Back to Zanarkand!! (Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Preview)

   

   So, after almost 13 years, it's time for us to go back to one of the most beloved worlds in Final Fantasy history... Spira! I can barely remember where I was or when it was that I bought the tenth chapter of the great saga. But I do remember the story. I was actually very anxious to play this game because of all the hype that had been going on back then. With this being the first FF to incorporate actual voices instead of blocks with speech dialogues, not to mention the updated graphics on the PS2, this was as anticipated as FF XV is for the PS4. And considering it had to compete with the great legacy that VII, VIII and IX left behind for the franchise, there were a lot of expectations for it to meet! Let me say this... It did not disappoint!
   Fast-forward to September 2011, Square-Enix announced they would be remastering (and not remaking!) this classic title and now, after a long wait, it's finally time to get our hands on it! The graphics have been severely upgraded, but that's not all that this Remaster edition has in store for us! The soundtrack of the game has been updated as well, so that it's on par with the graphics (although some pieces, such as the memorable "To Zanarkand" have remained the same). Also for the first time in North American territories the Expert Sphere Grid has been implemented along with the Dark Aeons and Penance super hard bosses. And the features don't stop there. The extra episode "Eternal Calm" that features the events between X and X-2 plus the extra game content "Last Mission" have also been added.

    Graphically, this is a great step-up from what the PS2 was ever capable of. Tidus and Yuna's faces specifically look as if they've been done from scratch. As for the rest of the main cast, they look just as flashy. It's obvious Square-Enix put all their emphasis on the protagonists, since the rest of the people of Spira look much more "last-gen" than the main cast (that's not to say they look bad, just less noticeable). The surroundings have had an obvious upgrade as well, with things such as trees, the sand, the water or buildings looking more livelier and colorful than ever! Even Blitzball is more fun to play!
   Some people have voiced their opinion about the changes in the soundtrack. It's obvious that this was not a welcome change for all the series hardcore fanatics. But, we have to appreciate the effort that was put into the upgrade and the fact that the most memorable songs were left untouched. Perhaps the change will be better appreciated once the players actually hear the upgraded versions during their play-throughs.
   The extra content was something a lot of people were concerned about. They had asked for it ever since this Remaster was announced, considering this was something that only the EU and Eastern areas got ("Eternal Calm" and "Last Mission" didn't even make it to the EU!) and when it was finally announced that everything was to be incorporated in one disc, everyone felt a weight off their chests. The extra content has been updated as well of course.

   Recently there have been some rumors going around in regards to a possible continuation to the X saga. People have been wondering if a X-3 title could be in development. And all this is due to a 30 minute audio dramatization at the end of X-2 HD, that leaves a big plot hole. Could it be that Tidus and Yuna will be back for even more adventures after all these years? I guess that's up to Yusuke Naora, Yoshinore Kitase and the rest of the staff! (I, for one, would welcome it with open arms!)
   Regardless of that, this week all Final Fantasy fans get to visit one of the most popular settings in the saga's 27 year history! For the old fans, it will be a very pleasant trip down memory lane, with modern sound and graphics! For the new fans, it will be a glimpse on what made this franchise go from "good" to "epic". No matter what though, this is a title no one should miss (considering what it has to offer for such a low price!).

Japan-imation!

