Nigeria's Stanley Okoro, right, plays against Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez during the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in Nigeria's capital Abuja, Nov. 15, 2009. Nigeria won 3-2. (Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters)

World Cup: Bad soccer!

The backdrop of South Africa promises to be colorful, but the footwork on the field may leave a bit to be desired.

By Mark Starr - GlobalPost Columnist
Published: November 17, 2009 12:29 ET

BOSTON — With the last six spots in World Cup 2010 up for grabs on Wednesday, organizers can return to worrying about all the daunting challenges that remain in South Africa.

Can they keep the unions happy and on the job for eight months? Will all the stadiums be finished in time? Can South Africa provide adequate security in what is essentially a 10-ring, moving circus? Will...

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