Starting tomorrow, South Africa plays host to a handful of select international teams in order to gauge their preparation for the World Cup. There has been concern throughout the process that the infrastructure, widespread crime, and a delay in the construction of match venues threatened South Africa's bid to host the world's greatest party in 2010. There are at least enough stadiums for the Confederations Cup as it is slated for a go.
This is but a taste of the World Cup buzz. It's a two week tournament featuring 8 teams, each invited after winning a "continental" tournament. The major countries include Spain who won the Euros, Brazil, the United States, and Italy who are reigning World Cup champions. Sadly, the United States will get trounced by fellow Group B teams Italy and Brazil.
My predicted final:
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They play to a Samba beat, and don't answer to surnames (or forenames for that matter). The nicknamed players to watch include Madrid-bound Kaka, an almost-as-rich Robinho, and soon-to-leave Pato. Without World Cup stars Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Juan Carlos, which Brazilian league player will burst onto the world scene? Brazil is stocking leagues around the world with talent, not to mention other national teams, so this should be a great tournament, and my first look at many of their players. What is your nickname?
I'm looking forward to Spain continuing their technical and creative play following a domination of Euro 2008. While Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Torres and David Villa are players to watch, the entire roster plays regularly for top teams in Europe. The only question remaining is whether they can out-play Brazil, who unfortunately were not invited to the European tournament due to geography biased organizers.
1 comment:
I can't believe the 180 by the US. I've never seen a team, in any sport, experience such a dramatic turn around in such a short amount of time.
ESPN's coverage of this tournament has been lame. PTI and Rome both mailed it in when talking about it. The success of the US national team has interesting implications for soccer's media coverage in the States. Do you cover a sport just b/c your nation's team is successful, or does the sport only merit coverage if there is sufficient public interest? And should sports media personalities fake their interest? Or should they be blatantly honest about their disinterest and the extent to which they're uninformed? Wow, that's deep.
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