What to watch out for in this edition of the FIFA World Cup!

The FIFA World Cup of 2010 being hosted by South Africa symbolizes the rise of Africa as a sporting giant. South Africa's capability to host the FIFA World Cup was in question till last year. But since it has successfully hosted the Cricket and Rugby World Cups; it can be safely assumed that it can do a great job this time around as well. Sports journalists recollect that similar doubts were raised about Mexico's ability to conduct the World Cup when an earthquake devastated the country a few months before the World Cup in 1986 but the country defied all odds and put up a spectacular show. Similarly South Africa although beset by internal strife, labour unrest, construction delays and law & order problems is expected to pull off a impressive show in June this year.

Africa's rise, over the last two decades, highlights a tectonic shift in the global football arena. European and South American nations which had a virtual monopoly over the sport now see their hegemony over the game being challenged by underdogs like Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana & Ivory Coast. Top African players routinely play for leading European clubs and are feared for their prowess in the field. Brimming with star power, these African teams are expected to give established soccer giants a run for their money in this edition of the World Cup.

Punters have begun to bet on the chances of an African team making it to the Finals as they do not see the Big Three: Italy, Brazil and Argentina anywhere near their rampaging best. European Football giants like France, England, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal are known to buckle under the weight of expectations from their countrymen. Little wonder that Spain, Portugal and Netherlands have never won the World Cup and the last time England lifted the Cup was in 1966.One should watch out for New Zealand's 'All Black' team as well as the team from North Korea which stormed into the top-32 by defeating Italy in the qualifying matches. An encounter with South Korea would be nothing short of a 'Battle Royale' on the football field. Another team to look out for is Algeria which has quite a few players who have played in European Clubs.

One interesting phenomenon that has been witnessed this time is the interest shown by Americans in this edition of the World Cup. The Americans have usually been more crazy about rugby and basketball as compared to football but this time around bulk of the tourists who have booked their tickets on flights going to South Africa comprise of Americans.

With only a few weeks to go before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa FIFA World Cup tickets are already in short supply & only the lucky few will be able to bag them. Don't be the one to lag behind; book your air tickets to South Africa today and be a part of a sporting spectacle on Planet Earth that will captivate the attention of three billion people for an entire month!