On the 11th of July in a matter of mere months, we will sit in awe as we take in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2010. One year prior to international football's marquee event, I am putting my neck on the line by predicting which nation will be crowned world champions.

The last couple of World Cups were full of surprises, especially the 2002 World Cup in Japan/South Korea. Who would have expected Turkey and South Korea in the Semi Finals. In 2006 things were a bit more predictable, although Brazil were a huge disappointment and not many had predicted that Italy would win the trophy.

So let's have a closer look at some of the key teams who should have a real shot at becoming World Cup winners in 2010:

Italy: The performance at the Confederations Cup was a scandal and so was their Euro performance in 2008. Overall the team is maybe too old with Pirlo, Toni and Cannavaro all past their peak. They still have an outstanding youth setup to call on but I think this tournament may come too soon for those youngsters. The last 16 or last 8 will be the end for them.

Spain: At the moment they look like one of the favourites. After winning Euro 2008 they have finally broken their losing streak in major competitions and will be hungry for more. In Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Fernando Torres they have three of the best players in the world and they also boast a backline including Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and the indomitable Carlos Puyol. Spain however does not have true depth in their squad, so injuries could play their part, but, if the squad stays fit, they will certainly make the final at least.

England: Well under normal circumstances England should be the same old England which flatters to deceive in the build up to world cups but ultimately crumbles at the business end of the tournament. The Quarter Finals are realistic then it's down to Lady Luck and a hope that Capello can pull something out of the bag. A fit Wayne Rooney is a must!

Brazil: Brazil is not the same Brazil flush with stars of 2002 or 2006. Whereas their team was once littered with household names, they only have two truly global megastars amongst their ranks now; Kaka and Robinho. But still, Dunga's Brazil is in any case a different entity these days. They are focused on different playing values. They showed during the Confederations Cup that they can still pull it off when it matters and they have quality to see off opposition when under pressure. They seem weaker than the Brazil of old but write them off at your peril!

Germany: Every four years we see the same type of performance from Germany. The team is not great, not many of the starting eleven could be classed as superstars, but still we all resign ourselves to the fact that they could go all the way thanks to industrious work ethic and brilliant performances by their strikers. After a fine qualification campaign, in 2010 coach Joachim Loew will look to experienced pros such as Michael Ballack and Phillip Lahm as well as the lethal Mario Gomez upfront to drag his side through the knockout stages of the tournament. Germany could go all the way to the final but they need to stabilise the defence which was a nightmare in 2008.

Argentina: The stylish team from South America are seemingly everyone's favourite international team to watch. In 2006 they had the chance to win the title and were unlucky. In 2002 they were the big favourites and turned out unexpectedly to also become the biggest disappointment when they completely flopped in Asia. This time it looks like they are not in their best form whilst qualifying, but maybe this is a good thing as, presuming Diego Maradona gets them to South Africa for the finals, they will surely improve as the tournament nears. They have after all Lionel Messi, the best player in the world amongst their ranks (ok so Real Madrid fans will disagree since Perez ushered in the Galacticos again but Messi's still a bit special!). A major weakness is the lack of a larger target man to serve as a foil for the silky skills elsewhere on the pitch and this may prove to be a fatal gap in their team. Overall I am sceptical, but they should make it to the semi finals.

Other teams could surprise us all in a positive way such as the Netherlands, the USA and also host nation South Africa. All of these teams should reach the Quarter Finals, but I doubt they will go any further.

So if I were a betting man I'd be putting my money Spain, Germany and, just in case, also on Brazil.

But secretly I dream about John Terry lifting the trophy... stranger things have happened..!

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