   It's been quite a while since I've been meaning to write an article about how the animated series (also known as "anime") in Japan have made their way to the west, gaining more and more followers every day. These shows are rapidly rising in popularity and my personal belief is that it won't be long until we see Hollywood make an approach towards that area (not that it hasn't already happened with "Dragonball: Evolution" and "The Last Airbender", but those attempts are better forgotten by everyone).
   The base difference between these so-called anime and anything created in Hollywood (and as such, broadly advertised and shown worldwide) is that the characters in the anime are usually forced to overcome problems larger than themselves. They are ordinary people, that are suddenly placed in a situation that is beyond their comprehension and they're forced to deal with it. And, for some odd reason, it feels realistic.
   This was a format originally used by popular manga (Japanese comic) Dragonball. A child goes on a journey and the enemies and problems he encounters on the way get stronger and more difficult, making him become stronger and wiser in the process. That particular format is used today by other manga such as Naruto, Bleach and Hunter X Hunter.
   But there are other life lessons that manga and anime speak about, without actually shoving them down our throats. Some of those are how a parent should behave towards his child, friendship, self-sacrifice, hatred, loneliness and many more. And the way these sensitive matters are addressed is very subtle, without the audience even noticing it.
   It is very obvious why the younger generation is taking a preference to manga and anime instead of Hollywood-created material. Hollywood has become stale, preachy and out of ideas. Meanwhile, manga and anime speak of real life problems that this generation can easily relate to. F.e. in the story of Naruto, the so-called protagonist spends most of his youth without his parents in a village full of people that hate him. He doesn't know why. He just has to put up with it.
   Hollywood has run out of ideas. With sequel after sequel to Marvel heroes, Disney movies and ancient Greek legends, it just seems like we've seen it all before. It came as no surprise that one of the biggest hits in the box office last year was Pacific Rim, which was heavily based on Japanese manga Neon Genesis Evangelion. People crave something different. Something more realistic.
   Naruto Shippuden, Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, Death Note, Code: Geass, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Guilty Crown, Dragonball Z, Yugioh, Fullmetal Alchemist, Sword Art Online, One Piece, Attack On Titan, are the most popular trends right now worldwide. The fact that the series are animated does not make them equal to "Spongebob", as some people might foolishly think. There are episodes that you just skip ahead because of all the brutality that's going on!
   Akira Toriyama set a very high standard when he created the Dragonball series. Now a lot of people have followed in his footsteps and the Japanese entertainment industry is flourishing. Sure, maybe they don't have awesome CGI, incredible scenery or highly paid actors to hire, but they do know how to get their message across to the viewers. And that seems to be what the viewers want.   

