where am I putting my money?

Its Day T-1 before the BIG cup begins, and I have been wondering, as most people, who is going to lift the cup.

My money on Day T-1 is on France. The choice is not driven by emotion but more so by by the high odds, resulting from the internal strife that the team is suffering from at the moment, injuries, ridiculous omissions, poor form in the pre-qualifiers etc. Pretty much the situation Brazil were in 2002.

The press seem to go on about how the key players are jaded - which is true for most other big teams, but conveniently forgotten. I look at the team and think it is as good as any other around. Admit that they can't be considered as favourites - but thats why I think they will win the tournament.

And there are the Czechs - watch out for these aging boys as well.

Within Day T+7, I shall put out a note on the likely future for each of the big teams in the tournament.

PS: Like my Boss told me, "And, please not Brazil".