FIFA World Cup soccer roundup

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup in full swing, attention has once again shifted to the rainbow nation. With this being Africa’s first World Cup, the expectations of an entire continent are pinned on South Africa, not only to show that Africa is a worthy host, but also to present Africa as a major tourist attraction to the world.

So far, the competition on the pitch has been top-notch, with many considering the early departures of France and Italy to be the highlights of football in the first round of this world cup. The progression of debutants Slovakia, as well as the two Asian teams Japan and Korea Republic, showed how the gap in world football between the traditional powerhouses of Europe and South America and the emerging nations is closing.

The second round provided great footballing moments with Argentina and Brazil showing why they are considered top contenders in most world cups with clinical demonstrations and Spain coming to the party with a tough victory over Portugal in the Catalan derby. England’s campaign ended in defeat at the hands of a fearless young Germany in somewhat controversial circumstances. The match revived debate over the use of technology in the beautiful game, as the referee disallowed a Frank Lampard goal that, watching football video replays, clearly should have been allowed.

This world cup of soccer has not been without its share of controversy, the most obvious being raised by goalkeepers who seem to have a problem with the deflection and curve of Jabulani’s soccer ball. No one would testify more than England’s Robert Greene, who saw his world cup debut for the three lions turn into a nightmare when he failed to control a simple shot from an American striker.

With the quarter-final line-up set, the real football highlights of this world cup so far have been discovering the talent and style of youngsters like Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Meuller of Germany, the resurgence of Deigo Forlán and Suárez from Uruguay, the Class of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder from the Netherlands and the profitability of the Argentine midfield made up of players like Higuaín, Messi and Tevez. Spain has a point to prove this world cup and could well provide us with the best football moments for the next rounds.