Hurray, the World Cup is here!

Finally the World Cup kicks off today.  A hundred days ago, Brazil began the official countdown to the 2014 World Cup.

In a matter of hours, the stage will be set for football's most exciting festival — the Mundial — and all eyes will turn to Sao Paulo, Brazil, as the tournament that we have all been waiting for ever since the euphoria of South Africa 2010 died down. 

Brazilians are bubbling with pride as they prepare to host the rest of the world to the 'Home of Football', as they have described the return of the World Cup to their country, 64 years after they first hosted the tournament. 

It is understandable why Brazilians will be excited and thrilled to open up to the world. The country boasts a rich culture, simply popularised by the samba, and prides itself as the home of great footballers.

Not only in Brazil but also in the countries whose teams are competing, national colours in different paraphernalia will be on display, showing national pride like never before.

Fans and teams alike have great expectations and the pundits have already pencilled out the favourites, with barely no room for surprises.

Indeed, memories of South Africa 2010 are still fresh in our minds, particularly of the Black Stars' performance at that tournament, only stopped on their way to history when Luis Suarez and Uruguay denied them that glorious moment.

Interestingly, when Brazil first hosted the tournament, it was their continental rivals, Uruguay, who beat them to lift the trophy and Suarez and his men are back to relive that never-to-be forgotten tournament.

While waiting for the big kick-off this evening with the opening game between Brazil and Croatia, the countdown has not been all pleasant. 

Although the tournament was awarded to Brazil about seven years ago, their preparations have been fraught with challenges and protests. There have also been concerns over some match venues not being ready on time. 

In spite of all that, Brazil has promised the world a thrilling competition spiced with music, celebration of natural beauty and cultural diversity.

There were similar concerns during South Africa 2010 but the South Africans pulled through a brilliant competition without a hitch.

Just as the Stars shone in South Africa, Brazil 2014 must be another blue sky for the Stars to shine brightest. 

The Daily Graphic has led in the campaign to whip up interest in the World Cup and support for the Stars in particular. This is the time for us to don our national colours and fly the national flag to show our support.

Yes, the economic situation may be challenging, but that should not deter us from supporting them to excel at the tournament. We are confident that Coach Kwasi Appiah will lead his charges to go past the group stage.

Brazil 2014 promises everything — the good, the surprises and the thrills. There will be Samba, Azonto, the Tiki Taka and the tears. 

For us in Ghana, most of the matches will be played in the evenings and late night, but we are prepared to keep wake to watch and cheer our Black Stars on to victory. 

We know the soccer fiesta will once again break down the political barriers and differences, but that should not end with Brazil 2014.

Let the tournament begin and the thrills roll!