This is the sports desk's guide to this month's World Cup in South Africa.

Ross gives his take on all 32 teams taking part, as well as his tips for the tournament winner, dark horse and top scorer. Sports editor Paul Wreyford and reporter Dominic Gover have also posted their tips for football's greatest prize.

Group A

South Africa: The host nation traditionally do well at the World Cup, although it seems as though South Africa will buck that trend. All-time leading goalscorer and West Ham striker Benni McCarthy has been left out by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, owing to a lack of first-team football and, as was evident during his first few months at Upton Park, a lack of fitness. The onus will be on Everton's Steven Pienaar to spark the magic, but it is likely the team will go out with a fizzle in the group stages, as they are up against Mexico, Uruguay and France.
Odds: 80/1

Mexico: Impressed against England in last month's friendly at Wembley and are a good bet to make it through Group A with France. The Mexicans lost 3-1 against the Three Lions but deserved much more for their eye-catching attacking football and ability to retain possession. In Arsenal striker Carlos Vela and Tottenham's Giovanni dos Santos, they have two potent attacking weapons. They will be well supplemented by veteran forwards Guillermo Franco and Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Expect them to make the knock-out stages.
Odds: 80/1

Uruguay: Only missed out on automatic qualification from the South America group with a last-gasp defeat to Argentina, but they went on to edge out Costa Rica in the play-off, having finished fifth in qualifying. Defender Diego Lugano helps to provide a solid base at the back, while the team will rely heavily on the goalscoring prowess of Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who took the Dutch League by storm last season with Ajax. Expect a tough battle with Mexico for the second spot to make the knock-out stages.
Odds: 66/1

France: Les Bleus are lucky to be in South Africa. Not only were they outshone in their European qualifying group by Serbia, but they had to rely on Thierry Henry's now infamous handball that saw them escape a probable penalty shoot-out with the Republic of Ireland in the play-off. Franck Ribery will play a big part in whether France can launch a genuine assault for the title of world champions. The Bayern Munich forward has bags of ability, a turn of pace and plenty of guile that will make him a menace for defenders. Will do well to progress beyond the quarter-finals.
Odds: 20/1

Group B

South Korea: Famously finished fourth at the World Cup on their own turf back in 2002, but are unlikely to come anywhere near matching that achievement this time around. The seemingly limitless levels of energy of Manchester United's Park Ji Sung and the impressive young Bolton Wanderers winger Chung Yong Lee, will carry the Koreans' hopes of progressing through a difficult group that contains Argentina, Nigeria and 2004 European Champions Greece.
Odds: 125/1

Argentina: Diego Maradona has one of the most gifted squads at the tournament at his disposal, but the enigmatic icon may find that the biggest barrier to Argentina's hopes of winning the World Cup is himself. Maradona celebrated as if the team had won the biggest prize in football when they scraped into the finals from the South American group stages, which doesn't bode well for the Argentines. Add the inconsistency the team displayed then to the baffling omissions of two of the finest midfielders in world football, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti, from the final squad of 23, and you begin to understand why many people are struggling to see them lifting the trophy on July 11. Nevertheless, with the attacking talent of Lionel Messi, Diego Milito, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero to call upon, Argentina will certainly pose a big threat to all-comers in South Africa, regardless of their coach's influence.
Odds: 6/1

Greece: Shocked the football world when they were crowned European champions in Portugal in 2004, but their star has fallen since then and may struggle to make it out of Group B. Theofanis Gekas, with ten goals, was the leading marksman in European qualifying and will be a threat up front, but the Greeks rely heavily on defensive stability, with Liverpool's Sotirios Kyrgiakos marshalling the back four.
Odds: 200/1

Nigeria: Have suffered a massive blow by losing their captain, Chelsea's Jon Obi Mikel, for the finals due to injury. The Blues' very own Mr Muscle will be a big miss for the Super Eagles, given his willingness to do the dirty work so others don't have to. Dickson Etuhu, of Fulham, will play a key role, while the onus will be on former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins and Everton's Yakubu to shoulder the responsibility of finding the net. May sneak into the knockout stages at the expense of Greece and South Korea.
Odds: 125/1

Group C:

