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.

At Long Last, The Definitive World Cup 2010 Preview Is Here!

By Deb Borges

The following is "World Cup 101," the first installment of a three-part series on the 2010 World Cup. In Part I, we'll have some fun. I'll introduce you to the tournament and what to expect. Then, in the days leading up to the matches in South Africa I will break down the groups and, ultimately, tell you who's taking the trophy home.

World Cup 101: "Hello World"

Attention all fellow diehard American football fanatics: Yes it’s true, there is a sporting event that’s bigger and more popular than the Super Bowl. It’s called the Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup. The time has come for you to be educated about the sport those around the world hold dear as the real game of football.