1) PIGS in straits
What effect will the economic turmoil in Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain (PIGS) have on their play? Will the economic situation make these teams even more determined or will the crisis back home be a distraction?
2) North Korea Out of the Closet?
The tensions in the Korean peninsula will only be magnified when both North and South Korea play. Will success or failure on the soccer field lead either country to contemplate moves in the military arena? Will success lead to nationalistic fervor that might compel the authorities to act?
3) British Coalition - winning concept?
The new Conservative-Liberal Democratic government is unusual in the British context because coalition governments are fairly rare in that country. Now the British politicians have to "play together" and make painful compromises in order for the coalition to survive. Will this team concept translate into success on the soccer field? Will Gerrard and Lampard be able to form a valuable midfield coalition? If the British team does enjoy a good run in the Cup, will that make it easier for the coalition government to make painful, yet necessary, cuts in government services and expenditures?
4) Africa on the rise
Having the world's biggest tournament held on the African continent will signal that Africa is open for business.
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