England: People seem to have learned their lessons from previous World Cup campaigns and appear to have scaled down their expectations from the usual 'this is our year' to 'we can make the semis'. Unsurprisingly, consensus opinion is that our hopes lie squarely on the shoulders of one Wayne Rooney. After a prolific season for Manchester United, the striker will lead the line in South Africa aware that he carries the expectation of a nation. The conundrum for Fabio Capello, as it seems to be for every England coach, is how to fit both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard into the same XI without compromising their natural instincts to attack. Does he deploy flying wingers in support of Rooney or will Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey or Jermain Defoe partner the United hitman? Whatever he decides, England should have more than enough to top their group and, should they avoid Germany, progress to the quarter-finals, where France may be waiting. If the tournament plays to form and seeding, the prospect of Brazil in the semi-finals and Spain or Argentina in the final awaits. England could have had a much worse draw, but they still have an almighty task to end their 44-year drought for that second World Cup victory.
Odds: 7/1

Algeria: Caused one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating West Germany 2-1 on the first day of the 1982 tournament. However, any repeat against England on June 18 seems unlikely. Favourites to finish bottom of the pile in Group C.
Odds: 500/1

USA: The biggest rivals to England's ambitions to finish top of the pile and thus dodge a probable last 16 encounter with Germany. There is a strong English influence on the Americans' squad, with seven players plying their trade on these shores. Watford's Jay DeMerit will have the unenviable task of trying to keep Wayne Rooney quiet when the two teams meet for the opening match on Saturday, June 12. Landon Donovan, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Everton last season, is the danger man for the United States, while Jozy Altidore, who played for Hull last year, is a goal threat. They should follow England into the knockout stages.
Odds: 66/1

Slovenia: Are not likely to pose too many problems for England boss Fabio Capello. Their star man is West Brom's Robert Koren and, while the midfielder is a creative presence, there are few that will be able to convert any chances he may create. Will catch an early flight home with Algeria.
Odds: 250/1

Group D:

Australia: Remembered for their controversial exit from the World Cup four years ago, when Italy scored a last-gasp penalty to knock them out at the tournament's second round stage. A largely unknown defence will be led by former Blackburn Rovers and West Ham defender Lucas Neill, while Everton's Tim Cahill is the leading light in midfield. Harry Kewell, now on the books of Galatasaray, has been included as one of three strikers, but has been struggling recently with injury. Will have their work cut out to finish above Serbia and Germany for the top two places.
Odds: 150/1

Germany: So often written off but always perform well in major tournaments - German efficiency comes to the fore in World Cup campaigns. The team were third on their home turf in 2006 and were runners-up to Brazil the time before that. Germany, along with Serbia, will be the favourites to progress from Group D, and could yet face the old enemy, England, in the first knockout stage. Bastian Schweinsteiger is the man charged with running the midfield, following the withdrawal of Michael Ballack through injury, while Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose will hope to bang in the goals up front. Expect them to reach the quarter-finals.
Odds: 14/1

Serbia: Considered by some to be one of the dark horses of the World Cup. Serbia took the top spot in qualifying from France and appear to have arrived in South Africa under the radar. A defence that boasts Manchester United hard-man Nemanja Vidic and Chelsea's excellent Branislav Ivanovic is supplemented by skill and creativity in midfield, with Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic, the Serbs' top scorer in qualifying Milan Jovanovic and United's young prodigy Zoran Tosic. Birmingham's latest acquisition, the giant Nikola Zigic, will cause havoc up front. A good bet for a strong run in the competition.
Odds: 50/1

Ghana: Topped both of their African qualifying groups to reach the finals and find themselves in one of the toughest groups, alongside Germany, Serbia and Australia. The Black Stars have had to cope with the loss of influential midfielder Michael Essien, who will miss the World Cup through injury. Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah and Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng are the biggest names in midfield, while there is also pressure on former Arsenal forward Quincy Owusu-Abeyie to deliver. Likely to fall short against the Germans and the Serbs.
Odds: 80/1

Group E:

