I have been following all things soccer for years. I know many, many players, their club and country form, I've studied the world cup groups, the schedule, the roster shifts in and out with injury, the final warm up games, the ball everyone--not just the keepers--are complaining about, the altitude of South Africa, the weather, the pitch, the stadiums, the vuvuzelas, the hopes of a continent for just a little of the world's attention (and maybe some care too please?), the crowds, the fans, the player's nerves under pressure, the possible breakout stars, the veterans that will have one more great tournament, and I am ready.

The world cup starts (right now) in three days, twenty six minutes. Even such a small amount of time, after waiting for four years, feels insurmountable; I can barely believe it is about to start.

Predictions: these are difficult and this world cup seems especially hard to read. All world cups are unpredictable (besides the unfortunate exceptions: Germany and Italy, always dull, sometimes evil, and always going far. Welcome to my biases), but there are so many possibilities, intangibles, oddities, that it is especially hard.

Until Drogba went out with a broken arm (though he hasn't withdrawn from the tournament and is in camp. Will he play with a broken arm?), I was picking Ivory Coast. But without Drogba, without a 100% Drogba, I'm not so sure.

Spain is a pretty great bet. With half the team being Barcelona, plus Torres who is an amazingly deadly striker, not to mention Villa, what's not to like. They need to play like Barca, attack with confidence, but it is Spain and even with great promise they find ways to lose. I think this time around might be the exception.

Brazil is a Ronaldinho away from a perfect team. Maybe not, but I would have brought him. There will be a point during the tournament where Brazil will be stuck (what if the barely fit Kaka, doesn't work out? Ask Real Madrid about that.) and they will need some genius even if it is cloudy, somewhat lazy, and possibly disruptive. But, Brazil is very solid, in un-Brazil like ways: keeper, defense, with more tough defensive midfielders than playmakers. Still, it's Brazil. They'll win games.

Other than that, much luck will be needed for the second tier: England, Argentina (if Messi can figure out how to get around his Maradona complex, watch out), Netherlands, Germany (ugh), Italy (ugh).

Or, something very surprising will happen, which wouldn't surprise me. A few more days and we'll start finding out.

Mostly, this blog will be short reflections (comments open, what are your predictions?) and my local (Dover, NH) viewing schedule. All are welcome to come over (but let me know).

And now, we wait.