For dedicated soccer fans, four years seems like an eternity. There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of the world’s most prominent soccer tournament.
The world’s finest players put their commitment to their domestic club aside and compete for their country. Their passion, determination and skill are showcased across the globe with one goal in mind-to lead their team to victory and capture the World Cup trophy.
The 19th FIFA World Cup will open June 11 hosted by South Africa. The tournament will feature 32 nations and culminates with the final taking place in Johannesburg.
Despite concerns regarding stadium construction, South Africa will be ready to host. The games will be held at 10 different venues, three of which were built specifically for the event. Five other stadiums have been upgraded.
On a disappointing note, once again, Canada did not qualify for the tournament. Although there has been an expansion of Canadian teams featured in Major League Soccer, the national team still has some work to do.
“They are building a solid foundation,” said Mike Hadden, associate men’s soccer coach at Durham College. “But I also would imagine USA will host the 2018 or 2022 tournament. That will open up another Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football spot, giving Canada a better chance of qualification.”
Hadden is referring to the continental zone in which Canada is included. Canada has only participated in one World Cup, with Mexico and the United States having dominated in World Cup qualifying for CONCACAF in recent years.
While Canada looks ahead to prepare for the future, the current groups for this year’s tournament are set.
Group A consists of South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay and France.
France qualified with controversy when French captain Thierry Henry illegally handled the ball, leading to a goal against Ireland in a playoff game.
Despite appeals, Ireland will not be in the tournament. But this time around, France will be without Zinedine Zidane, who headbutted his way into retirement four years ago. However, Raymond Domenech, the coach who led France to the 2006 World Cup Final, will be there.
Group B pits Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic and Greece.
Argentina qualified, despite struggling through qualification. Coached by soccer legend Diego Maradona, the team also features Lionel Messi, who Hadden says is the best player in the world right now.
But, Hadden doesn’t feel this is enough for them. “Argentina will be a threat this world cup, but I don’t think they have the team do it this year.”
Group C is comprised of England, United States, Algeria and Slovenia.
Joseph Moncada, who started playing grassroots soccer with older kids at the age of eight, is picking England to win this group. “Fabio Cappello has turned England into a threatening team,” he said. Moncada also picks the United States to proceed to the next round. He was impressed with their performance in last year’s Confederations Cup after they ousted European Champions Spain.
Group D features Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana.
Moncada picks Serbia to finish ahead of previous World Cup hosts, Germany. “This group is hard to predict,” he said.
Group E consists of Netherlands, Denmark, Japan and Cameroon.
Netherlands was the first European nation to secure their place in the tournament. “They did really well in qualifying and I think they could go all the way,” said Anthony Morra, who played in the Ontario Soccer League for Wexford.
Group F pits Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia.
What’s old is new again with Italy. The defending World Cup Champions hired back Marcello Lippi, the tactician who led Italy to glory in 2006.
Mario Bombino, the Durham Lords men’s soccer assistant coach is hoping Italy repeats their triumphs this year. He plans to celebrate by cracking open a bottle of wine and sharing it with his three brothers.
Group G is comprised of Brazil, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast and Portugal.
Morra and Moncada favour Brazil to win this group and possibly the entire tournament. Ivory Coast has recently secured the services of coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who previously coached England. Portugal boasts the 2008 FIFA World Player of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo, but Moncada isn’t picking them to advance past the group stage.
And lastly, Group H features Spain, Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.
Bombino and Hadden predict the European Champions Spain will continue their recent success and win the tournament.
