Just finished my bracket on ESPN. Before everyone comes in with the torches, look at the bracket, then read my explanation, haha!
I picked Spain to win, because as far as I know they're the only team in which all their most successful footballers are still fit enough to be competitive(with the exception of Torres who might still be questionable). To me, the Spaniards are the most "complete" team in the tournament. Starting from the back, Iker Casillas is arguably the one of the best keepers in the world. Even though his club fell a bit short to Barca in La Liga this season, to me, he is still one of the top 3 keepers in Europe. Their defense is both experienced and extremely stingy, like the Italian defense that helped Italy win the last tournament. Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Pique, and Capdevilla. Hows that for a back four? 3 out of the 4 of those players play in top form at the biggest clubs in the world, and all are capable of getting forward and scoring goals. Their midfield is probably the strongest attribute, and they possess the ball and control the pace of the game like no other team on earth. Combine Iniesta, Xavi, Hernandez, Alonso; these are world-class midfielders. Up front they have a deadly one-two combination of David Villa and Fernando Torres, both vital goal-scorers for their respective clubs of Valencia and Liverpool.
I think they'll finally overcome the defeats of previous cups. They'll finally bring the cup to Spain.
And yes, I picked the US to upset the Germans in the second round. There has to be at least one upset in during the cup, and I think that could be it!
-Jon