The chance of a meeting

   I would like to share a story with anyone who is reading this blog. A story of how I got a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet with some people that I never would have thought I would see up close and my impressions of those people.
   While in London, job hunting for a couple of weeks, I kept an eye on the calender. And that was simply because I had one thing on my mind: Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII would be released on February 14th. I wanted to keep this date open so that, if the game's company, Square Enix, were to host an event for the release in London, I could definitely go. After all, this is the franchise that I grew up with we're talking about!
   I continued to look into it until about a week before release. And on the official website of the company, it was announced that there would an event at which the game's program developer, Yuji Abe and one of the Final Fantasy legends (the producer of Final Fantasy VII, VIII, X, X-2, XIII, XIII-2, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII and X/X-2 HD), Yoshinori Kitase would attend to sign autographs and speak about the game. This event would be held at a store called GAME. that was located on the lower part of Regent Street.
   As soon as I saw this I decided I was going to go, but something troubled me. During my walks around the center of London, I had been to Regent Street (more than once) and I could not for the life of me remember any video game store called GAME.. In fact, I couldn't remember any video game store in that area at all! All there was there that was remotely interesting was a five-story toy store called "Hamley's". That's it. Everything else was clothes stors. So where did I have to go? But, as I usually do, I decided to worry about it when the time came. Besides, I had the address, what could go wrong?
   And so, the thirteenth day arrived (13/02). The event would start at one o'clock (13:00, get it?), but I left a bit early so that, if something went wrong I would still have time. It's a good thing I did too! As soon as I got to the address, I realized that there was no GAME. store there. It was just "Hamley's"! I noticed a bunch of people outside the store but I just went on my way, down Regent Street. I kept thinking I had written the address down wrong and that it was closer to Piccadilly Square than I remember (Regent Street leads to Piccadilly Square). Unfortunately, I went all the way down to Piccadilly, and then some. But no GAME. shop! So, I decided to go UP instead.
   I followed Regent Street as far as it went, until it eventually ended in front of the BBC building. Then I pulled out the tablet device I had with me and tried to find some wi-fi signal, but to no avail. My next thought was to randomly ask someone, but the people on Oxford and Regent Streets don't seem very sociable. It's like they're all late for something. Everyone's in such a hurry! It's best not to disturb them.
   As I was going up and down Regent Street I was noticing the crowd at the "Hamley's" store. There were more and more and more of them each time I went by. But I didn't pay any attention to them, thinking that they were probably there for some kids' party or something like that. In the meantime, I was getting very irritated. There I was, less than two steps away from the creators of Final Fantasy, people I've only seen on YouTube and livestreams and I couldn't get to them. I began to just give up. I asked for a sign to show me the way.
   And just as I was making my way back to the bus station, there he was. He must've been in his 25's, wearing his earphones, walking carelessly down the street. And he was admiring his Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII copy, signed by Kitase-san himself. I jumped at him like there was no tomorrow and asked him where he got it. He seemed to be frightened and told me he got it from "Hamley's". And I said that they were holding the event at a store called GAME., and that's when he replied that GAME. is in the basement of "Hamley's". If I had time on my hands, I would've felt so stupid, but I didn't. I ran to "Hamley's" and jumped to the basement.
   And there was everything. A gaming event just like the ones I usually read or write about. IGN.com taking interviews, Abe-san and Kitase-san signing copies of the game and hundreds of Final Fantasy fans! It sorta felt like I was at home between these people. I immediately got in line to purchase a copy of the game and while I was waiting, I had some very pleasant conversations about the franchise. Meanwhile, I was noticing Abe-san and Kitase-san. They were constantly smiling humbly to every single person who asked for an autograph. 
   Eventually and after some waiting in the line (which I didn't mind at all), it was my turn to meet with Abe-san and (more importantly) Kitase-san. They smiled at me, signed my copy and when I asked them to take a picture, they gracefully accepted. Even when the picture came out awful and I asked them a second time, they still had no problem, smiling at me throughout. I thanked them with the tidbits of Japanese that I speak, and then I continued to watch them from afar.
   These people are millionaires. They don't need to be at these events. Heck, they could even stop making these games and still have enough money to feed their grandchildren. Yet, they continue to strive and work and labor for this franchise. It was more than obvious while watching them: the smiles on their faces were original simply because they enjoy what they do. This is their passion. And they are thankful to us, the players, for sharing that passion. This is what happens when people actually like getting up for work in the morning.
   After that meeting, it was obvious to me that the future of the Final Fantasy franchise is in more than capable hands. People may bicker about their quality, but these people put their heart and soul into what they do. And that's why the fantasy will carry on strong!
   Arigato gozaimasu, Abe-san, Kitase-san!!

     

Through the looking glass...

   Greetings to all! How did February treat you? I suppose since it is the shortest month of the year, it's come and gone by the time we even get to realize it. On my side of things, I tried to make the best of the month. Seeking a new life, some better opportunities for myself, I ventured to England once again. Yet what I found there was nothing less than disappointment.
   From the outside looking in, a place like England (and especially London) seems ideal for a person to begin a new life. So many nice areas to live, so much youth gathered in one place, and a concentration of education, entertainment and employment, all neatly packaged in one town! Not to mention the safety you feel from the moment you first land, you feel right at home! Now, let's just see how each and every one of those myths is easily shattered.
   At first glance or from far away, one might consider England a nice place to live. Yet, the small apartments (or should I say, flats) that provide you with the bare necessities but cost you more than half of your monthly earnings is not what one would give the definition of nice. Also, the fact that you have to open your windows (if you're lucky enough to have any!) to the same grey weather almost every single day doesn't help at all. If anything, it makes your soul go grey with it.
   The younger people that have gathered in England have their own agendas. They either have their lives already planned out for them (f.e. studying at a high-profile university, acquiring their Master's degree and then moving on to a high-paying position in a firm), or they are struggling to survive (the ones that usually come from the Mediterranean or South-American regions). None of them are there to make friends or have fun. But even if someone tries to do that, the meaning of "fun" in England is going out, drinking beer and cider (seriously, people should inform the British that there are other drinks in the World!) until they are so inebriated that they become obnoxious and annoying, making everyone want to just leave. Not to mention the early closing time of local clubs and pubs.
   The educational and entertaining part of England is satisfactory. A plethora of museums that are free to access allow for a lot of fun learning. National History Museum, National Science Museum, even the National Football Museum let you learn while being a part of the process, not just blankly staring at some old ruin or canvas. The same goes for the fun part of England. Theaters, musicals, cinemas. But for all these, there's a downside. It's all incredibly expensive. For a middle-class or lower-class worker that makes about 1300 pounds p.m., a ticket to London's notorious musicals is nothing but an unreachable dream. On such a wage, one can go out for a drink once, maybe twice a month. That's it!
   On the employment front of things, one would think England is some sort of haven: a refuge for those whose homes and lives have been turned upside down from the financial crisis raging all over Europe and the South American countries. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Employers who do not take foreigners seriously, minimum wages that are barely enough to keep workers on their feet, and now a government that decided to close the borders by altering their social benefits eligibility. It seems the economical plague that has been going all around Europe finally found its way to the United Kingdom as well.
   And as for safety? Even though there are cameras all over the city, sirens are heard at any given time of day and you can even see horse-back riding police officers patrolling the streets at early hours in the morning, none of that should fool you. The violence that occurs in the streets, the gangs that pop up every now and again and the high level of inebriation is the reason why people do not walk the streets at night. This country is anything but safe!
   This place is nice on the outside. It maintains its image of a high profile, glamorous place where only the best come to rest and uses that as a reason to keep its prices sky-high. In the meantime, the people are suffering, the financial refugees that took the bait are being pushed around like slaves and the fascism levels are rapidly rising because of all the incoming foreigners. This is England!    

