FIFA WORLD CUP 2010 BEGINS...

In a little less than 8 hours from now, the Opening Ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2010 will begin. And another couple of hours after that... the grand month - long spectacle will be kicked off with a match between the hosts South Africa and Mexico at the Soccer City, Johannesburg.


The entire world is geared up, ready... waiting and excited to witness the second biggest sporting event in the world... after the Olympics! 32 teams will fight for the ultimate glory in the life of a footballer... one that has eluded many of the greats in the past!


The common favourites are the World No. 1 and 2... Brazil and Spain! Brazilian manager Dunga has cut off from the squad the likes of Ronaldinho and Adriano... I really don't know what to make of it, given that even Kaka is not in the best of his forms at the moment. Spain, on the other hand, have played unbelievable football over the past 2 years. Their squad is filled with talent... and their stars just love the big moments to show their skills. I still remember how Torres, who had had a pretty ordinary Euro 2008, stepped it up right in the finals by scoring the winner and leading Spain to glory.


Argentina is another team that will be closely followed... and one man even more so... Lionel Messi. Comparisons to his manager Maradona have been drawn forever... now is the time for this young lad to prove it right. Messi has not been his best while playing for his country... but everyone knows what he has got to offer. And this is the big stage... champions just love the big stage!


Then there are the eternal under-performers in the form of England and the Netherlands. They have some big, quality names in their lineup... but will the team put up a good show? That is the question that remains to be answered.


The world will also be waiting for some individual skills from the likes of Christiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto and others, even though their teams are not expected to make it very far in the tournament. I know that Ronaldo's Portugal is currently 3rd in FIFA Rankings... but I really do not expect them to go far. In any case, at least one of the top 3 teams on the rankings is bound to be ousted before the tournament moves into the Quarter Final stage.


So, get ready for the big one! After 4 years... it's Waka Waka time in South Africa!