| The soccer world is about to be on stage for the | | | | Argentina might miss the party. A much improved |
| biggest and most popular contest in the world: The | | | | South African side should also provide a lot of |
| 2010 Soccer World Cup. For the first time in its history, | | | | excitement for the locals, especially since they have |
| the World Cup will take place on the African continent. | | | | chosen to play the very successful Brazilian style. The |
| South Africa will host FIFA's nineteenth World Cup. For | | | | mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is "Zakumi". |
| a month (6/11-7/11) thirty-two teams will compete for | | | | Zakumi is a yellow leopard with green hair, hence |
| the most cherished trophy in professional sports: The | | | | reflecting the colors of the host nation. Will South |
| golden world cup. This is the second time that the | | | | Africa continue the tradition of the host country |
| World Cup will not be held either in the American | | | | qualifying for at least the second round and maybe |
| continent nor the European continent. The only other | | | | flirting with an appearance in the Finals? Or will we see |
| time the event was held away from either continent is | | | | heavy favorite soccer world cup teams like Brazil, |
| in Korea/Japan in 2002. South Africa will put in display | | | | Holland, Spain and Italy in the Final Four? With gifted |
| ten different stadiums from ten different cities | | | | African sides like Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria |
| throughout the country. Although here are issues about | | | | playing on their own soil, the 2010 competition |
| security, poverty and protest, the 2010 World Cup will | | | | guarantees to be an exciting contest filled with |
| hopefully present the best South Africa has to put | | | | surprises and unexpected results. I am looking forward |
| forward. Its natural beauty and cultural diversity will be | | | | to a very successful FIFA 2010 World Cup. Why not? |
| available for the entire world to appreciate and | | | | Maybe we will witness the crowning of an African |
| embrace. | | | | nation for the first time in history. |
| Fortunately all of the traditional powers will be present | | | | Here are a few of the favorite soccer world cup |
| for the event after concerns that countries like | | | | teams. |