The four-year wait is over. The debates may continue, though. Hosts South Africa kick off the World Cup against Mexico today. France and Uruguay, former champions both, battle it out later in the evening. Without the artistry of Zinedine Zidane, even French fans know, it will be impossible for France to reach the quarterfinals.

But if eternal favorites Brazil fail, their fans will forever think, what if their coach Dunga had been a bit more practical. What if he was a believer in joga bonito (the beautiful game)? What if he had picked Ronaldinho the brillante? Things, however, would be different if Kaka outshines his Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo in Brazil's game against Portugal and leads his team to World Cup glory in the end.

Things would be different, too, if the Maradona-Messi magic casts a spell in South Africa and they fly back home to Argentina with their third Cup. Or, if England win their second. Or, the Netherlands lift their first. Or, Fernando Torres, David Villa, the Xavis and Cesc Fabregas strike gold for Spain.