FIFA World Cup 2010 Fever Has Started to Spread

FIFA 2010 World Cup will be the 19th FIFA World Cup. This will take place in South Africa and is scheduled for June 2010(June 11th until July 11th). Between August 2007 and November 2009, qualifying rounds are being organized on every continent to select the participating teams. As confirmed by FIFA, the total prize money on offer is $420 million, a 60% more from the 2006 tournament.

There are total 32 spots available, out of which one spot is reserved for the host nation. All the 32 teams have been finalized including the hosts. Five Asian and Oceania teams, Thirteen European nations and 8 qualifiers for the American continent will participate in the tournament. South Africa being the host qualifies automatically along with 5 other African nations. There have been recent changes in the qualifying system. As per the new changes, Australia has been moved to the Asian qualifying group while New Zealand faces the sixth team from Africa for a berth in World Cup 2010.

A round-robin stage kicks off the competition. This consists of 8 groups with 4 teams in each group. The best 2 teams from every group advances to the final knockout rounds, the knockout round comprise of elimination games. The tournament will last for 4 weeks and 64 exciting games will feature in the tournament.

The result of the FIFA World Cup every year upsets few and surprises many. In the last World Cup, Brazil and Argentina had disappointing performances; this will keep them under a lot of pressure of performing well. In the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Brazilian players faced a lot of criticism at Home as they were eliminated by France in the quarterfinals.England, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Netherlands along with the defending champions Italy can be considered as contenders for the championship.

After winning the Euro 2008 title, Spain team around Fernando Torres and Xavi are coming with a huge confidence. South Africa is hoping to play brilliantly at their home but a group-stage knockout might become a big surprise.

The preparations of the World Cup are going on full swing these days. All necessary arrangements are being made and inspected to make this event a great one. The Local Organizing Committee and operational experts from FIFA have completed a tour of South Africa recently to see the arrangements. A few initial problems were reported, however it has been all taken care off.

If you plan to travel to South Africa for this great and historic event - The FIFA World Cup, there are plenty of other things you can count on. A Swim with penguins on the Cape Peninsula, Ride on an Ostrich would be perfect to make it a wonderful trip. And this doesn't end your soccer trip. A walk at the Garden Route makes it a memorable one. A visit to Devil's park in Cape Town, St. Lucia's Nature Reserves and Durban's Drakensberg will make it a perfect outing for you. Overall 2010 World Cup Trip to South Africa would be one to be cherished for the entire life.