4 years of cold turkey are cover. The biggest sport event of the world is about to take off. The LA Times titled last Sunday already: “Party on Klaus!”. Usually they don’t talk to me the directly;-)

Our blog countdown of videos to warm up is over. All I need now is a few stretches and then sit in front of the TV. Am I excited? You bet.

Everybody keeps asking me who I root for and who is my favorite. As a German I obviously have a little thing for my own team. But I think it is most important for Germany to be a good host. And a good host does leave something for the guests to take home as well.

Brazil must be considered the top favorite. No other team can hande the constant pressure and media attention like their seasoned stars. But it will be better for the sport if this time they won’t win. Sorry Ronaldinho!

Just on paper Argentina looks very strong to me and they are my top favorite. They’ve got a great mix between physical power and technical ability.

Italy, France, England and Holland are always in the mix. Spain would be a nice surprise. They haven’t won anything with their national team but it would be a very nice surprise to see Raul and his fellows to show us some more of their art.

Portugal is another team to watch, if their players aren’t too busy with their illegally burnded DVD’s. Their coach used to coach Brazil four years ago. So he knows how to win.

Personally, I like the little guys. South Korea had an amazing run 4 years ago. I still remember Cameroon in the days of Roger Miller. I think it would be really cool to see a team like Australia or Trinidad & Tobago to make some waves. A country where soccer is not taken that serious. It would bring some easiness back to the sport.

I am always impressed with how self confident so many teams arrive at the World Cup. Being a bit more humble has never hurt in my eyes.

Lets hope for a lot of goals, fair games and lots of Budweisers, Kias, McDonalds burgers and Cokes to be sold.