World Cup 2010 South Africa Approaching

The wait is almost over with little more than 39 days left till the World Cup. As the world anticipates what looks to be an exciting summer of soccer I look at the real contenders for throne of World champions.
With the tournament being held in South Africa there is real hope that an Africa team will be crowned champions. The most likely teams are Ghana and Ivory Coast with many players playing across Europe with big teams. Players like Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) and Michael Essien (Ghana) with their big game experience could be the difference.
The usual suspects will be there with European powerhouses Germany, who no matter what state their side may be in prior to the tournament, they never fail in getting to the latter stages and must be a contender for the tournament. There is a real feel-good factor in Germany at the moment with the rise of Bayern as one of the finest teams in Europe again as they reach the final of soccer’s biggest club tournament.
Having one the European championship two years ago, Spain is seen by many to be the favorites for title. The crafty midfield they have makes them one of the best teams in the world. In midfield with maestros Fabregas, Iniesta, and the equivalent of a quarter back where this guy really makes this side tick is the little genius Xavi. To finish things off they have the potent strike force of Torres and Villa who are a handful for any side. Only problem they may have is that they are sweating on the fitness of some of these big players which will help their rivals. Italy, reigning champions of the World Cup have a real hard task of holding on to their title. Although struggling for form and an aging side the Azzurri again will be keen to prove doubters wrong and the experience they possess could be key and can’t be written off.
Argentina and Brazil will be up there also. Current World Player of the year Lionel Messi, proving why he was awarded with this accolade with some scintillating performances this year, poses the question in this form whether he can be stopped? If he provides the goods and manages to bring the World Cup to Argentina many believe he will be held in the same breath as some of the best ever soccer players such as Maradona and Johan Cruyff. He will be eager to do this. Brazil have always be renowned for their silky brand of soccer that is played like no other but what this current Brazilian side has added is something a little different, with them being able to grind out results and have a real steel about making them a difficult to beat.
With so many contenders it sets up what could be an exciting month of soccer ahead of us. No matter who wins hopefully we all see an entertaining and exciting tournament. Although I am not American it would be nice to see them go far like they did in Korea in 2002 in order to help raise the profile of the game to hopefully one day see this country get excited as much as the other countries do about this wonderful tournament. May the best team win!

The Worst Dive Ever in History?

Wow, this is just unbelievable. During a game in the Faroe Islands, defender Kaj Ennigarð of ÍF Fuglafjørður, had quite possibly the worst dive I have ever seen. He blatantly makes it seem like he got hit in the face and falls to the ground like a sack of potatoes, but clearly he wasn't touched at all. Look at this clip to see for yourself, you will definitely have a good laugh at this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22fYEk_eeLk&feature=player_embedded