Thirty-two countries.

Hundreds of soccer players.

One goal-The Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup.

(And just in case it’s not clear, “football” to the rest of the world actually means “soccer.”)

The 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa is right around the corner.

In approximately two weeks, the world will witness the most important sporting event in the world.

For more than 40 years, the World cup has seen it all: unforgettable matches, great deceptions, well deserved champions and loyal fans who never stop supporting.

In exactly 16 days, 32 countries will compete to become the No. 1 national soccer team in the world.

This is a competition that nobody wants to miss. It’s a perfect occasion to cheer, cry, and suffer for your team. Fans embrace the World Cup as more of a massive celebration than a competition. The FIFA World Cup takes place every four years in different countries.

The last three World Cups were hosted as follows: Germany in 2006, Japan in 2002, and France in 1998.

The FIFA World Cup provides the opportunity to learn, interact, and unite with other cultures. The environment in the stadiums is amazing.

Regardless of the team that you are supporting, your nationality and the language that you speak, every fan is one.

The only thing that matters is your passion for the sport.

The expectations for South Africa are high. This country is ready to receive all of the national teams and according to international media, it has risen up to the challenge. The countries facilities, such as stadiums, are of great quality.

Everything is ready for the World Cup to begin: 32 countries have called their best players to delight the world with high-quality soccer. The current champion of the World Cup is Italy and while they are looking to repeat, other teams are working on their strategies to become champions.

Some of the players to keep an eye on throughout the tournament are: Lionel Messi from Argentina, Landon Donovan from the United States, Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, Kaka from Brazil, and Wayne Rooney from England.

The World Cup will last one month, from June 11 to July 11. The opening game of the FIFA tournament will be played between Mexico and South Africa.

Pablo Rodriguez can be reached at 581-7942 or