Why Everyone Should Embrace The FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa

It's almost here. The first rays of Spring sunshine beam out from behind the stubborn clouds, the ground gets drier, the grass gets greener, players and fans alike wait in anticipation for this great phenomenon to return. For the past three summers we've sat frustrated and idle, melancholic and deprived, but now the waiting is almost over. We have reached the spring of 2010. In just three short months, World Cup fever will hit the planet.

But what's this you say? The World Cup is boring? It's lost its magic? You could not be more wrong my friend, because in 2010, the World Cup promises to be an enthralling, uplifting and joyous event. Too enthusiastic? I don't think so. Let me now explain to you all why this World Cup will be incredible.

Reason 1: Spain. The European Champions are probably the best team in the world at the moment. When I say team, I mean team in the purest sense of the word. Vincente del Bosque's team has not changed significantly from the victorious team at the 2008 European Championship that was guided to glory by Luis Aragones. In every position, from one to eleven, Spain have a superb player, most are world class. Teamwork is the key to their success and the way this team creates chances and passes the ball effortlessly yet accurately around the pitch is a joy to behold. In Xavi and Iniesta they possess what is probably the best midfield pairing in world football today. Add to this the sheer brilliance of the front trio of David Silva, David Villa and Fernando Torres, Spain have arguably as good and attack as we have seen in recent times. Selecting from proven defenders such as Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique and Raul Albiol, plus world-class goalkeeper Iker Cassilas, Spain have found solidity at the back which is the mark of any great team. To think that Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso may not be first choice this summer demonstrates the endless wells of talent that Spain possess at the moment. If you want to see a great team at this summer's world cup then look no further than Spain.

Reason 2: Unpredictability. Having spoken with such enthusiasm about Spain's credentials, I hasten to add that this World Cup is wide open and could be won by any number of teams. Look at Brazil and the quality they have in their team, enhanced by the tactical prowess of Dunga, their coach and World Cup winning captain in 1994. If one man knows what it takes to win the World Cup, it's Dunga. Champions Italy will also surely be in the mix. They are an ageing side but nonetheless, a side fully capable of going all the way, and lets not forget that their World Cup winning coach,  Marcelo Lippi is back in charge, and their captain, the great Fabio Cannavaro is still there ready for one last World Cup hurrah at the age of 36. Portugal and Argentina possess arguably the two best attacking talents in the world at the present time: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi respectively. Add to these the likes of The Netherlands, France, Germany and even England. Wayne Rooney is the form player in the world right now. If he takes this form to South Africa, who's to say England can't go all the way. I would not bet against any of these sides and to be perfectly honest, I cannot pick any one team that I could say for certain will be World Champions 2010. Let the excitement begin!

Reason 3: Lionel Messi. This young man is the player of his generation. He is the player we will tell our grandchildren about in years to come. In fifty years time, people will speak about how privileged they were to have seen the magnificent Lionel Messi play. I really cannot speak highly enough of the Barcelona forward. This is an opportunity for everyone to witness the little Argentine in action. There is nobody near Messi in terms of natural ability at the moment. He truly is a different class. Anybody who has seen his performances for Barcelona over the past few seasons will know why I give him such praise. Diego Maradona has carried teams to the latter stages of the World Cup almost single-handedly before when lesser players were in the same team as him. Now Messi needs to step up to the plate and do the same. Everyone believes he has the ability, where better than the grandest stage of them all for him to shine.

Reason 4: South Africa. Not so much the national team, but rather the location of this summer's World Cup. Anyone that has never seen an African Cup of Nations match is missing out on witnessing a true spectacle of the football world. To describe it in words would not do it justice. African supporters bring with them a sea of colour and decoration and the atmosphere they create is unique. They sing and dance in their traditional way for the duration of the game and at times seem to provide a rhythm for the players (or maybe that's just my imagination!). The atmosphere promises to be electric when South Africa and the other African teams play. It is possible  that we could see the first African winners of the World Cup too. With Chelsea striker Didier Drogba spearheading the Ivory Coast attack, they look a force to be reckoned with. Write them off at your peril! Given the football fanaticism that oozes throughout the African continent, don't be surprised to see an African atmosphere at all the other games too.

Reason 5: Diego Maradona. If ever there was a reason to tune in to the World Cup, it is this man. Arguably the greatest player of all time and a man whose name goes together with the World Cup as naturally as Lennon's goes with McCartney. Now the controversial coach of Argentina, he promises to lighten up the World Cup with his passion, downright lunacy and simply by bringing his presence to our screens. After all, he is considered to be a god in Argentina. Controversy is never far from Diego, who has been serving a ban for his now infamous derogatory comments aimed at the Argentinian media after Argentina qualified for the World Cup. Experts don't rate him as a coach and most accept that he is tactically inept. But that doesn't matter. He is a legend of the game. We all love Diego Maradona.

Reason 6: The USA. What? How did they get in here? Oh yeah, did I mention that the USA have actually gotten quite good at 'sawker.' This could be the summer when the whole country finally sits up and takes notice of the beautiful game as their national team have a great chance of going far in the competition. With Bob Bradley at the helm and his son Michael the driving force in midfield, the USA have developed into a team capable of beating anyone on their day. They conquered the great Spanish side at the Confederations Cup and came agonisingly close to winning that tournament  but for the great performance form Brazil. In Landon Donavan and Clint Dempsey, the USA have great strength in attack and seem solid in all other areas of the pitch. Oh, and their first game is against England, so naturally, most of the world will be supporting the USA. Maybe this summer Americans will finally realize that sport is supposed to flow and not stopped for timeouts every four seconds! Get behind the USA!

Reason 7: Brazilian Supporters. Watch a Brazil game... note the appearance of their female supporters... I rest my case...

Reason 8: Enjoyment. Whenever a World Cup takes place, fans of different nationalities congregate in bars all over the world and watch the action whilst having a few drinks. The fun that is had in these bars is excellent and the friendly rivalries between nationalities really enhance the enjoyment of the football. During a game, in any bar there will be supporters for both sides cheering on their team. The atmosphere in bars during the summer of a World Cup is usually electric. Get yourself to your local bar and enjoy the action.

I hope I have positively influenced your opinion on the World Cup... go on... make the right decision!