By Jocelyn Cazares
Editor
The FIFA World Cup kicks off in less than two weeks and the anticipation and excitement for the World Cup is at its highest.
As qualifiers take advantage of this last month of preparation, teams are scrambling to prove themselves as competitors for the world cup title with last-minute scrimmages. Penalties are now getting an unusually high priority in training and after a four-year wait, many devout soccer fans are hoping to see their favorite national team crowned the best.
This year, the World Cup will take place in South Africa. This is Africa’s first time hosting the prestigious cup and it should be an incredible event, with some of the best players ever to play the game in the form of their lives.
Amat soccer fans are anticipating the commencement of the World Cup, speculating which teams will fall apart, which teams will surprise and which team will come out victorious.
And despite having their favorite national teams in the World Cup, many Amat fans are being realistic in their expectations of what soccer team will win the coveted title.
“I really like France,” said senior Yogas Bogale. “They are my favorite national soccer team right now, plus, they have my favorite soccer player right now, Thierry Henry. But I don’t think they will win, they will probably make it the semis.”
He and senior Jesus Gonzalez said they think Spain will win the Cup.
“They are really young and skilled,” Gonzalez said. “And they have gained new young talents, such as Jesus Navas, Juan Mata and Pedro Rodriguez that are eager to prove themselves in South Africa.”
Counselor Mr. Gabriel Escovar said he’s always rooting for the U.S. team, but thinks their chances are slim.
“I hope the USA team does well because I was born here in California,” Mr. Escovar said.
“When the World Cup was held in Los Angeles in 1994, I attended the US vs. Columbia game at the Rose Bowl. It was so much fun, but I didn’t become a true fan of international futbol until just recently.”
He too thinks Spain will come out with the Cup.
“I know about a lot of the players from Spain because I watch La Liga on television and they are really good,” said Mr. Escovar.
“La Liga” is the national Spanish league.
And it’s not surprising that Amat fans have pegged Spain as the sure-win for the World Cup. A team filled with the arguably most world class talent, a spotless qualification record and their coronation as the European champions.
However, there are teams such as Argentina and the always impressive Brazil. Both are considered top competitors for the cup.
“I think it will be between Argentina and Brazil,” said senior Chris Mancilla. “Argentina is a powerhouse and they have a solid defense and good attack. Plus, they have Messi. And well Brazil, they have always been naturally talented and good.”
But he’s rooting for his favorite team, Mexico.
“However they haven’t proven themselves at a high enough level yet to be competitive with these teams,” he said.
Mancilla won’t have to wait too long to see Mexico play since they kick-off the tournament.
However, despite the difference in favorite teams and opinions as to who would win, everyone conceded one thing—complete excitement for the four-year wait to be over.
“I am really excited,” said Gonzalez. “There has been a lot of commercials and advertisements for this cup, they have hyped me up. I plan to watch all the games I can.”
Predictions?
The 2010 FIFA World Cup will officially commence with the first game on June 6 between the Mexican team and the South African team.
“It will be an intense game. The host team traditionally always wins their first match. It just always happens, but I think Mexico is a better team,” Mancilla said. “It will be interesting to see if this tradition for the host team ends.”
Mr. Escovar also expects big things when the tournament starts.
“I’m anticipating the first two big games, both Mexico vs. South Africa and USA vs. England. I bet that both of those matches will be fantastic,” he said. “My heart hopes that Mexico has a good showing, but I’m worried about the opening match because people always say that the host nation has some magic behind them and the home crowd advantage. But I’ll be rooting for Mexico.”
