I am writing this from the terraced bar area of the quirky Bristol Hotel in the little Amalfi Coast town of Vietri. We left Sicily two days early and powered halfway up the Italian boot yesterday. Now, we’re back to overlooking the sea … near the end of our Italian vacation.

In a few minutes, I hope to settle back in one of the big, overstuffed chairs here at the end of the otherwise empty bar … and watch Mexico and South Africa kick off the 2010 World Cup. And I’m already tired of the vuvuzelas.

Since July 22 of last year, I’ve been blogging twice a day. At least. This blog, which I consider my “main” blog … and my World Cup countdown blog.

After 325 days and 341 entries, I have my final entry over at countdownsa-2010.blogspot.com dedicated to the knockout phase of the World Cup. Right up to the finals. (I hate to be coy, but if you want to see my pick for champion … you have to follow the link.)

In those 341 posts, I’ve done a lot about international soccer, but I also did many items about South African society, FIFA, soccer history … well, lots and lots of stuff. One or more a day for nearly 11 months … makes for a lot of information and opinion.

Want to see my predictions for every match in the tournament?

Go here for results from groups A and B.

Go here for results from groups C and D.

Go here for results from groups E and F.

And go here for results from groups G and H.

Lots of information, on the countdown blog. Including temperature in Johannesburg as the first match nears: Only 57 degrees! Hmm. The Europeans should feel at home in that kind of weather.

I didn’t really decide how this all would turn out till the end. One continent does not do as well as many thought it might. Also included is a surprise semifinalist but three Usual Suspects.

I can hint at this much: Diego “El Jefe Loco” Maradona will not be kissing a trophy when this all ends, come July 11.

About to fire off a “good luck” message to Landon Donovan … and then let the games begin!