World Cup South Africa

The 2010 World Cup will be the first ever held in Africa, and the first to be held in the southern hemisphere since the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. The location has always had a great effect on the outcome, a European team has never won a World Cup held outside of Europe, despite making several finals appearances, and only once has a non-European side won the World Cup on European soil (Brazil won the 1958 World Cup in Sweden). The Confederations Cup held last summer in South Africa saw defending World Cup Champions Italy eliminated in the group stage, and UEFA Euro Champions Spain shockingly eliminated by the United States, meaning European sides may struggle again this summer. The South African weather will certainly have an effect too, cool and wet conditions will be a far cry from the scorching temperatures seen in the last few World Cups. Plus there will be huge variations in elevation from sea level at Cape Town to well over a mile at Johannesburg. A record six African nations will be represented in South Africa, with Cote d’Ivore and Ghana being dark horses to go deep in the tournament, an unfavorable draw makes advancing out of the group stage difficult for the host nation, but Bafana Bafana had a surprise showing at the Confederations Cup, so they shouldn’t be counted out. Brazil and Spain are considered the favorites, with Argentina, England, Germany, and Netherlands being the next best contenders, it seems unlikely that Italy will be able to do much to defend their title. Of all those teams Brazil stands out, A Seleção has won the last two World Cups off of European soil, have only been beaten by France in the World Cup since Argentina topped them in 1990, and appear to have one of the easiest paths to the final. However, one of the biggest stories is the teams that did not qualify and will not participate in the worlds greatest sporting event. Ireland missed the tournament thanks to a Thierry Henri double hand ball, but more shocking is the absence of Russia and Croatia, teams that are both in the top 11 in FIFA world rankings, also Africa’s best side Egypt is missing. More unfortunate is the epidemic of injuries that has afflicted almost every squad, many of which will have to play the tournament without their very best players. Last year’s Confederations Cup went very successfully, but security remains a huge problem for a country that has a degree of instability, and not just the threat of crime, but unfortunately also terrorism both of a local and international origin. Hosting the World Cup in South Africa is one of the most ambitious moves that FIFA has ever made, and it certainly will be one of the most memorable, hopefully for all the right reasons.

World Cup Champion – Brazil
World Cup Runner-up – Germany
World Cup Third Place – Spain
Golden Shoe Winner – Luis Fabiano
Golden Ball Winner – Kaka
Golden Glove Winner – Iker Casillas
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