World Cup Outright Winner

South Africa 2010 promises to be the biggest and best World Cup so far and there's no doubt in my mind that it's the widest open tournament in 80 years of the great event.

That judgement is backed up by the fact that it is virtually 5/1 the field but I can't argue with the side that the odds compilers have as favourites and Spain are the team that everybody has to beat.

Brazil, five-time winners, should push them all the way but the ante post jollies could face each other early on and perhaps the value lies in the other half of the draw.

Spain's football at Euro 2008 took the breath away at times and, whatever opinion you take in the outright, a saver on del Bosque's men is a must. Their strength in depth in unrivalled and, crucially, they are not over reliant on one player - even ones as brilliant as Andreas Iniesta and Fernando Torres.

The class of Groups G and H means there is bound to be early big name causalities but the likes of England, Argentina, Germany and France have avoided such treacherous clashes and all, particularly the first-named, will fancy their chances.

The Three Lions must hold decent claims, providing all their key players remain fit, but 11/2 with 888 sport is only fair and there is value to be had elsewhere.

In addition to Spain, the fancied side I want to be with is Holland. Bert van Marwijk’s men were fantastic in patches in Austria-Switzerland, thrashing Italy, France and Romania before being defeated by Russia, and I think they've progressed since then.

Holland’s attacking players, van Persie, Robben, van der Vaart et al., are among the best around and this could be the time that the myth regarding their lack of team spirit is finally dispelled.

The Dutch surely hold better claims than the likes of Germany and France at similar odds and the 14/1 with Paddy Power is more than acceptable.

At bigger prices, and without doubt the best value on offer, is Serbia at a tasty looking 80/1 with Bet 365. They have formed a terrific team spirit, possess an abundance of undiscovered talent and may just be able to nick top spot in Group D.

Edging out Germany, Ghana and Australia to claim first place would almost certainly mean Serbia avoid England in the last eight and I'm also very interested in a number of their young stars in various Player of the Tournament markets which will emerge nearer the time.

Finally, I must give a mention to Portugal who, despite being drawn in the undoubted Group of Death, are too big to ignore at 28/1 with William Hill.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the best player in the world despite Lionel Messi’s recent gongs, has the ability to win the tournament singlehandedly for the Portuguese but his teammates are more than capable of providing decent support along the way and their recent big game experience is second to none.