I have been thinking about the 2010 World Cup in some depth recently and had tipped Spain to win the tournament in South Africa as I think they have the best squad, however, after doing some research, I have changed my mind to picking Brazil to win and let me explain why.

It goes without saying that those wearing a Brazil shirt have been the most successful team in World Cup history with 5 trophies to their name, which they won in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002 and also because they too have a very strong squad.

But here are some interesting statistics that have brought me to this conclusion.  Firstly, since the World Cup began in 1930, no European nations have won the competition outside of Europe. With the World Cup being in South Africa this year, this statistic does not read well for the European teams. A couple have made the final when it has been outside of Europe, but none of them have actually done this.

Secondly, there was only one occasion when a non-European country has won the World Cup when it was held in Europe and that was Brazil in 1958, in Sweden. Now some might consider this point irrelevant as the World Cup is not in Europe, but it brings home the point that it seems to be easier to win a competition nearer to home. Those wearing a Brazil Home Shirt are the only ones to disprove this.

Finally, Brazil and Argentina are the only teams to win the World Cup outside of their own continent – Brazil have actually achieved this on an impressive four occasions and Argentina have done this once, in World Cup ‘86 in Mexico. Therefore, it shows that Brazil have been able to adapt their style of play all across the world, but other countries have struggled to do this over the years to be successful in a World Cup outside their home continent and that is why I am predicting Brazil to win in 2010.

Written by Stephen Whiteford, a sports writer who blogs about soccer kits.

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