World Cup Double

Finally, after 4 years. Today is the day. The 2010 FIFA World Cup officially started tonight, one that every football fans have been waiting for. The biggest stage of world footballl for players and fans equally. Although it was a busy week for me, I'd definitely spare a bit of time trying to catch as many matches as I could even though many of them will be played in the moning, which means I'll probably be having trouble going to my lab on the next day.

As for team I would support in this World Cup, I'd be rooting for Mala- err I mean Australia Of course it is hard for them to repeat their feat in 2006 by reaching the knockout round, as Germany (obviously), Ghana and Serbia are not easy opponents. But hopefully they could pass the group stage and pull off some Giant Killings (*cough*).

Talk about the big guns, we often see the likes of Brazil, Spain, Argentina and England being tipped as the champion. Well it really is hard to tell because there are many things happened before the tournament begin while some teams underperformed in friendly matches. A tough call between the giant teams, and who knows there might be unforeseen champion like Italy did in 2006.

Nevertheless, good luck to all participating nations.

p/s: the theme song by Shakira sucks

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That's one World Cup. So what's with the "Double" World Cup? There's another World Cup being held just as FIFA World Cup went underway - the Electronic Sports World Cup, ESWC.

info - ESWC Paris official site

The E-Sport version of World Cup, featuring gamers across various games - CS, Warcraft, Fifa, Quake, and of course, DotA. I am definitely looking forward to this tournament, arguably the most prestigeous LAN tournament (although Malaysia's annual SMM Tournament are much more happening and offer much more prize money) featuring players from all over the world. 16 teams will be taking part in the tournament, and among the list, I am looking forward to the games between the giants, especially EHOME, LGD.YS (aka AEON/Zenith) and our own Malaysian representative, MUFC (so sad that Kingsurf can't go because of sponsor issue).

Too bad that SMM 2009 Champion, LGD.Sgty will not be able to attend the tournament as they lost China qualifier to EHOME. I really think that they deserve a spot in the tournament ahead of many other invited/Qualifier champions like both Tribal. I mean, the Germans easily got 2 invites for LAN and OK without having the need to go through all the qualifier, but LGD, arguably one of the best team in the world at the moment, have to content with 2nd place in the qualifier. I know that country with qualifier will get no invites, but it just feels unfair that a team of their quality were not able to participate in such tournament. Rules are rules, eh..

Anyway, ESWC Paris Grand Final, 1 July. Looking forward to that date!