Brazil

This will be Brazil’s 19th consecutive appearance in the World Cup meaning that they have played in every single tournament since its conception and once again the men in their familiar yellow shirts will be talked about as favourites for the finals.

While some former stars like Ronaldo and Adriano have faded, new stars like Luis Fabiano and Kaka are shining even brighter than ever.

Under the stewardship of former captain, Dunga, all the players in the squad will be reminded of just how important winning the World Cup for the sixth time is and after winning the 2009 Confederation’s Cup confidence will be high in the Brazilian squad.

Star Man – Kaka

The second most expensive player in the world when bought by Real Madrid for ?m in their summer spending spree, Kaka will be looking to prove his worth for Brazil in South Africa.

Most English fans will remember his one man demolition of Manchester United in the Champions League in 2007, a season which saw him win the Champions League and the Ballon D’or.

Kaka’s game is full of grace and his strength on the ball to hold opponents off means he will be real handful. His goal to game ratio also means he is a constant danger on goal especially as he dribbles into the box.

Coach – Dunga

As a former World Cup winning captain for Brazil Dunga knows exactly how to approach 2010’s tournament. In his playing days Dunga was the tough tackling defensive midfielder and lynchpin who allowed them to play their exuberant free-flowing football.

Now as manager he has won the Copa America and the Confederations Cup during an extremely successful spell in charge. Especially since he'd had no previous professional managerial experience.

The key to Dunga winning the World Cup will be his defence. Notoriously shaky at times, Dunga will be relying on Lucio and Juan to keep out opposing players and namely Cristiano Ronaldo who Brazil will come up against when they play Portugal in a blockbuster group stage tie.

One to Watch – Nilmar

Brazilian forward, Nilmar, will be known to English fans as the player who scored the winner in the recent friendly in Qatar between the two sides.

Nilmar’s career has been very stop start after coming onto the scene at Internacional as a talented young striker. Following his success in Brazil Lyon decided to take a punt on the starlet but his time at the club didn’t go as had hoped.

Now following a return to Brazil and a return to form Nilmar has come back to Europe and is a star player for La Liga side Villareal. His form for Brazil has been sensational and his record of 8 goals in 17 appearances speaks for itself.

Odds to win - 5/1

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