The World Cup 2010 is some time off yet, the qualifying campaigns have not started, but is now as good a time as any to get the ball rolling and start predicting the eventual winner in South Africa?

For the first time ever, the worlds premier sporting event will be hosted on the African continent. This will bring a different culture to the forefront of everyone's consciousness even though the tournament itself will take place in Africa's richest economy.

Is there a home advantage? Does this mean that the emerging African nations will fair better than in recent World Cups having been tipped for greatness but always seeming to fall short? Or will it be one from the usual gang of five nations that lifts the Trophy again? Amongst the usual suspects, it will be no surprise to see Brazil or Argentina - the giants of South American football.

From Europe we need look no further than the current champions Italy, the perennial tournament experts Germany, and the flair of France. Or do we? Will England eventually break free from it's overly haranguing press? And, under the stewardship of Italian Fabio Capello, will they finally achieve their country's dreams, after 44 years, of it's one and only World Cup success? Can fellow underachiever Spain put together a concerted run and for once fulfill the talent they generally bring to any world cup?

Following on from these teams, there are also a number of possible winners. If given a run of luck, which any country will need during the tournament, dark horses Croatia are always technically gifted. Sweden, Norway and Russia are solid. Holland will be full of talent. Greece and Turkey have also come a long way, respectively. In truth it is difficult to assess the outcome but my head still tells me it will be one from the usual five. My heart on the other hand hopes it will be England.

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