Get your Kit on

The shirts are packed, the boots are polished and we're well hydrated. Nothing much else to do now but board that plane bound for Johannesburg.

If it hadn't previously sunk in, it has now. Messages coming out of South Africa by the entourage who have already arrived suggest that the continent is well gripped by World Cup fever. As you can probably imagine I cannot wait to get there and begin to experience it first hand. Just over five hours now till departure as I write from a cold and wet Melbourne overcome with nervous energy.. Have I forgotten to pack something? Will I arrive at the Airport in time? Just things that really one shouldn't stress too much about but I tend to regardless.

My fourth World Cup experience will take in a new continent and one of the last frontiers that FIFA had yet to conquer, Africa. The 'Rainbow Nation', as it is affectionately known will have the eyes of the entire Earth staring directly at it for a month as it hosts the 2010 World Cup. I am looking to enjoy the cultural experience as much as I am the Football. Just like Japan/Korea in 2002, this World Cup gives visitors the chance to sample a culture and its people that they may have never encountered otherwise ; But thats what Football does, it brings people together and has an uncanny habit of being able to broaden ones perspective on many levels.

South Africa itself is located at the most Southern tip of the African continent. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and by the Indian Ocean on the south and east. It is a country that I know very little about aside from what we've learnt about Apartheid, Mandela, and its re-enetering into the Commonwealth. I hope to explore this uncovered gem in more detail and find explanation into its many complexities. I want to speak to many locals and hear their stories. I want to see the natural beauty of the continent and its wild inhabitants.

However, for every great thing you read about South Africa its mirrored with stories about disease and bloodshed. The economic boost that the World Cup will bring will hopefully be used in tackling things that continue to plague the country. We continually hear of the great divide between the middle class and the poor, the high crime rate and the HIV epidemic. The legacies that the World Cup leaves behind will be scrutinised just like the performances by the players.

One player who wont be taking part in the Tournament is Australian goalkeeper, Brad Jones. Brad pulled out of the squad two days ago after having learnt that his 4 year old son has been diagnosed with Cancer. As much as we love Football and the joy and agony it brings with it, its something like this that puts it all into perspective. Best wishes to Brad Jones and his family through his terrible time. He can rest assured that the Australian supporters will spare a thought for him during the tournament and the boys on the park do him proud.

So who will win?... The wait is almost over and a ball will soon be kicked as the show gets under way. Those many months since the draw have thrown up a few questions and much speculation about how the month will pan out. Can Capello's England go all the way? Will Italy defend their Crown? Can Maradona steer his unpredictable ship toward Johannesburg and the final? Are Spain really as good as the form guide suggests, or will Brazil just simply turn it on when it matters and sweep all aside? Questions which have been talked about and fiercely debated since the draw last December. If its not Australia or Italy then I would love either Argentina or a African nation to take the honors. Argentina you ask? Well, having been a fan of Diego Maradona since a young age I would love to see him win the tournament as both a Manager and player, having accomplished the latter in 1986. History suggests that the winner will come from one of the traditional Football powers but never before has a World Cup tournament been so evenly poised before its kick off.

The shirt is on and my boot laces are tied. Lets play!