World Cup 2010 is here folks as South Africa the host nation take on Mexico in the opening game today.

This promises to be an exciting World Cup filled with goals, upsets and quality football. This event is far more than football to South Africa as this is a dream that they have patiently waited to happen. I have experienced first hand how serious the Africans take their responsibility of hosting such a world event and as we take a deeper look into their culture I urge you to have an open mind.

Initially when one thinks of Africa you think of the people, their culture, safar's etc . . . Better known for their cricket, South Africa will be hosting World Cup football. This has had an auspicious affect on the citizens of this country. The people are dancing in the streets with anticipation, the kids are all dreaming of meeting stars and one day being a star.

This tournament being held in South Africa for some is a fairytale coming to life for the young, old, short, tall, white and black. I can categorically say this from my experience in playing cricket down in South Africa a few years back.

While parts of South Africa are rich other parts are very poor. We were on a bus going through a highly poverty stricken area and came to a stop sign. As the bus stopped people came from all over begging asking for money, but there was one little boy who had to be no older than 12 with his brother tied on his back with one leg begging for money. My eyes shed tears immediately . . . as I gave him some money I looked deep into his eyes and began to weep privately.

The next day as we approached the same spot on our team bus the same scenario took place. The people were eagerly waiting to bombard the bus for anything that we could spare, money, food or clothing, just anything. Having this experience helped me realise how fortunate we in Bermuda are and I pray that I never take the necessities in life for granted.

Don't get me wrong, I do not want to paint a negative picture in your mind. Parts of South Africa are simply out of this world. During one of our days off we were privy to a trip to a tourist resort called Sun City. The resort had all of the amenities of a five-star hotel with access to gambling, shopping and movies along with a lovely beach, with water rides. I was flabbergasted that I was in the same country. The beauty radiated throughout the country and the people, it was a privilege to experience two sides of South Africa.

Back to the football scene as I have sat and looked at how the groups have been paired, I have had to change my previous prediction slightly. Previously I said England, Italy, Germany and Spain would be the final four. However, with the possibility of some teams playing each other I changed my final four to England, Holland, Italy and Germany.

England have been living in the memories of the team of 1966 when they last won the World Cup but what England have that no other team in World Cup has is three potent goalscoring midfielders in Gerrard, Lampard, and Cole. While Rooney is the main man, these guys will determine England's fate. If they play to their best England will conquer the world. However, if they don't England will fall short yet again.

Holland are one of the in-form teams at the top of their game at the moment but have they peaked too early is the question? Holland have a well balanced team filled will quality. For years Holland have shown glimpses that they are ready to rule the world but for some reason when it counts the most, they always seem to fall at that last hurdle. The way the draw pans out Holland could meet England in the semi-finals and I am sorry Holland, but this is Rooney's time.

In the other semi-final I predict Italy v Germany. Italy, being defending champions, seem to be born winners. These guys know what team football is about. They defend as a unit and they attack as a unit. Italy are extremely organised and for years has been recognised for their defence, and everybody knows that any team with a good defence stands a very good chance of winning World Cup.

Germany will also make the semi-finals as they are a well oiled machine. Very similar to Italy, Germany also know how to win. Germany are a team that can play bad, but find a way to win. They do not have any superstar players but they play as a team, have passion and more importantly, country pride. Germany will push Italy all the way, but in the end Italy have a little more class, which will be proven at the conclusion.

This will bring about an Italy v England final and Rooney will conquer the world of football folks. Wayne Rooney will show why he is rated the second best player in the world behind Messi. England are overdue and must deliver, their motto should be, "The Time is Now".

I know that fans of Brazil, Argentina, and Spain will disagree with me but they will see. Brazil need to hope and pray that they win their group because if they finish second they will meet Spain and could be sent home in the round of 16 which would be catastrophic.

Brazil just lack the quality in their midfield to advance to the finals. Unfortunately for Spain their journey puts them into contact with too many quality teams to beat to get to the semis and they have been known to falter when the going gets tough. Argentina, are simply not good enough, they struggled just to get to the World Cup. They are all offence but lack team cohesiveness, hence the reason why they won't thrive in this tournament.

Sadly, I cannot see any African teams advancing beyond the round of 16. Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana present Africa's best chance but they will have to play out of their skin to get into the quarter-finals or beyond. Personally, I would love to see this happen, but I just do not see it materialising.

At the end of the day this promises to be an entertaining, action packed World Cup in South Africa. While just being there for some will be a dream come true, for others that will simply not be enough.

As the World Cup only comes around every four years countries will want to make the most out of this experience and opportunity. I am looking forward to the day when Bermuda is in that number. Let's pray for the safety of all and may this be a World Cup we remember for years to come.