Argentina
+ Unbeaten in last 2 years
+ Offensive depth, surfeit of excellent strikers like
Batistuta and Saviola
+ Well-drilled 3-4-3 system
- Historical tendency to lose head under pressure
- Tough draw, both in group and later stages
Ladbrokes Odds 7/2
France
+ Confidence of being world and Euro champs
+ Knows conditions, won Confederations Cup last
year in Japan
+ Top strikers like Thierry Henry, Trezeguet, Zidane
- Defence is ageing, a problem in the hot conditions
- Will miss the injured
Robert Pires
Ladbrokes odds 4/1
Italy
+ Favourable draw, clear run to the semi-finals
+ Best defence with Nesta, Cannavaro and Maldini
+ Choice of strikers led by Francesco Totti and Christian Vieri
- Penalty shootouts are a nightmare
- Huge expectations have in the past led to letdown by teams
Ladbrokes odds 6/1
Spain
+ Prolific attack, led by Raul, Morientes and Tristan
+ Backbone of big-game experience in players from goalie Canizares onwards
+ Better equipped to cope with the climate
- Coach Camacho admits player mindset is a factor
- Perennial chokers in big tournaments, never been past quarters in World Cup
Ladbrokes odds 9/1
Portugal
+ Upbeat with thrilling run to Euro 2000 semis
+ Inspirational Figo, one of the modern games greats
+ Gifted core group, Golden Generation have been playing together for a decade
- Main players like Rui Costa, Nuno Gomes have had poor seasons
- Most players pushing 30s
Ladbrokes odds 12/1
