Fabio Capello last night admitted that Argentina are the team he fears most in the World Cup.
The countries have had some epic battles in the past - wins for England in 1966 and 2002 and for the South Americans in 1962, 1986 and 1998.
And the England coach said: "I'm wary of Argentina. They are probably the team with the most talented players.
"Brazil are the most compact and solid team, their style is very little Brazilian and very much European.
"Spain are the European champions, a team that can play really well. They've been together for ages, haven't lost for ages, they are a real danger.
"As for the other Europeans, don't forget that Italy are the world champions.
"Nobody seems to take Germany into account, but they have played the most finals, and always finish in the top four.
"Another team one should consider is Holland, with some very good players. And I've always said that there could be an African surprise. "
Years | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
2006 | Italy | France | Germany |
2002 | Brazil | Germany | Turkey |
1998 | France | Brazil | Croatia |
1994 | Brazil | Italy | Sweden |
1990 | Germany | Argentina | Italy |
1986 | Argentina | Germany | France |
1982 | Italy | Germany | Poland |
1978 | Argentina | Holland | Brazil |
1974 | Germany | Holland | Poland |
1970 | Brazil | Italy | Germany |
1966 | England | Germany | Portugal |
1962 | Brazil | Czech | Chile |
1958 | Brazil | Sweden | France |
1954 | Germany | Hungary | Austria |
1950 | Uruguay | Brazil | Sweden |
1938 | Italy | Hungary | Brazil |
1934 | Italy | Czech | Germany |
1930 | Uruguay | Argentina | America |