The World Cup and Racism

The World Cup in South Africa will highlight the history of racism and the legacy of apartheid in South Africa. In many ways, the tournament is an indication of how far South Africa has developed since its apartheid days. At the same time, racial tensions still remain high both politically and economically and a lot of work still remains. Even though apartheid has been formally abolished, it seems that South Africa is still somewhat segregated along racial lines. For example, soccer is followed primarily by black South Africans whereas the white South Africans prefer cricket or rugby. It is possible that hosting the tournament and the inevitable nationalist frenzy will bring South Africans closer together as they continue their reconciliation efforts.

In addition to soccer and the games, The World Cup will be a "teachable moment" about how South Africa is continuing to work through its apartheid legacy and therefore address the broader issue of soccer and race. Racism continues to be a significant problem in soccer especially in Europe. A number of African players, such as Cameroon's mercurial Samuel Eto'o have often complained about the racist slurs they hear from the terraces and on the field. Furthermore, Eto'o maintains that black players are treated differently by the clubs than their white counterparts. Eto'o stated in a recent newspaper interview, however, that he believed that the World Cup, especially if the African teams do well, will have a positive impact to battle racism in the sport. Though I fear that racism, especially on the European continent, is more pervasive and entrenched, I do hope that Eto'o optimism prevails and that one outcome of this summer's tournament is more awareness of the history of racism and a commitment to work towards a more tolerant environment in soccer.

Sleepers and nightmares

Who are the sleepers in the tournament? Which teams will have a nightmare of a tournament?

In the sleeper category, I think Mexico, Serbia and Chile will be pleasant surprises. Conversely, Portugal, Germany, and Italy will disappoint.

In World Cup history, Germany and Italy have always done well even though they have not always had the best team. Somehow they have found ways to win even when not playing well. In both Germany and Italy there seems to be a culture of success so that when the team advances into the later stages of the tournament and the pressure starts to build, these teams have always responded positively and embraced the challenges. This year, I am doubtful, however, that Germany and Italy will repeat their historic success. First of all, they are not playing in Europe where these teams have had most of their victories. Second, the Italian team is one of the oldest teams in the tournament and I am not sure if playing in the high altitudes of South Africa will help them. Third, the German team will miss Michael Ballack´s leadership and energy. Other key players such as Rene Adler and Heiko Westermann are also hurt. Even the legendary Franz Beckenbauer does not think that Germany will advance late into the tournament. So 2010 will not be the year that the World Cup trophy returns to Italy or Germany.

Portugal is in an impossible group (Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea). It will lose to Brazil and their game with the Ivory Coast will be tight. But I think that the Ivory Coasters will prevail. The Ivory Coast has a very talented team that is experienced. Its members play at some of the best teams in Europe. So I doubt that Portugal will make it into the round of 16.

Geopolitics

What are some of the interesting underlying geopolitical questions that may influence the soccer at the World Cup?

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.

Chelsea Curse?

Are Chelsea players cursed for this World Cup? So far this spring and summer, a surprising number of current and former Chelsea players have been injured that will either eliminate their chances of playing in the Cup or shorten their play considerably.

Germany's Michael Ballack, Ghana's Michael Essien, and Nigeria's John Obi Mikel have all been ruled out of the Cup due to injuries. Didier Drogba recently broke a bone near his elbow and the former Chelsea player Arjen Robben may have pulled his hamstring in a recent friendly. It looks though that both Drogba and Robben will play some games in the tournament but they may not start the first game.

Are Terry, Anelka, Lampard, Ashley Cole, Carvalho, and Kalou next?

Nay sayers

It has been amazing to see how much negative press the South Africans have received leading up the World Cup. First, the media emphasized that they would not have their stadiums ready in time. Then they talked about the roads and airports not being able to sustain all this traffic. Finally, there is the endless stories about crime.

On the first two accounts, South Africa has proved its naysayers wrong. The stadiums are all ready and look fabulous, especially Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Other infrastructure improvements have been on time. The big wild card is of course crime. I am sure, however, that the South African government has taken the necessary steps to minimize that problem. Crime is a major problem in South Africa. We will probably continue to hear a lot of crime-related stories and these incidents will be sensationalized. The overwhelming visitors to South Africa will have a great time and not experience any crime. But the media is waiting and ready to pounce on any incident to perpetuate the notion of a crime infested South Africa.

But to what extent is racism a factor in this media portrayal? We did not hear anything about Australia not being ready for the Sydney Olympics or that the Germans would not be able to pull of the 2006 World Cup. However, when the Olympics were held in Greece, everyone was predicting that it would be a fiasco and nothing would be on time. I am confident that the World Cup in South Africa will be a fantastic event and will go as smooth as any such big event.

Two weeks to go!

We have now secured our tickets for the world cup. Benni and I will see five games:

1) England - Algeria

2) Holland - Cameroon

3) Portugal - North Korea

4) Round of Sixteen: 1A vs. 2B

5) Round of Sixteen: 1H vs. 2G

I predict that in game 4 we will see Mexico vs Greece (thought it theoretically could be France vs. Argentina) and game 5 will feature Spain vs Ivory Coast.

I do predict that Spain will play The Netherlands for the final game and that the Spaniards will prevail and become world champions for the first time.

Got airline tickets!

After considerable research, I finally found a reasonable way to get to Cape Town. We'll be flying with Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Now that more nations are qualifying for the World Cup (e.g. England), we wanted to secure our spot on a plane before the deluge. 

We have also been able to secure a nice house to rent for the duration of the World Cup. We were lucky that a friend had visited South Africa a few years earlier and was able to recommend a very nice couple who rent out apartments in Camps Bay. 

So all we have to do now is wait for December and know which teams are playing in what games. 

Only nine months to go!