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Preview

    
   Welcome everyone and a very happy New Year to all! May 2014 bless us all with health, happiness and success! Moving on...
   I figured that I should do a preview on the final chapter of the Lightning saga, considering it releases in less than 30 days in both NA and EU regions. Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to get my hands on it yet, but I do know enough about it in order to do this. This is a very highly anticipated game, and is expected to do very well in sales, despite poor numbers in Japan.
   Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is the last part of the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy that began in 2010. It follows heroine Lightning, as she awakes from her self-imposed crystal stasis in which she had placed herself in order to protect the memory of her deceased younger sister Serah (a series of events that occurred in Final Fantasy XIII-2 and its downloadable episode "Requiem Of A Goddess"). Lightning awakes to a world that has been almost consumed by chaos, a dark energy that erases all time. Past, present and future become one, people cannot age or give birth. Everyone has remained the same for the past 500 years. Lightning is given a charge by the God Bhunivelze (see Fabula Nova Chrystalis) to save as many people as she can within 13 days and bring them to the "New World". After the 13 days are over, the Apocalypse will come to wipe out the rest of the remaining world (now known as Nova Chrysalia). For this reason, Lightning is branded the Savior.

   Many of the characters that were in the two previous games of the trilogy will be featured in Lightning Returns. Hope Estheim will be in the hovering world called "The Ark" above Nova Chrysalia and he will help Lightning find her footing in the world below, communicating with her via wireless link and giving her priceless information. Snow Villiers is now The Patron and protector of the city of Yusnaan and last remaining l'Cie in the world. Oerba Dia Vanille has awoken from crystal stasis and is now protected by The Order, an organization in the city of Luxerion. She has gained the ability to hear the voices of the dead. Oerba Yun Fang has also recovered and, although previously remaining with her partner Vanille in Luxerion, she has now moved to The Dead Dunes to lead a gang of bandits called Monoculus. She will assist Lightning in battle and help her on her journey. Sazh Katzroy remains hidden in some ruins of the Wildlands along with the body of his young son Dajh, but the soul of the boy has been gone ever since "that" incident 500 years ago. Noel Kreiss has been baptised as a "Shadow Hunter" and lurks the streets of Luxerion in order to protect the town from intruders and fight the Savior according to some prophecy. Caius Ballad and Paddra Nsu-Yeul remain at the ruins of Valhalla that merged with the physical world at the end of XIII-2.

   As mentioned earlier, the game's world is now called Nova Chrysalia. It is the remains of the coalition of Gran Pulse with Valhalla, the realm of the Goddess Etro. The two came together when Noel killed Etro and the power of chaos was unleashed, and since then it has been slowly eating away at the world until now. 13 days before the end, one continent of four separate locations remains. These locations are where the game will be played. 

