Two Years to 2010 World Cup

So here we are, a mere two years until the start of South Africa's World Cup, the 2010 championships.

The opening game will be played on June 11, 2010 at Johannesburg's 94,000-seat Soccer City Stadium.

Organizing committee chief executive Danny Jordaan told Reuters the total cost for the 10 venues is likely to go well above the budget of $1.24 billion. That's some serious change.

"Final costs of the stadiums are soaring as a result of the downturn in the world economy," said Jordaan.

"We don't know what the final impact of the economic downturn and rising fuel prices will be on our costs. It's unfortunately a moving target."

But Jordaan is confident that the first World Cup to be played in Africa will make the continent proud.

"I think what we've achieved since May 2004 gives me a level of contentment and confidence that the event will be a success." he said.

"I'm happy with how quickly we have come along and with the legacy we're going to leave for football in this country. Our stadiums will be world class."

South Africa are upgrading five existing venues and building five new stadiums for the 32-team tournament.

The budget for stadium construction and renovation has risen by over 60% from the initial estimate. Wow!

The South African team had a minor boost with a 4-1 defeat of Equatorial Guinea in the combined 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifiers over the weekend.

But the team still has some way to go if it is to be a force at the World Cup, under new Brazilian coach Joel Santana.

MY POV: I can't believe it's only two years until the start of the 2010 finals. It feels like only yesterday I started this blog in Brooklyn. Now we're only two years away and I STILL don't have a plan in place for getting there ... better get on the ball, eh?