If your nation won't be taking part in the World Cup then will you be following anyone in particular? Considering Ireland miss a lot of tournaments I've often picked a side and bought the shirt for the enjoyment of following someone. Usually a team that involves the most or my favourite Arsenal players..

If van Persie recovers, which he should then I'll probably get a Holland shirt and follow them. Also depends on how nice the jerseys are but the Dutch shirts usually are nice. I might be a bit different and get behind one of the lesser sides like Cameroon or Denmark in respect of Song & Bendtner...

I'll probably stick a few quid on the Dutch and follow them, I've had a soft spot since watching them beat Brazil in Dortmund in 74, Cruyff just totally took the piss.

I'll probably get behind England when the tournament gets going, till them I couldnt give a shit tbh.

Everytime England have not managed to reach the world cup i always look out for Brazil. think that because i loved watching them on the videos i had as a kid

One of the best footballing nights of my life, I was by the halfway line where the Brazilian got sent off, it was kicking off big style, fantastic atmosphere, the Dutch just loved it that us Brits were there all in orange supporting them.

Yes that game was on most of the vids i had aswell. Liked the Dutch of 88 i think it was in the euros.

Was it 88 cant be arsed looking where Van basten scored the superb volley

i always root for small teams, underdogs, after england.

for 2010, i particularly like to see african teams do well, with ivory coast having the best chance of them all.

it'd also be nice to see a new country win the world cup. if spain wins it, its about time.

The Oranje.

Isn't RvP due back soon for Arsenal? Relying on Kuyt's endeavour and "The Hunter's" missing instincts won't make for a good tournament.

A bit like many England fans, my realism will likely be replaced by blind optimism. All I'm expecting at the moment is for them to fizzle out after a promising start. It's become the Dutch way.

Supposedly due back in April but I'd say closer to May and he'll probably be fighting for a while to get his fitness in order for the WC. I'd say that's more his target.

I wonder if any of the African sides will have a better-than-expected run? I have a feeling one of them will do exceptionally well. Potentially the Ivory Coast if they can get Drogba firing.

If Ghana can get somebody to put the ball in the goal or if Asamoah Gyan can continue his purple patch of the ACoN, then I see them being the African side to watch.

Very strong defensively and an excellent balance in midfield. They are better organised than the Ivory Coast in my view and they can soak up pressure and defend well when required. It's just whether they have that cutting edge in attack. They blooded lots of young boys in the ACoN as their established stars were unavailable and I think that probably gives them a bit better depth as well of players that have experienced international tournaments.

Honduras.

Quite like that. Might be a Bendtner fan this WC.

Somebody posted a thread on Spookys form and which African side people thought would do the best at the WC and i picked Ghana and think they might well be this years surprise side if they keep the better players fit.

Their trouble is putting teams away.

Gyan is pretty erratic. Agogo is done. I don't rate Ayew, I assume he's a starter now?

I look at Ivory Coast and see the spine of the Touré brothers with players Drogba, Kalou, Dindane, Koné and Eboué who can make a difference in attack - Gervinho as well who we've been interested in apparently.

Defence ain't great, but Boka, Demel, Touré, Meité I assume will play out the tournament and they're well a well experienced back four.

I tend to support Italy as my family's Italian.

Other than that I tend to follow anyone that can entertain. I like Argentina, Spain and Holland in that respect. Spose Brazil come into that category too, but a combination of World Cup 94, British commentators jizzing over them throughout any given tournament almost as much as they do over England, and them being too much of an obvious choice put me off them a bit.

English commentators & pundits have a lot to answer for.

I'm with you on the Brazil thing, amongst others.

what is it with brazil and arsenal stadium?

love the second goal, mind. one-two's, backheels, weaving the defence..luvly stuff

I can't stand Robinho.

Surprised you're not following England this summer!!!

I'm looking forward to watching the Spanish, reckon this Wolrd Cup's theirs myself.

Another Germany v Spain final IMO.

spain-brazil imo. brazil wins it and i dont think not much will bother with 2014 being that its going to be in their own stomping ground

Brasil, Spain or Holland will win this World Cup. France or Serbia as potential underdogs. The rest of the bunch has slim chances.

I think Holland are no more than outsiders. More holes in their back 4 than in that yellow plastic they pretend is cheese.

Agree with most others that you can't look past Spain and Brazil. Italy and England for different reasons are the two others who I think can't be written off.

Anyone that ever writes Germany off is a fool, I know, I've done it enough times.

Even though I was born there, brought up there, and love the country, I could never back them or want them to win.

Dirty craut.