• Luxerion. This is the city of light. The people here practice their daily lives as if nothing was wrong, despite the fact that they know that the end is near. They are mostly faithful to their God, but there are some fractions like "The Children Of Etro" that have strayed from the way of salvation. In the early morning hours people can be seen roaming the streets, but in the night monsters are crawling in the shadows.

• The Dead Dunes. Mostly desert, with an oasis in the middle and some ruins filled with treasure here and there. It is said that there are bandits in this area.

• The Wildlands. The final greenery remaining in the world. Surrounded by wild forests one can easily get lost here. There are a few villages here and there and the remains of a now ancient civilization that used to flourish in a highly advanced era.

• Yusnaan. The city of revelry. The people in this town are almost the opposite of Luxerion. They know the world is going to end, so they decide to party it out. They have their Patron in high regard, since he is the one who has been protecting the city for the last 500 years. 

   

   The gameplay is highly emphasized on the fact that you have 13 days to save the world. In the beginning of it, you start off with a clock on the top-right of your screen (appropriately named the "Doomsday Clock") which only gives you 7 days. But, with the completion of missions given to you by the people of Nova Chrysalia and the salvation of their souls, you get more time. This is done through a simple process. Whenever the clock goes 6:00 AM, wherever you are, you are drawn back to The Ark (where Hope resides). There, you get to re-stock on items, rest up and give energy to a tree called Yggdrassil. This tree in return provides you with more time to save the world, but there's a limit; it can only go up to 13 days.
   Customization offers incredible freedom of movement. Lightning battles through her "Schemata", outfits that each one has its own abilities attached to it. But, once you acquire a Schema (through shops or other means), you can take out each one of its abilities and attach them to any other one you want. Also, you can change the color of each outfit, so that they look exactly how you want them. Though Light can only use up to three schemata in battle, you can decide the abilities she uses.

   There are many other elements to the battle system. For example, Light has access to certain abilities (f.e. Curaga) but she must consume EP (Energy Points) to perform them, which means she must consume some of the world's time. Also there's a very limited amount of items she can carry with her (around 6). It increases as the level goes higher, but it's still an important aspect of battle. In general, healing is a much more complicated deal in this game than it was in any previous entry.
   With an open world to explore, a wide variety of costumes (over 80) and abilities to find and use, time breathing down your throat and a story that has left players with too much anticipation, the team behind Final Fantasy XIII may have just turned this one around at the last minute! One last time, Lightning Returns!  

The UEFA Champions League "Round Of 16" 2013/2014 edition

   I realize I did one of these last season, and then never really kept up with it (you know, in the quarter and semi finals), but I figured I had so much fun doing it that I would try it again this season. The title says it all. Let's take a look at the match-ups of the Champions League "Round of 16".

