It's back. The world's most watched sports spectacle is just round the corner and it's coming to Africa for the first time. As I write this, national teams are arriving in South Africa being given the traditional African welcome by Zakumi, the official mascot. The final touches are being made and in a week's time, the most awaited tournament of the year will kick off. For people who have been marooned on an island or lost in the forests of South America, the FIFA World Cup 2010 is to start on June 11 and will go on till the 11th of July in South Africa.
National teams have been announced. Players who have failed to prove their mettle have been shown the door including some controversial ones like England's Theo Walcott. Italy will be seen trying their level best to retain the title which I doubt they have a fighting chance. Winners of Euro 2008, Spain looks invincible this time and I am expecting them to strike gold in South Africa. Torres and Fabregas are sure to deliver the goods and bring home the coveted trophy. England looks like a strong squad too thanks to the replacement of Eriksson by Fabio Capello. England badly needed that. England's wonder boy, Rooney should be able to put up a great show and could bring England to the finals if excellent team work is seen with Lampard and Gerrard. Germany will be playing with a team of energetic but inexperienced youngsters with Chelsea's Michael Ballack having to skip this World Cup. The group to follow would be Group G, the group of death with big shots like Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. Expecting thrilling games from this group. It's a pity Korea had to fall in this group. My hopes of seeing an Asian team in the semis have gone up in smoke unless Lady Luck has set her eyes on Japan.
Come June 11 and football fans will be glued to their TV sets rooting for their national teams or favourite teams in the case of us Indians. When will we ever make it? Anyways, let's hope South Africa puts up a great show. Btw South Africa, the Commonwealth Games is ours.
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