The world’s biggest sporting extravaganza — the Fifa World Cup — will take its first steps on African soil with billions of viewers from across the world tuning in to witness the 19th edition kick off at the Soccer City in Johannesburg on Friday. It will be yet another pivotal moment for a nation once torn apart by racial differences which has come a long way in 16 years after it broke away from the clutches of apartheid. Francois Pienaar’s 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks united South Africa, the Fifa World Cup is expected to showcase their might.
It was inconcievable not very long ago that an African nation will be able to host event of this magnitude which is hugely demanding on a country’s resources. One man, though — Nelson Mandela — didn’t give up hope. Mandela went to the Fifa headquarters in Zurich not once but twice in his effort to convince the world body to bring the 32-nation caravan to South Africa.The rainbow nation is hoping that the World Cup will herald the beginning of social changes in South Africa, a country suffering from maladies like poverty, crime and racial politics.
Telecommunications links have had to be installed or upgraded, new stadiums built or renovated while on Tuesday, South Africa’s first rapid urban train system opened in Johannesburg.
The hosts have pumped in £3.5 billion for building and redeveloping the 10 stadiums across the nation, creating new infrastructure and most importantly on ensuring fool-proof security — pouring in 1.72 per cent of their country’s GDP for the effort. Come June 11, all that will put to shade as the entire nation will stand behind the Bafana Bafana (South Africa’s national team) when they take on Mexico in their opening Group A match.
Brazilian legend Pele had once predicted an African champion by the turn of the century. That time has come and gone but the hosts, who under Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, will dream of a fairytale result.
The punters are, however, more guarded in this regard, billing Euro champions Spain as the favourites to win their first World Cup title. Closely following them are five-time champions Brazil, Argentina and 1966 winners England. Spain have borne the tag of perennial underachievers for a long time now but critics believe that the 2010 finals could be their best chance of winning football’s ultimate prize. After 44 years without a trophy, Spain defeated Germany 1-0 to win Euro 2008, which appears to have given them the essential self-belief that was missing in the past. They had 10 flawless wins in the qualifying campaign and also made history by equalling Brazil’s record of 35 consecutive games unbeaten. They will be on the radar of every team in the World Cup. The Brazilians bear the pressure of having to deliver glory in every World Cup campaign. Anything less than bringing home the Jules Rimet Trophy is considered a disappointment for the five-time champions, who will be looking to complete wins in every continent.
Their last triumph eight years ago in South Korea and Japan came on the back of inconsistent qualifying form but this time, Carlos Dunga’s boys have topped the group and are raring to go. Brazil’s South American rivals Argentina will be close on their heels. The Albiceleste, managed by the mercurial Diego Maradona, will be gunning for their third World title and the first since 1986. Argentinian fans have two questions on their mind: Can Maradona replicate Franz Beckenbauer’s achievement (of winning the World Cup as coach and player) and can he get the best out of talents like Lionel Messi?
Meanwhile, England’s golden generation has one last chance of achieving World Cup glory. David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand might have been laid low with injuries, but Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney will hope to brighten up their resumes.Nine wins in 10 matches and 34 goals in qualifying have encouraged coach Fabio Capello to declare that anything less than a run to the July 11 final will be a disappointment. Defending champions Italy and runners-up France can never be too far away from the equation as well along with European powerhouses Netherlands, Germany and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Of the non-regulars, all eyes will be on North Korea, returning to finals stage after 44 years. The Asian team will look to match the exploits of the 1966 team, who beat all odds to reach the quarterfinals. It took the magic of Portuguese great Eusebio — who pumped in four goals — to stop them in the last eight stage.
It will be a tough goal and they already have their work cut out after being drawn in the Group of Death, with mighty Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. One thing in North Korea’s favour that they are largely unknown.