   We'll take it by date of game, and according to UEFA's official website (uefa.com), the first pair to play is actually what they call the crowd-pleaser. Manchester City is pitted against Spanish champions Barcelona. City seem to be doing rather well in the Champions League this season, and for them that's a surprise! Despite the fact that they have the talents of Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and so many others, they've never made it past the group stage. Will they be able to face tournament veterans Barcelona, who seem to be going through a transition phase, having to play without Messi for a long period of time since who-knows-when, trying to get used to Tata Martino's more offensive style of play and making room for Neymar in the squad? Things seem to be going well for Barca in the La Liga, despite a few bumps here and there.
   Next match-up is Leverkusen vs. PSG. There's really not much to say about this one. Leverkusen made it out of Group A as second, but when put up against a strong opponent like Man. United, they were thrashed (4-2 away, 0-5 at home). On the other hand, Paris quickly made it obvious that they were going to be topping Group C, winning on matchday 1 at the "Karaiskakis" 1-4 against Olympiacos. Things did get tough for them at times, but when it really came down to it, their difference in quality made all the difference. The same will be done here as well.
   Arsenal will face a tough challenge in the current European champions. Bayern Munich seem literally unstoppable yet again this season, cruising through their Champions League group, topping the Bundesliga and making it obvious that despite the change in the locker rooms, they are favorites this year as well for pretty much every title in their reach. They confirmed it recently by winning the Inter-Continental Cup. Arsenal on the other hand, are currently first at the Premier League for but a few points and have found their new leader on the pitch in the face of Mezut Ezil. Though they have slipped up from time to time, they are in good form. This should be a very good couple of games!
   Milan will have Atletico Madrid to deal with. The "rossoneri" look to be constantly plagued by problems (their next coach will be, apparently Clarence Seedorf) and they're having yet another awful season in the Serie A. Diego Simeone's side, on the other hand is becoming the pleasant surprise of the season, topping the La Liga along with Barca and storming through the Champions League group stage. They seem to be a tough group for any opponent to beat and can be capable of many things. Despite Milan's reputation, they are not the favorites in this match up.
   Zenit plays last year's runner-ups Dortmund. A lot of people claim Zenit are even lucky to have gotten this far, and they wouldn't be wrong, considering they qualified from their group with barely 6 (!) points to show and losing their last game 4-1 to Austria in Vienna. Dortmund want to have another crack at what they lost at the final minute in last season's dramatic final against their rivals Bayern. If the Russian side are to qualify, they will need to show something completely different than what they've shown so far.
   Next match-up, Olympiacos vs Man. Utd. Despite a shakey start, the Greek side performed rather well in the group stage, considering their only loss was against PSG, and that came thanks to Cavani's last minute effort. Manchester, in their first season without Sir Alex Ferguson, seem to be having domestic issues. In the Champions League they dominated their group, with 4 wins and 2 draws. They seem to be finding their form, but even if they do, considering Olympiacos's recent performances, this will be anything but easy for them.
   In a bit of a similar (David-vs-Goliath) tie, Galatasaray welcome Chelsea. Before the draw was made, Jose Mourinho stated to the press that the most fantastic thing would be for his team to draw the Turks so that Didier Drogba could return to the "Stamford Bridge" and have his standing ovation. Not a week later, the "special one"'s wish came true. As far as the teams are concerned, Galata knocked out Juventus, so it wouldn't really be the most shocking thing if Chelsea was disqualified by them as well, since the Turks have a squad that is capable of many things. Chelsea are having their ups and downs for another season, and aren't really considered strong contenders for either the Premier League or the Champions League as things stand. Still, they are the favorites in this match up.
   In the last of the "Round-Of-16" ties, Schalke will host Real Madrid. The Ruhr-river side squad has traditionally had a strong defense, with the likes of Howedes, Uchida and Papadopoulos. But however strong a defense may be, Cristiano Ronaldo has proven that he knows the way to break them down. Considering both teams' form this season, Madrid are a clear favorite.
   And that's it! Some exciting games, others with clear favorites, and of course everyone will be waiting for the upset. Who will it be? Who will qualify to the final "8"? Who will take the trophy hame? Can Bayern be the first team ever to do the repeat? Coming 2014...     

Viva la Brasil!!

   Seasons greetings everyone (yet again)! Before the year is over, I decided it was about time I dedicated some space in this blog to some of the biggest football events of the year that's just one day ahead of us. Of course, the grandest of those events is none other than the World Cup itself. Next year the FIFA WC will be held in Brazil, from June till July. Back in November all the teams that had qualified were made known and in a grand event that was held in Salvador, the draw of the group stage was made. Let's take a closer look.

