World Cup 103: The Final Predictions

By Deb Borges

The opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is less than 24 hours away. South Africa is about to make history as the first African nation to be the host of the world’s biggest tournament. Fans have been arriving by the thousands, the atmosphere in Cape Town and Johannesburg can only be described as electric.

It’s finally here.

The opening match between South Africa and Mexico will take place at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. It will be aired live on ESPN at 10 a.m. on Friday, followed by Uruguay vs. France at 2:30 p.m.

Over the last few weeks I’ve tried to wet your appetites with the first two parts of my preview of the tournament. It’s time for me to lay it all out there and tell you who will advance and why, ending with the final destination of the Cup.

World Cup 102: Breaking Down The Groups, Players

By Deb Borges

We're just a week away.

On June 11 the 2010 World Cup in South Africa kicks off, with 32 teams vying for the most important trophy in global competition.

Will Italy repeat its brilliance from 2006? Can Brazil add a record sixth world title? Is this the year Germany re-establishes its dominance? Or will a legendary futbol-playing nation like Argentina finally get back to the glory days of yesteryear? Perhaps it's finally Spain's turn, or England's opportunity, or Portugal's moment to shine? What about the upstart United States, a team filled with talent but short on traditional success?

Or will it be someone else, a team as of yet unheralded on the world stage?

All of this will be answered over the next month or so.