Cameroon: Breezed through qualifying and, along with Ivory Coast, are considered one of the few African nations that have a chance of causing a few surprises in South Africa. They can also boast one of the finest modern day forwards among their ranks. Samuel Eto'o, incredibly, made his debut for the Indomitable Lions at just 14-years-old, one day before his 15th birthday. His considerable promise was quickly realised, enjoying a remarkable scoring record at Barcelona before moving to Inter Milan last season. He has an incredible record at international level too, and will be supported by the likes of Arsenal enforcer Alex Song as they bid to get out of a tricky Group E. May struggle to displace Denmark and Holland.
Odds: 80/1

Denmark: Topped a difficult qualifying group that contained Portugal and Sweden to get to South Africa. Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is a far more vital cog in the team at international level than with his club, averaging more than a goal every three games for his country. Juventus midfielder Christian Poulson is also one to watch. Could slug it out with Cameroon for the second qualifying spot behind Holland.
Odds: 100/1

Japan: Followed Australia into the finals but will struggle to reach the second round. Shunsuke Nakamura, formerly of Celtic, is the point of the sword for the Blue Samurai, with a wicked left foot that is capable of 'opening a tin of baked beans', according to ex-Spurs full-back Steve Perryman. He will be one of few threats for the Japanese, although expect them to fall short in a strong group.
Odds: 250/1

Holland: A flawless qualifying campaign has the Dutch believing this may finally be their year. They have been labelled one of football's great underachievers, along with England and Spain – until the latter shook off that tag by winning the Euros two years ago – but Holland arrive in South Africa with a talented group and confidence sky-high. Arjen Robben looks as if he may yet feature at the finals after a hamstring injury cast doubts over his participation; Robin van Persie is fit, back in the goals and a good bet for the Golden Boot, while there is a good balance to the midfield, with Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Nigel de Jong all set to feature. This is surely one of the best chances the team have of breaking the shackles and winning their first major trophy since 1988, when they won the Euros.
Odds: 10/1

Group F:

Paraguay: Did brilliantly to finish third in the South American qualifying section, just one point behind winners Brazil and behind Chile only on goal difference. Home wins against both Brazil and Argentina have raised expectations back home, and a favourable draw means they have an excellent chance of making the second round. Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is the team linchpin and will be the Paraguayans' chief goal threat. They should follow Italy through to the knockout stage.
Odds: 66/1

Italy: The defending champions find themselves well down the list of favourites for the World Cup, despite their smooth passage through qualifying and results in the previous tournament. An ageing squad and an obvious lack of star names have contributed to their generous odds of 16/1. However, in Fabio Cannavaro they have one of the most experienced defenders in world football, while Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi can provide the necessary quality to go deep in the tournament. They should win their group and could make the semi-finals without facing one of the favourites, at which point you would expect them to come up short.
Odds: 16/1

Slovakia: One of the rank outsiders for the World Cup, but are more than capable of springing a surprise or two. Just ask the Czech Republic. Slovakia took four points off the Czechs en route to topping their European qualifying group, winning seven of their ten games. Few names stand out from their squad, other than Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, who is an uncompromising presence at the back. Slovakia are likely to battle it out with Paraguay for second place in Group F.
Odds: 250/1

New Zealand: The Kiwis hardly faced the most difficult journey to South Africa. They first topped a group containing New Caladonia, Fiji and Vanautu, before scraping through a play-off against Bahrain. Nevertheless they made it, and they will be keen to enjoy the experience. The least-fancied team with astronomical odds to lift the trophy, only Blackburn defender Ryan Nelsen stands out. Will fall at the first.
Odds: 2000/1

Group G:

North Korea: According to Korean officials, the country's dictator, Kim Jong-Il, has a big say in what formations and tactics the team employ. If that is the case, they might want to get him on the phone ahead of games against Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast, as the team shipped just five goals in eight qualifying matches. They scored just seven, though, and will do well to raise that tally at all in South Africa. A swift exit.
Odds: 1000/1