   In group A, hosts Brazil welcome Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon. Luis Felipe Scolari's side will be looking to take full advantage of the crowds cheering in their favor, and they seem to have quite the adept squad in the likes of Neymar, Daniel Alves, David Luis, Thiago Silva, and so many others. The presence of both Kaka and Ronaldinho remains a mystery. Croatia made it to the World Cup by knocking out Iceland in the European play-offs after a 2-0 victory in Zagreb. Everyone will be looking to the likes of Mandzukic and Modric for leadership in this squad. Mexico qualified from the inter-continental play-offs against New Zealand (9-3 aggregate), although no one expected them to have that much trouble. They could provide a few surprises. Cameroon are a force not to be taken lightly in African and worldwide football, with the likes of Eto'o, Song and Makoun behind their efforts.
   Group B gave us the final of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Spain and the Netherlands, the winner and finalist of the previous tournament, are going to play right off the bat! And although for Vicente del Bosque's side not much has changed (still the same midfield type of play, dominated by possession football with the likes of Xavi Alonso, Xavi, Fabregas, Iniesta and Busquets), for the Dutch things appear to be even better than they were back then. With a youthful side full of talent and with Luis van Gaal guiding them, they reached the World Cup before anyone else in the European zone and thrashed their opponents while playing modern football! Along with the aforementioned two in the group are Chile and Australia. Chile made it through the South American zone as third and they have made some impressive performances in recent matches, including a 0-2 victory against England in the Wembley. A team with the fire-power of striker Alexis Sanches can do damage if underestimated. Australia qualified as second behind Japan from the Asian zone. They are currently experiencing a shift in managers since Ange Postecoglou replaced Holger Osieck, and the "Socceroos" seem to be playing with a more offensive style now.
   Group C has no clear-cut favorites. Falcao's Colombia, who made it as second from the South American zone could be said that they potentially outshine their opponents at the moment, currently dominating the FIFA rankings at 4th. But who could underestimate Greece, who qualified from the play-offs of the European zone, making it look easy against Romania. Or the always ready for an upset Japan, who qualified as first from their respective group in the Asian zone. And then again, there's always Cote d'Ivoire, who possess players like Drogba and Yaya Toure who could easily make a difference against pretty much any opponent.
   Three previous World Cup winners in group D... How's that for interesting? A relatively unpredictable Uruguay (considering they made it as fifth from the South American zone and needed the inter-continental play-offs against Jordan to qualify for the World Cup, where last time they won the third place final!), is pitted against Balotelli & co.'s Italy and never-down-for-the-count England. Joining them will be Costa Rica, with nothing to lose and plenty to go for!
   The next group might seem easy, but it's anything but! Didier Deschamps' France, after that nail-bitter of a qualifier against Ukraine, are pitted against the rising power Switzerland, who have old-fox Ottmar Hitzfeld on the bench. Also in the group is the Honduras, with Wilson Palacios's striking power and Ecuador, who have United's Antonio Valencia on their wing.
   It seems a recurring coincidence that these two teams meet. Argentina and Nigeria, after U.S.A. '94 and South Africa '10, have yet again been pitted against each other. Joining them this time are first-timers Boznia-Herzegovina, who will look to leave a good impression with the likes of Dzeko, Pjanic, Ibisevic and many others in their squad, and Carlos Queiroz's Iran.
   Looks like Cristiano Ronaldo can't catch a break. After having to knock out Ibrahimovic's Sweden almost by himself (in what was admittedly the best European knock-out qualifier), he is now forced to go up against Joachim Low's Germany. And considering they were the ones that sent Sweden to the knock-out qualifiers of the European zone, taking first place of the group from early on, it seems CR7 has his work cut out for him! Also contending for a place in the last "16" will be Jurgen Klinsmann's (former main coach of Germany) U.S.A. and Mikael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng's Ghana. In a group full of twists, since the two Boateng brothers (Germany's Jerome and Ghana's Kevin-Prince) will be forced to play against each other just like in South Africa 4 years ago.
   In the final group of the competition, the rising stars of world football Belgium will have their metal tested against the likes of Algeria, Russia and Korea Republic. All eyes will be on Eden Hazard and the rest of his teammates since they are considered, believe it or not, World Cup favorites! Yet against Arshavin, Kerzhakov, Shirokov and the rest of Capello's men, that will remain to be seen. Korea Rep. also shouldn't be put down since they possess the likes of Son Heungmin and Koo Jacheol. Algeria qualified in style from the African zone against Burkina Faso and also demand respect and attention. Their key players are Madjid Bougherra and Sofiane Feghouli.
   So, what do you think? Anxious yet? Is your country among those participating in next year's celebration? Do you think they can get far? Will there be any upsets, or will all the favorites make it? Will Brazil reclaim their throne on home soil? All that remains to be seen... Next June, in Brazil!!!