The Ivory Coast squad is loaded with big names and they have generated a great deal of buzz heading into the tournament. They are the most likely candidate to become the first African team to reach the finals of the World Cup in its 80-year history.

A major factor in determining the Ivory Coast’s chances will be the status of forward Didier Drogba. He broke his arm in a his team’s final Friendly against Japan on June 4. He has stated that he will not play in the tournament, but his team has not ruled it out.
Should Drogba play, Brazilian fans can take solace in a match between his club, Chelsea, and
Inter Milan in a Champion’s League Match. Brazilian captain Lucio played for Inter in the match, and the defender was a big reason for his team’s victory. He led a defensive unit that made Drogba a non-factor in the match.

Brazil is the number one-ranked team in the world and is the favorite out of what is considered the toughest group. They are accustomed to successful World Cup tournaments and there is no question they will be prepared for the Ivory Coast regardless of whether Drogba plays or not.

After what some Brazil diehards would say was a lack-luster qualifying performance, the Brazilian squad still managed to qualify for the World Cup with three games remaining, and remain at the top of the qualifying group throughout the process. With some of the most prolific players to ever play the game, including names like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and the best player to play the game, Pele, it should be no surprise that some of the best players to be featured in the 2010 World Cup will hail from Brazil.

Some of the players to keep an eye on during the 2010 World Cup include Kaka, a former Serie A Footballer of the Year in 2004 and 2007 as well as the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, can be seen as the playmaker for the Brazilian squad as well as the a player to watch throughout the entire tournament.

Up top, look for Luis Fabiano to be the player scoring a plethora of goals for the Brazilian side as well. With a loaded squad like Brazil, it should be no surprise to see them at the top of their “Group of Death” throughout the World Cup and make a run towards winning their sixth World Cup championship. I bet there are going to be some really good props for them at the sportsbooks.