By Sean Connor
The world's media has scrutinised South Africa's preparations for the World Cup. In spite of pot holes, crime, strikes, transport problems, Julius Malema and the indiscretions of the president, Bafana Bafana is ready to take on the world. Sport unites a country and again World Cup fever is rampant in South Africa. The stadiums are magnificent and who can ever forget the Rugby World Cup of 1995 when Madiba, the personification of reconciliation, united black and white to take on the rugby world. Can Madiba still play a part in the Soccer World Cup?
Favourite Teams
The top five teams according to FIFA are Spain, Brazil, Netherlands, Italy and Portugal. However you can never discount England, Germany or Argentina.
South Africa/Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana is the lowest ranked team in the tournament. Remember South Africa qualified because it is the host nation. Steven Pienaar is South Africa's highest ranked player. Carlos Alberto Parreira is the Brazilian coach of South Africa. Aaron Mokoena is the captain.
Australia.Socceroos
Australia is ranked 21 by FIFA. Tim Cahill is the highest ranked player and plays for Everton in the English Premier League. However, Harry Kewell, or rather his groin, has been getting all the attention. In fact, Harry's groin has been drawing more attention than the proposed extra mining tax! The Australian squad is mainly the same as four years ago, with Lucas Neill captain. For me, the key player has always been the goal keeper Mark Schwartzer. Pim Verbeek, an ex sports teacher is the coach. Pim is a genuine Dutchman, who was Guus Hiddink's assistant in the 2002 finals when Guus took South Korea to the semi finals. Guus also took Australia to the knock out stage in 2006.
Top Players/World Cup Stars
This World Cup, keep your eyes on the following:
- Fernando Torres from Spain
- Thierry Henry (the other hand of God) from France
- Carlos Teves from Argentina
- Kaka from Brazil
- Lionel Messi from Argentina
- Wayne Rooney from England
- Miroslav Klose from Germany
- Arjen Robben from Netherlands
- Christino Ronaldo from Portugal
First Dates to Remember
South Africa
South Africa vs Mexico – Soccer City, June 11, Midnight, AEST
South Africa vs Uruguay – Pretoria, June 17, 4.30pm, AEST
South Africa vs France – Bloemfontein, June 22nd, Midnight, AEST
Australia
Australia vs Germany – Durban, June 14, 4.30pm, AEST
Australia vs Ghana – Rustenburg, June 19, Midnight, AEST
Australia vs Serbia – Nelspruit, June 24th, 4.30pm, AEST
Finally, there are 30 referees at the World Cup, all of whom are capable of getting it wrong.
Hamba kahle South Africa and Australia!
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