea in their section; he could rack up a few goals. Fabiano is priced highest at 12/1 and should be a tempting bet.

David Villa is probably the best forward in the world. Odds of 8/1 make him the favourite, but when you consider the ease of Spain’s section, it would be surprising to see him struggle to score goals.

Team Specials

Serbia are a good side and have a reasonable group involving Germany, Ghana and Australia. They should qualify from that group, but may face England in the last 16. They are 12/5 to reach this stage, but odds of 6/1 to reach the quarter-finals, and 16/1 for the semis are good bets for the brave.

Mexico are 11/2 to reach the quarter finals, and this may be worth a small stake, considering they are in a good group which involves the weak France.

Bets: Spain to win 4/1 (£5), Villa top goal scorer 8/1 (£5), Fabiano top goal scorer 12/1 (£2.50), Mexico to reach last 8 (11/2) (2.50), Serbia to reach last 4 16/1 (£5)

With the World Cup less than three weeks away –  fans, the media and the general public are all arguing over who will win the tournament.  

If you live in British shores, unfortunately you are forced to put up with constant ramblings about how it could, or shall I say should, be England’s year.  

If not, the Spanish are unbeatable, or you can never write of the Germans. Brazil, also, have a rich history in the competition and can suddenly turn it on when it matters the most.  

However, there is so much more to a World Cup than who will win the bloody thing. Here, The World Cup Blog takes a look at some of the subplots we are bound to witness in June and July.  

Lionel Messi:

The stage is set.

Can Messi emulate or eclipse the genius that was Diego Maradona?  

The Argentine is probably the greatest ever, and single-handedly won the 1986 tournament in Mexico.  

 Now we have Barcelona’s Messi whose style of play is uncanny to his compatriot, but will he repeat Diego’s heroics in 2010?  

Messi has proved to be the best player in the world over the last couple of years, and he has already emulated Maradona’s most famous and infamous goals.  

Ironically, Maradona is now the manager of the national team, and he will have a pivotal role in what Messi does.  

The Host:

Can South Africa provide a brilliant World Cup which we will reminisce over for years to come?  

It is of the opinion of many that an African nation was chosen as a host because of the PC world we live in.  

And there are fears that they won’t be able to organise the tournament as successfully as the Germans four years ago.  

Whether it’s ticketing problems, crime or the lack of spectators coming over from Europe, the bad press the Rainbow nation has received is a tad worrying.  

If the host can provide an excellent World Cup, it will long be remembered throughout history.  

Top Goalscorer:

Often an intriguing aspect of any World Cup.  

Every forward will be hoping, even if his team is unsuccessful, that they can finish top of the pile come the end of the competition.  

It could catapult them onto a new status, and their reputation will always be upheld because of a few weeks in the summer months.  

This year there are a few players who could do it. Spanish duo David Villa and Fernando Torres are big shouts. Luis Fabiano of Brazil is another who, when on form, can be deadly.  

Wayne Rooney will be the talk of everyone in the English media, but is he good enough to score consistently in such a short space of time?  

Referees: 

The man in the middle can, sometimes, be the most influential person on the field.  

The problem with ‘the referee’s decision is final’ is that often they are wrong. We have seen often repeatedly in domestic leagues and, more recently, the Champions League where the officials have got it totally wrong with grave consequences.  

Poor Chelsea have been on the end of some disgraceful decisions in the last few years in Europe’s elite club competition. And Inter Milan may never have won the trophy if it wasn’t for some lucky calls from the refs.  

This World Cup could see the same again. That is unless they can up their game and make the right calls more frequently.  

Let’s hope they do because nobody wants to see a World Cup decided on a refereeing mistake.  

Controversial Managers: 

This year sees many controversial figures in the game return to the biggest stage.  

Guess who’s back?

As mentioned earlier, Maradona is the Argentina manager, despite his heated personality. His side have some great players, but struggled to qualify, and nobody quite knows what to expect from them.  

