New era in the history of dark continent. 2010 football world cup will start in Johannesburg in a couple of hours (5:40 IST). It is a giant leap for South Africa which was banned due to apartheid till 1992. World Cup is the biggest sports event on planet earth and this world cup will showcase African culture and help to revive economy. For next 30 days, whole world will focus on South Africa and progress of their avourite nations. 32 nations from 6 continents will play 64 games over 1 month at 10 stadiums in 9 cities. This is the 19th world cup but first world cup in Africa. Slovakia is making first world cup appearance while North korea qualified after 44 years. Italy will play as defending champion while Spain and Brazil are hot favourites to win world cup. In the first ever world cup in Asia in 2002, South Korea reached semi-finals. Can any African nation reach semifinals in first ever world cup in Africa? Vuvuzela: Fans will create festival atmosphere by making sounds using this special instrument. Zakumi: Mascot Zabulani: World cup ball name - Adidas received lot of criticism. WAKA: Watch out for Shakira performance in opening ceremony. Waving flag: Anthem song of 2010 world cup 6 African nations are fighting for honour. Host nation will play first game against Mexico and will enter into world cup on high note after 12 consecutive wins in friendlies. Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Holland and England start as favourites to win 2010 football world cup. Luis Fabiano, Robinho, Torres, Villa, Rooney, Messi, Higuain and Persie are favourites to win golden boot. At the time of draw, Group G was considered as group of death. Now, many groups are in unpredictable state for different reasons. According to my predictions, 2-3 nations from outside top 10 will reach quarterfinals in this world cup. Top 2 slots in many groups will be decided only in last round of games. In warm-up games, Brazil, Argentina, Holland, Germany, Chile and South Africa played well while Spain, Mexico, Portugal and USA are peaking at right time. France, Serbia, Greece, Italy and … [Read more...]