by Tim Carter

Created on: July 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

An African country has never won the World Cup in its' entire history, so on bare statistics alone there would appear to be no foundation for thinking there would be a possibility of one winning in two years time.However,the reason for putting the suggestion forward as an article title is undoubtedly based upon the siting of the World Cup in South Africa,which happens to be the first time the continent of Africa has hosted the cup.

Host countries and probably more to the point,host continents,tend to do well in World Cups.Italy beat France in the final of the last one which was held in Europe.The one before that saw Brazil defeat Germany in a World Cup hosted by the continent of Asia. As with Africa, Asia had neither won nor hosted a World Cup before and their failure to win in 2002 may be seen as bad omen for the chances of an African country succeeding in 2010. It is interesting to note though that South Korea were sufficiently inspired to reach the semi finals of that particular World Cup. In addition to the achievements of South Korea, a further reason for being hopeful of an inaugural African victory is that Africa will be afforded a larger competing contingent of teams than Asia were allowed in 2002.There is a far stronger base of teams in Africa compared to Asia and many of them have a high proportion of plaqyers who compete in European leagues.This exposure to other styles of play gives them an increased knowledge of how European countries may play whilst no European or South American players have the same experience of playing in Africa against African countries. Undoubtedly as different countries qualify for the 2010 World Cup,they will seek to do this to lessen this key factor in giving an African country a strong possibility of winning in their home continent.

Looking at individual African countries' chances are also relevant when assessing the question.The host country,South Africa,do not appear to have the depth,flair or quality of players required to go all the way.No South African player is acclaimed world standard.Egypt are current African Cup champions,but they too would not instill fear in the leading South American or European teams. Cameroon have had some success in previous World Cups,notably in 1990 when they were arguably unlucky to lose to England in the quarter finals.Nigeria and Senegal are other notable contenders having put up stern opposition in more recent World Cups and have the benefit of experienced European based players.The Ivory Coast,Ghana and Mali are longer shots for success although they have harnessed home and European based players with some local success.

The climate,the intensity of home continent support,experience of home pitch conditions and the involvement of European based players and coaching staff and management give the continent of Africa its' best ever possibility of success in 2010.In my opinion 2010 will come too soon for African success but the thought of it is intriguing.

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