“I pick Brazil to basically win the World Cup. I think they are playing what I would consider total football, not the regular Brazil style where they play with a lot of naivety.

I think (coach) Dunga has brought a sense of defensive discipline (to the team) and they counter (attack) well and in numbers and I believe if they can employ that throughout the entire World Cup, there is no reason why they shouldn’t win. The major threat will be Spain, so I have a Spain and Brazil final.”

— Andrew Price, marketing manager J Wray & Nephew Limited, and coach of Boys’ Town FC

“I’m picking the Netherlands to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. I’m picking them because while I appreciate that they may be weaker than the other favourite teams defensively, I don’t think that there is a better front six or front seven in the tournament. I think in Arjen Robben, they have one of the most exciting players in the world, who is in excellent form at the moment. I also think in Robin van Persie, they have an excellent forward, who is fresh and I think that that is important as well. He missed a lot of time this season and he’s hungry and fresh. (Wesley) Sneijder and (Mark) Van Bommell in midfield are two of the finest as well, and I just think that it is their time to win the World Cup. I think that although they may be weak defensively, they may probably outscore whoever they come up against.

“Listed among the major threats to them clearly are Brazil and Spain. So it’s the Netherlands to win and the biggest challenges will come from Brazil and Spain.”

— Michael Hall, managing director Deli Works, and Sports Broadcaster at KLAS Sports

“Brazil is the only national team I support. I am attracted to their attractive brand of football and I’ve always been captivated by it. I think that they play pure football that is pleasing to the eye.”

— Glenmore Hinds, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations

“I pick Brazil because it’s a team that has always exhibited the talent and flair for playing the best football at the highest level. (They have been) very consistent over the years and also has the extra discipline that (coach) Dunga has brought to the team, plus they have a very talented group of players this year, so I am very optimistic that my team Brazil will win.

“I don’t see any (major challenger). I mean, the Spanish team is supposed to be the hot team and you always have people like the Germans, who you can’t under-rate and others like Argentina, who a lot of people are talking about, but if anybody is going to beat Brazil, it will be Brazil.”

— Kingsley Cooper, CEO Pulse Investments

“I have to go with my favourite team, not necessarily the one that is going to win, and that’s Brazil. The reason for that is just sentiment.

“For this year’s World Cup, in my opinion, there is no real outstanding favourite. In terms of who could challenge them (Brazil), I think it could come from a number of different teams, including a team from Africa, probably Cameroon or Nigeria, and then even though Argentina had a rough ride to the World Cup, they have the quality and if they can get it together, they could be a challenger.”

— Peter Moses, country manager, CITI Bank

“My pick is Brazil. They are a big tournament team and though conditions will be cooler than they are used to, they have an extremely strong defence and the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment. When you combine that with the brilliance of a Kaka, their natural attacking flair and the support they are likely to get in South Africa, that’s a very potent force.”

— Chris Dehring, chairman, LIME Jamaica

“Brazil must be the first name that comes to mind when it comes to the World Cup or any tournament, as they have a certain know how and are never too far from the title.

“Argentina would be a contender if they had a good coach, as I don’t think Diego Maradona has what it takes to get through a World Cup, and ordinarily they would be in the mix.

“England is close to my heart and I think they have as good a chance as any, while Spain look to have a well-balanced side and will be in the mix as well.”

— George Evans, Used Car dealer and president St James FA

“I consulted with my daughter Zara, who is the football expert in our family, and we have jointly come to the conclusion that the most likely winner will be Italy, with the next most likely winner being Brazil.”

— Douglas Orane, chairman, GraceKennedy