The same goes with France. Raymond Domenech will leave after the World Cup, but will it be too late? The French national team have been on a downward spiral ever since they lost out on penalties to Italy at the 2006 World Cup final.  

And what about Sven? He’s back, richer than ever before – but this time with the Ivory Coast.  

The fortunes of all three are sure to keep a few interested parties busy this summer.  

England: 

Not so much whether they will win the World Cup, but basically absolutely everything about them.  

Day 1: What Wayne Rooney had for lunch  

Day 2: Who is the girl John Terry is talking to?  

Day 3: Something 1966 related.  

You get the picture. Living in this country, there is no escaping the torture that is the English media. However, if you would like just one piece of advice this summer, DO NOT SWITCH ON SKY SPORTS NEWS!!!!  

The Dutch, before the Germans had even touched the ball, took the lead with a penalty from  Johan Neeskens.

It  was the first penalty in World Cup Final history, but there was soon to be a second when Bernd Hölzenbein was tripped in the Dutch area.

Paul Bretner equalised from the resulting spot kick, and then Gerd Müller hit the winner on the stroke of half-time. 

It meant West Germany held both the European Championships and the World Cup, which confirmed their place as the best team on the planet.

Michael Ballack will miss this year’s World Cup because of ankle ligament damage suffered while playing for Chelsea in the FA Cup Final on Saturday.

The German captain will be out for around two months, with his country’s first match less than four weeks away.

Ballack, who has been regarded as Germany’s most influential player over the last decade, said:

“It’s bitter to get a diagnosis like that before the World Cup.

“There’s naturally a lot of disappointment. But that’s football. That happens. Life goes on.”

The injury is a huge blow to both player and country, who are one of the favourites to lift the trophy in July.

Ballack has played in two World Cups already, but missed out on an appearance in the 2002 final because of suspension.

He, in fact, scored the winning goal against South Korea in the semi-final just moments after receiving the yellow card which forced his unavailability.

Germany, on the other hand, may have to look to the likes of Bayern Munich pair Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger to inspire them to glory this summer.

Coach Joachim Loew was understandably disappointed with the news, but insists his side can still do the business without their talisman:

“We were all naturally shocked this morning when we got the news. I talked to Michael. He’s deeply disappointed. He put all his energy and power into playing in this World Cup.

“It’s very, very unfortunate for us. But it shows we have to pull all our strength together and look forward. We’ve got a lot of young players.

 ”We’ve now got to get to that point that our younger players get this self-confidence and can grow into the roles.”

 Germany will face Australia in the opening match of Group D, which also includes Serbia and Ghana.

The question is not whether Spain can win the World Cup, but, rather, will they win it?     

It is a side who have never picked up the famous trophy and, until their European triumph two years ago, were regarded as the world’s underachievers. England may now take up this unfortunate tag.     

Here, The World Cup Blog takes a look at some of the reasons for and against Spain becoming the first side from Europe triumphing at the World Cup outside of their own continent.     

The Players:     

For     

Iniesta has had an injury hit season.

They have arguable the best players in the world, which is augmented well by the strength and depth of the squad. It is so important in tournament football that you have reliable back-up because injuries and suspensions are bound to take place.     

Spain have an abundance of talent right throughout the squad. In defence, if Gerard Pique or Carlos Puyol gets injured they have Raul Albiol or Sergio Ramos to step in.     

Similarly, in midfield Xavi or Andres Iniesta can be replaced by Xavi Alonso or Cesc Fabregas - world-class players in their own right.     

Against     

An area which is likely to be worrying Vicente del Bosque, the manager, is the fitness and form of his star men.     

Iniesta, Torres and Fabregas haven’t played much football in recent months and, despite assurances from the players themselves, even if they make it in time for the big kick off their sharpness will be brought to attention.     

Too often players are rushed back from injury but not fully fit. If they are, how fit will they be? And is there any chance the injuries will flare up again?     

