By Jay Kitchen

Staff Writer

The King of Soccer is out, the South America team that is still alive is a surprise and two nations that should have won a World Cup by now are still around as the last week of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa concludes this weekend.

African teams got off to a strong start in the opening rounds of this version of the World Cup, bringing hope that the continent could put at least two teams deep in the tournament, but Ghana fell in the second round, but still  making them the most successful  team from the African continent. But now after the quarterfinal matches were concluded, the last four entries keep the status quo in the semifinals round as European teams and South American squads once again dominate the last remaining teams.

Teams from Spain and Germany are no surprise in making the semi-finals. Spain was the second-ranked team at the World Cup and Germany is also seeded high and has had little trouble in their path to this week’s game as the Germans have put up impressive goal after goal.

Holland now has more clout since they beat Brazil last week to advance 2-1 last week. Early considered to have an outstanding chance to be a finalist, King Brazil goes home early. Not too happy with the result, the Brazilian soccer federation fired head coach Dunga shortly after he returned back to his nation.

Many expected Brazil and Argentina, both with impressive records, to go far in South Africa. But instead the two leading South American teams are done, Brazil losing to Holland. Uruguay is now the new hope for South America. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, believed to be the best player currently in the world, did not score a goal in the tournament, adding to Argentina’s woes and exit.

Diminutive when it comes to population compared to the two South American powers, the Uruguayan team hopes that it can walk away with another World Cup trophy. The nation won the first two tournaments in 1930 and 1934. Diego Forlan will lead underdog Uruguay.

Since Spain won the European championship two years ago, a competition that many believe is even more completive than the World Cup, the Spaniards have been favored to win the World Cup this year for their first time ever. Spain is looking for Fernando Torres and David Villa to step up.

There were few who would have picked neither Brazil nor Argentina to be in the final four, but it did happen, just one of many surprises this tournament. Some picked England to be there, but Wayne Rooney and company looked bad against Germany, losing 4-0 while playing poorly. The same with Portugal who arguably have the best player in the World with Ronaldo, as his nation went down against Spain, 1-0. Southern California and its thousands of Mexico fans were also disappointed when Mexico fell to Argentina 3-1 to bow out in the second round.

Then there was the USA in 2010. From the outside to casual viewers the late heart-pounding comebacks by the U.S. were like Rocky coming back late against Apollo Creed. But true soccer fans knew the antics had to end some time in the tournament with a disappointing ending

After having luck against England and Slovakia, the tables were turned as Ghana gave the USA a taste of their own medicine, scoring in extra-time and eliminating America in somewhat of a surprise to some who picked America to go further.

Redlands’ Landon Donavan played well for America. Overall the team played well. But a few costly mistakes did the team in. The goal that they gave away late against Ghana was the biggest as they got beaten/embarrassed via a defensive lap that put them out.

Considered one of the best teams the USA has ever fielded, real soccer people know it was a disappointment. They did not get over the hump, while doing it in an exciting way along the way. A spectacular failure for the USA? Maybe.

Now in the latest stages of the tournament, South Africa has continued to show that it was worthy of hosting the World Cup.

Stereotypes of Africa (Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh my) have seemed to dwindle away. The stadiums, especially Soccer City, are unique and reflective of a continent with different traditions and cultures. The debate over the horns at the stadiums has gone away as it has become more accepted as the World Cup’s culture than a nuisance.

The German chancellor praised the South African organizers, saying that South Africa “should be proud” of their tournament.” European teams supposedly used to have the best facilities and stadiums in the world, but this tournament could challenge that. So far there have not been any major complaints about the stadiums or training stations dotted all over the country.

Then there is the game ball. The Jabulani, as it is called, was quite a debate from the beginning. Supposedly it was too light and unpredictable when struck. But complaints of the ball and talk of the ball have slowly been muttered to somewhat of a whisper. To be fair, the teams had a chance weeks before the tournament started to get used to it. The ball caused the most trouble for the goalies, but now everyone seems to have adapted to it, like it or not.

Now, the final on Sunday will be the most watched event of the year, and at the same time the crowning achievement of what many thought would never happen.