Brazil: An unfamiliar Brazilian team has arrived at the World Cup this year. The scintillating Samba-style one readily associates with the Canarinha has been somewhat diluted by a coach famed for a determined, resolute approach during his playing days. Dunga has thrown out the old philosophy of 'we'll score one more than you' and has adopted a more pragmatic method since taking over four years ago. Two facts illustrate his newfound thinking; a water-tight defence conceded just 11 goals in 18 qualifying games, while the side averaged just over 1.5 goals a game in that period. Secondly, flamboyant forward Ronaldinho has been left at home – arguably the one player that embodies 'Samba' of all the squad. Nevertheless, the Brazilians are still more than capable of turning it on. They may be in the group of death, but expect them to come through on top. World Cup winners? Perhaps. I wouldn't bet against them.
Odds: 9/2

Ivory Coast: Many people's dark horses for the trophy, the Elephants have suffered a massive blow with their top scorer and captain Didier Drogba badly injuring his elbow. However, the operation on has been successful and he could yet feature in the group stages. The team will need him. He is as talismanic as they come for Ivory Coast, with almost all routes to goal funnelling through the Chelsea striker. If he plays, they may pip Portugal to second spot in Group G. If he doesn't, expect them to drop out with North Korea.
Odds: 50/1

Portugal: The final component in the Group of Death, Portugal have not been without their injury problems, either. Manchester United winger Nani has been ruled out of the tournament, having injured his shoulder while reportedly attempting an overhead kick. With Cristiano Ronaldo on the opposite flank, the Portuguese had two potential stars of the tournament. But, with a genuine goal-getter having proved hard to come by since Pauleta hung up his boots, the team could struggle to make the second round. They will undoubtedly turn to Ronaldo for inspiration, and they will hope either Hugo Almeida or Danny can find the net to fire them through.
Odds: 22/1

Group H:

Honduras: Made it through a long, drawn-out qualifying process to book their place in South Africa, eventually joining USA and Mexico in the hat. The Hondurans, understandably, are not much fancied by the bookies, with very few big names among their ranks. Tottenham's Wilson Palacios, reportedly linked with a move to Barcelona, is the stand-out player and the team's bulldozer in midfield. Wigan's Maynor Figueroa is the only other familiar face in the squad. Will struggle to make it through the group.
Odds: 500/1

Spain: The tournament favourites, and it's easy to see why. Spain finally shook off their underachievers tag with victory at the European Championships two years ago and have been quickly installed at a short price by bookmakers. Blessed with a galaxy of stars that includes Barcelona's deadly trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa and Liverpool's Fernando Torres, there is no place in the team for Arsenal's exceptionally-gifted Cesc Fabregas. With all that firepower going forward, there must be weak links at the back, right? Wrong. Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, both also of Barcelona, are flanked by Joan Capdevila and Sergio Ramos, with the magnificent Iker Casillas the last line of defence. They should cruise through their group, although potential tests along the way to the trophy include Italy, Holland, Argentina and Brazil. They say you need to beat the best to win. They will certainly have to do that.
Odds: 4/1

Chile: A tempting outside bet for a run at the trophy. Chile qualified from the South American group stages in second place, just one point behind five-time World Cup winners Brazil, and upset Argentina along the way. Stiker Humberto Suazo netted ten times in qualifying and will be a threat, while 21-year-old wonderkid Alexis Sanchez could be one to watch. Chile will be favourites to progress from Group H with Spain. After that, who knows?
Odds: 50/1

Switzerland: Became the first team in World Cup history to be knocked out of the tournament without conceding a goal when they lost on penalties to Ukraine in Germany four years ago, following two 2-0 wins and a goalless draw in the group stages. They pipped Greece to the automatic qualifying spot to reach South Africa this time around. Switzerland will be led by Alexander Frei, who has 40 goals in 73 appearances for his country. They will attempt to beat Chile into second place to make the knock-out rounds.
Odds: 200/1

The sports desk's World Cup predictions:

Ross:
Finalists: Spain to beat Brazil
Dark Horse: Serbia
Top scorer: Robin van Persie

Paul:
Finalists: Holland to beat Italy
Dark Horse: Mexico
Top scorer: Alberto Gilardino

Dominic:
Finalists: England to beat Germany
Dark Horse: Ivory Coast
Top scorer: Wayne Rooney

Who do you think will win the World Cup? Who will win the Golden boot? Are there any dark horses you think could go all the way? Click on 'Have Your Say' and post your views below.