Spain struggled at last year's Confederations Cup

Style of Football:    

For    

The style of football they have adopted is a joy to watch. The touch, technique and passing ability is brilliant.    

Their movement on and off the ball allows them to create a host of chances, and when you have two of the world’s top goal scorers  in your side – David Villa and Fernando Torres – it is difficult to see how the world’s finest defenders can cope with such a threat.    

Against    

During the Confederations Cup in South Africa last summer, the Spanish struggled to maintain the same intensity they normally perform at. This may, in part, be down to the nature off the competition and of it being at the tail end of the season.    

However, the state of pitches could have been the main factor to them underperforming.    

They rely so much on their passing game and of good technique. The bumpy and lethargic state of the lawn in South Africa will work against them and possibly be a leveler for the lesser nations in opposition.    

Mentality:    

For    

They proved two years ago that they can play tournament football, and it was at the Euros in Austria and Switzerland where they finally announced their long-awaited status as a force to be feared.    

The penalty shoot-out win over Italy in the quarter-finals is a match they have been known to buckle and falter. The fact that they met this challenge suggests they have the mentality to go all the way.    

Against    

This is a World Cup we are talking about. The pressure is far greater here than it is in the Euros. It can be far more random, as professionals may crumble under all the unwanted scrutiny and media attention. This has broken even the very best and there are always a few shocks.    

Think of Senegal and South Korea in 2002, Cameroon in 1990 and Bulgaria in 1994, and you will get the picture.    

The draw:    

Ronaldo and Portugal could meet the Spanish.

For   

Spain are almost certainties to qualify from their group with complete ease.    

Switzerland, Honduras and Chile are unlikely to pose too many problems and, if things go well, they may be able to rest some key players in the final group game with a view to keeping them fresh and fit for the second phase.    

Against              

At first glance the draw may appear kind, but once they are out of their section and into the knock-out rounds that problems may arise.    

Brazil or Portugal are the likely contenders in the round of 16. If they can negotiate this hazardous hurdle, the holders Italy could be up next, before possibly challenging Argentina or Germany in the semi-finals.    

2010 may be known as the golden generation of Spanish football, and many expect them to go on and win the World Cup.    

However, there are many challenges and decisions to be met and made if they can finally call themselves the best team in the world.    

However, there are many challenges and decisions to be met and made if they can finally call themselves the best team in the world.    

Some of the provisional World Cup squads have been announced in the last week or so, and it has thrown up a few surprises 

However, these are only the training squads for the next couple of weeks and there will be cuts to bring them down to 23 for the World Cup. 

Here, The World Cup Blog takes a look at some of the coaches who have announced their provisional squads. 

England 

Carragher hasn't played for England for three years.

Jamie Carragher returns to the squad for the first time in three years, and he should provide experienced cover in defence for England. 

Adam Johnson, Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone have all been named in the training squad despite having no caps to their name. 

There is no place for Bobby Zamora or Gary Neville. 

Provisional Squad: 

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green. 

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock. 

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips. 

Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney. 

Germany 

Joachim Low has named an initial 27 man squad, and he has thrown a couple of surprises. 

Hamburg defender Dennis Aogo and Bayern Munich youngster Holger Badstuber are both included after having good seasons with their respective clubs. 

Hans-Jorg Butt has been named, and he is expected to be chosen as Germany’s number one goalkeeper for the tournament 

Provisional Squad: 

Goalkeepers: Hans-Jorg Butt, Manuel Neuer, Tim Wiese 

Defenders: Per Mertesacker, Heiko Westermann, Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Andrea Beck, Arne Friedrich, Serdar Tasci, Marcell Jansen, Holger Badstuber, Dennis Aogo. 

Midfielders: Michael Ballack, Sami Khedira, Piotr Trochowski, Marko Marin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Christian Trasch, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos. 

Forwards: Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Stefan Kiessling, Cacau, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez. 

Spain 

Xavi is regarded as the best midfielder on the planet.

Injured trio Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta have been named in the squad despite currently being injured. 

