Mexico makes my list of the top 10 simply because they meet all the requirements for a World Cup held in the American continent: a strong fan base, elite players and tradition add to the TRI when they line up against any country. Regardless of the poor showing the Mexican squad demonstrated during the qualifying stages, the FIFA World Cup is a different scenario.
Uruguay had a tremendous showing during the last World Cup in South Africa and they too had some problems during the qualifying stage at CONMEBOL. Their strong showing since the last world championship has lacked chemistry, but don't count them out. Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez will arrive in the prime of their careers as one of the most lethal pair of strikers in the tournament.
The defensive specialists led by the genius of Andrea Pirlo and veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon look to make a run and become the first European champion in the Americas. The "Azzurri" know what it takes to win the FIFA World Cup.
"Les Blues" are now a younger, more disciplined squad and with tremendous offensive quality. Led by veteran winger Franck Ribery, they will have a strong showing -- they must. Their exit from the South Africa 2010 World Cup is not a pretty sight to remember and it was all attributed to lack of discipline and commitment.
Germany is, in my opinion, the most disciplined and consistent squad in the tournament. Philip Lahm and company are always a top-four choice; they wear one of the most feared jerseys in the tournament. I think they will have to fight harder next summer in Brazil if they are to upset a team from the Americas.
The "Clockwork Orange" is another European favorite and runner-up in South Africa 2010. Who can forget Iker Casillas' memorable stop on Arjen Robben? Robben and his team are still hungry for a title, and that is the reason why they make this list.
"La Roja" allowed just one goal during the last World Cup and operated fantastically. Vicente Del Bosque will have a shot at a repeat, and the squad has already added new faces such as Brazilian-Spanish striker Diego Costa, currently La Liga's top scorer.
Ever since they hosted the 1994 World Cup, the ¨Stars and Stripes¨ are my surprise pick to be the next World Cup Champion. Discipline and consistency have prepared them for the road to glory. In South Africa 2010, they had such a great run in the tournament and were eliminated by Ghana in the 93rd minute, forcing overtime. Ghana went on to lose against third-place Uruguay in a match where the United States would have had a stronger showing. The 2010 tournament outcome has helped the United States achieve a level of maturity required to be a contender.
Lionel Messi and company are a first-class team and are hungry to win a championship since their last glory in the Mexico 1986 World Cup with Diego Maradona in command. Messi is the best player in the world, but has received much criticism that he lacks commitment when playing with the Argentine National squad. Will he he finally light the sacred flame in the tournament and lead his squad to glory?
My pick for the next World Cup Champion is Brazil. The host country led by Neymar is playing at a superb level and have too much quality. They walked away with the last edition of the Confederations Cup, humiliating Spain -- the current world champions. I believe Brazil will keep this momentum going and will benefit from the home-court advantage. Look for Brazil's Neymar to be the tournament MVP.
