By John Plevyak

Following four years of qualifying, speculation, controversy and anticipation, the 2010 World Cup is finally upon us. From the opening match between host South Africa and Mexico, through the much-anticipated June 12 matchup between the U.S. and England, the games and excitement have begun.

What will take place over the next month is anybody's guess. This year's final seems to be as open as any before in the 80-year history of the World Cup.

From the countless number of injuries to high-profile players, to the controversy of the "Jabulani" ball from Adidas (rumor has it Jabulani is Zulu for "beach whiffle ball"), this tournament will be most noted for the surprises awaiting the expectant soccer fan. While the hope is there are no officiating controversies (fat chance!), no phantom "diving" fouls (especially from the defending opera queens, Italy) and certainly no political or terrorist upheaval, the fact remains there may be a little of everything in this World Cup.

Some of Baltimore's soccer aficionados and talent have contributed various opinions, thoughts, comments and predictions. While their opinions varied on the outcome, all were in unanimous agreement that the most difficult task will be enduring the horrendous sound of the vuvuzelas as they try to enjoy the broadcasts.

Kevin Healey
General manager, Baltimore Blast
Soccer background: Calvert Hall High School, Loyola College, Baltimore Blast
USA Outlook: "I believe the USA has an excellent opportunity to advance out of their group. Once they get out of their group, the pressure will be off and they may advance to the quarterfinals."
Predictions: England 2 USA 1; USA 2 Slovenia 1; USA 2 Algeria 0
Final Four: Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, Spain
Champion: Spain
Cinderella: Ghana
Where he will view the games: WNST event, Towson; Gunpowder Lodge; home
Final thoughts: "I hope the USA defense plays well in front of Tim Howard."

Jim Furletti
Senior vice president, RW Baird
Soccer background: Mount St. Joseph, Towson
USA Outlook: "Our group is tougher than people think but a tie with England will go a long way in helping us advance. … I am cautiously optimistic we will advance to the final 16."
Predictions: England 1 USA 1; Slovenia 1 USA 0; USA 2 Algeria 0
Final Four: Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy
Champion: Argentina
Cinderella: Mexico
Where he will view games: GL Shacks in Catonsville
Final thoughts: "Hopefully, this will be the World Cup that gets the casual U.S. sports fan to finally embrace soccer as a major sport. The whole world gets it, why not us?"

Bruce Kane
Bartender, Emerald Tavern
Soccer background: coached for a decade in the Rosedale recreation program, one of the five original owners of the FreeState Indoor Soccer Facility in White Marsh.
USA outlook: "I'm afraid it will be disappointing, for we just may not be ready with this side to compete at such a high level of intensity for 3-7 games."
Predictions: England 3 USA 1; USA 1 Slovenia 0; USA 2 Algeria 0
Final Four: Argentina, Netherlands, Germany, Italy
Champion: Netherlands
Cinderella: Nigeria
Where he will view the games: The Tiki Bar on 142nd St. in Ocean City, at work
Final thoughts: "I really want the USA to go as far as possible. I'm afraid if they fall flat, it will continue the negative feelings about soccer in this country when it comes to the American sports fan."

Sarah Femec
Territory manager, Lotto Team Sports
Soccer background: high school in Victor, N.Y., holds New York "D" coaches license
USA outlook: "I think we can make it out of pool play, but we will need a strong defense to advance beyond that."
Predictions: USA 2 England 1; USA 3 Slovenia 0; USA 1 Algeria 1
Final Four: Italy, Brazil, England, Argentina
Champion: Brazil
Cinderella: France
Where she will view the games: The Greene Turtle in Towson
Final thoughts: "Obviously, we need to have the USA show well, but my main concern is the safety of the venues. … I really hope there are no terrorist/political incidents that mar the games."

Leon Mach
Tugboat operator, Moran Towing
Soccer background: St. Elizabeth's, Mount St. Joseph, University of Baltimore, assistant coach at then-Western Maryland College (now McDaniel), inducted in class of 2010 Maryland Soccer Hall of Fame
USA outlook: "I am hoping for a tie in the England game. … If that happens, we have a great chance to move on to the next round and then anything can happen in one game."
Predictions: England 1 USA 1; USA 2 Slovenia 1; USA 2 Algeria 0
Final Four: Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, Argentina
Champion: Brazil
Cinderella: Greece
Where he will be viewing games: Harry's American Bar in Canton, Hightopps in Timonium
Final thoughts: "This is a wide-open final and as many as eight sides have a chance to take home the Cup. … In the end, good defense and luck will prevail."

Issue 150: June 2010