All are expected to be fit in June, but there are still doubts over Xavi, despite also being named in the 30 man squad. 

Bojan Krkic or Albert Riera have been left out altogether by coach Vicente del Bosque. 

Provisional Squad: 

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Diego Lopez, Jose Reina, Victor Valdes. 

Defenders: Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Cesar Azpilicueta, Joan Capdevila, Carlos Marchena, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, 

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Sergi Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta Javi Martinez, Marcos Senna, David Silva, Xavi. 

Forwards: Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Juan Manuel Mata, Pedro Rodriguez, Dani Guiza, Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Negredo, Fernando Torres  and David Villa. 

Australia 

Harry Kewell has been named in a 31 man squad despite his latest injury, but coach Pim Verbeek expects the ex-Liverpool playmaker to be ready in time. 

UK-based players Scott McDonald, Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer and Brett Emerton should make the final squad when it is announced 

Provisional Squad: 

Goalkeepers: Adam Federici, Eugene Galekovic, Brad Jones, Mark Schwarzer 

Defenders: Michael Beauchamp, David Carney, Scott Chipperfield, Shane Lowry, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Luke Wilkshire, Rhys Williams 

Midfielders: Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Nick Carle, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Richard Garcia, Vince Grella, James Holland Brett Holman Mile Jedinak Tommy Oar Carl Valeri Dario Vidosic 

Forwards: Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Scott McDonald Nikita Rukavytsya 

Portugal 

Pepe may make a dramatic return after a long injury.

Real Madrid’s Pepe is included in Portugal’s provisional squad despite being out injured for five months with a knee injury. 

Coach Carlos Queiroz has named 24 players in his squad and will have to reduce that number by one for next month. 

Ex Rangers and Spurs midfield playmaker Pedro Mendes has been included. 

Provisional Squad: 

Goalkeepers: Beto, Daniel Fernandes, Eduardo. 

Defenders: Fabio Coentrao, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, Ze Castro, Bruno Alves,  Rolando,  Ricardo Costa, Duda, Pepe, Miguel. 

Midfielders: Tiago, Deco, Raul Meireles, Nani, Miguel Veloso,  Pedro Mendes. 

Forwards: Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Almeida, Liedson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Danny.

Germany will be without first choice goalkeeper Rene Adler for the World Cup after the Leverkusen man was forced to undergo an operation on his ribs.

Adler will miss South Africa

Adler had been resting the injury for the last few weeks, but it flared up again during his comeback at the weekend against Hertha Berlin.

Adler has had a series of rib injuries throughout his career, and, indeed, in 2006 his career was almost over due to the complication of the injury.

He told FIFA.com: This was the toughest decision of my life. But it would have been simply irresponsible of me, my club and the national team to have participated in the World Cup.

Medically speaking, it would have been possible. But the pain is so great that I would not have been able to perform at my best over the longer term both in training and during matches.”

Meanwhile, USA striker Charlie Davies will not be fit in time for South Africa, according to his French club Sochaux.

Davies was involved in a serious car injury in Washington last October, but was hoping he would recover in time to take part for the Americans at the World Cup.

However, the broken leg and other bad injuries he suffered will take at least until the end of the summer to fully repair and let Davies start training again.

Van Nistelrooy may make it.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been given some hope of making the Dutch squad for the World Cup.

Holland’s coach Bert van Marwijk left out the Hamburg striker for the initial training squad, but if Van Nistelrooy can prove his fitness in the next few weeks, there may be a place for him after all.

Van Marwijk told the De Telegraaf daily newspaper: “As for Ruud, I’m giving myself until May 11 to decide. I’m leaving him until that date to convince me that he is sufficiently in shape to take part in the World Cup.

My assistants and I have seen a lot of Ruud playing recently. We don’t think it would be useful to call him up at the first step but that does not mean that he’s out of the picture.”

Van Marwijk will name his initial 30 man squad on the 11^th of May, and then the full World Cup squad of 23 will be announced on June 1^st.

