It doesn’t seem like four years since Italy won the most prestigious sporting honour on the planet, but here we go again.
After a huge amount of hype and anticipation the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off tonight, with the opening ceremony from Soccer City, Johannesburg (10pm Eastern Australian Time). This will be immediately followed by the opening match from Group A South Africa v Mexico.
For the first time since the World Cup was began in 1930, it will be staged on the African continent. South Africa to be precise.
I am somewhat optimistically hoping for an England or an Australia triumph, but really and truly my wish for the event is that it is memorable for outstanding football, great humility, sportsmanship , and above all a safe environment for players, officials and fans.
Given FIFA’s slightly controversial decision in awarding the greatest show on earth to such a crime infested nation, I just hope the mostly wonderful South African people rise to the occasion and help protect their guests from the threat of muggings, armed robberies and car-jackings.
Even more critical is the work of the security forces in ensuring terrorists are unable to inflict their will on the tournament. Here’s to a four week incident-free feast of football,lots of late nights, early mornings and copious amounts of coffee.
My tips to win it, any of these have a real chance Argentina, Spain, Brazil and Holland. The heart is telling me England can do it, that they have the ability, but they will need everything to go their way. That means no injuries, suspensions or penalty shoot-outs, and they may be ok, otherwise forget it. Ghana, could be the surprise team, as I’m sure at least one African team will feature prominently. Also got a feeling that someone like Chile could come from nowhere and emerge as the champions.
No more sleeps, it all starts now….