Italy arrived at the 1982 World Cup in Spain on the back of a match-fixing scandal in Serie A which had hugely damaged the nation’s reputation.

One of the players prosecuted for illegal betting was Italy’s star striker, Paolo Rossi, who returned from a two-year suspension just in time to play in the tournament. 

The Italians began badly and only just scraped through the first group stage, managing only draws against Poland, Cameroon and Peru.

The team was widely derided in the press for their performances and Rossi was singled out as the weak link in the side, with his lack of fitness and match sharpness horribly evident in the first three matches.

And things didn’t look too promising for the Azzurri when they came up against pre-tournament favourites Brazil and World Cup holders Argentina in the second group stage.

However, after narrowly defeating the Argentines in their first match, Paolo Rossi suddenly rediscovered his form and stunned Brazil with a hat trick to eliminate them from the tournament and put Italy into a semi-final with Poland. Two more Rossi goals were enough to see off the Poles and book a place in the final against West Germany.

In the final, Rossi continued his incredible scoring run with a goal in the 57th minute, but the second goal by Marco Tardelli 12 minutes later is the moment that remains etched in every Italian’s memory, and his celebration perfectly encapsulated the emotion of scoring in a World Cup final.

Deco has high hopes for Portugal this summer

Portugal’s Brazilian-born midfielder Deco believes his side have every chance of going far in South Africa this summer. However, he acknowledges that they may need a few slices of luck along the way if they are to successfully negotiate a tough group containing Brazil and the Ivory Coast, and a possible second round encounter with European Championship winners, Spain. He told Fifa.com:

“We have a team boasting plenty of quality, with great players and which can go a long way at the finals.” Deco went on to say: “It’s not easy to win the World Cup. After all, there’s a good reason why so few countries have done it so far. There are great teams that have never won a World Cup, because often the difference can be made by tiny details, like having a bit of luck at a decisive moment.”

Thomas Sorensen faces a race against time if he is to feature in South Africa

Meanwhile, Stoke City and Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen may be forced to miss the World Cup after dislocating his elbow in the Potters’ 7-0 defeat by Chelsea at the weekend. If Sorensen is to miss the tournament this could put a major dent in Denmark’s ambitions of reaching at least the knockout stages in South Africa, with their second choice goalkeeper being the uncapped IFK Gothenburg stopper, Kim Christensen. Regarding the injury, Sorensen’s club manager Tony Pulis said:

“He has definitely dislocated his elbow. We are hoping they can just pop it back in without him needing an operation. If he needs an operation he will be struggling for the World Cup.”

Sol Campbell won his last cap during England's ill-fated Euro 2008 qualifying campaign

Finally, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that the Gunners’ in-form veteran centre back Sol Campbell fully deserves a place in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad this summer. Campbell, 35, has impressed since rejoining Arsenal this season and Wenger can’t see any reason why the defender, who has won 73 caps for England, shouldn’t be considered by Capello. Wenger said:

“Sol has got the experience and it is up to Capello to decide. Of course others have an advantage because they are younger, but if England have a problem in numbers Sol is always there. I do not select the team and I do not say Capello has to take him – I just say you compare him today in the Premier League with the other centre-backs and he does not suffer in the comparison.”

France ’98 provided some memorable moments, not least in the final itself. But the quarter-final tie involving Holland and Argentina provided us with a sheer moment of genius from someone we had become accustomed to know on these shores.

With the match tied at one-a-piece, and both sides down to ten men, extra-time was looming . Then, in the last-minute, Frank de Boer exquisitely flew in a 70-yard cross field pass to Dennis Bergkamp.

The Dutch striker lets the ball gently touch his right toe, nutmegs the incoming defender and slams the ball past the mesmerised goalkeeper into the top corner of the net.

Amazingly, Bergkamp had scored a similar goal just a few months earlier for Arsenal against Leicester City.

However, on this occasion, it was in the last-minute of a World Cup quarter-final. You don’t get much better than that. Enjoy!