2010 FIFA World Cup Draw pits club teammates head to head ...

Team mates who play side by side will face off opposite one aqnother when nations clash in the next FIFA World Cup. The earth will stand still in 2010 South Africa - and the recent draw (3 1/2 hours on ESPN) decided the group lots from which countries will compete.

The most notible of course was the former colony - The United States being drawn in Goup C with England. This means the once disagreeable (see The Beckham Experiment) and then befriended Los Angeles club mates - David Beckham and Landon Donovan - runners up in MLS Cup 2009, will be trying to cancel out each other when their countries meet on June 12.

But they are not the only club member who will change allegience during the summer of 2010. Real Madrid's two multi-million dollar signings - Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka' are drawn in Group D with Brazil and Portugal respectively. Not to be dismissed is Ivory Coast - whose duo of Micheal Essien and Didier Drogba will ace both of the above in Group D.

Drogba may arguably be the hottest striker in the English Premier League right now. Previously that title was credited to Ronaldo, who was with Manchester United last season.

This by far, is just the first view of what should be, a powerhouse tournament.

FUTERA ... Out of This World cards

Last posting I featured a great new set from ITG of Canada. This time it is even better ...
Futera cards of the UK (near England for the geographically challenged) have just released their 9th annual series of World Football cards. The company began in the late 1990's with club sets that included Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Celtic.

The release began some of the most coveted sports collectables in recent years with their 1/1 autograph cards. (that means only one card like this exists in the entire world) Now if you follow baseball, hockey or basketball there might be a few million of you. However, since soccer - football is world wide - the hunt for these treasures is massive for the billions who love this game.

For Americans it's special as the cards depict players usually with national team jerseys - only an exclusive few make these limited sets. Two to three Yanks have been included with sets in the past few years. Recent sets have included Landon Donovan, Kasey Keller and current # 1 goalkeeper - Tim Howard (above).

Some of the more interesting memorabilia cards have been produced by Futera. For the collectors who are weary of jersey cards that come from photo shoots or practice gear - rest assured, these cards tell you exactly from which team / season the jersey originates. The back of the above card of superstar "Ronaldinho" lets you know the swatch comes from his rookie season with Paris St. Germain.

The newest twist on card collecting comes from what is on the back of these cards. Futera has developed online gaming for card collectors. Entering the digital numbers on the reverse of the cards, collectors add to their fantasy teams over the internet. Periodic winners get exclusive cards made by Futera and other prizes.

There are chase cards that feature current HEROES ... (like England / Chelsea Captain - John Terry and Holland / Arsenal gunner Robin Van Persie above).

The old boys are not to be outdone as the most sought after chase cards are the LEGENDS which show all-time greats like two former New York Cosmos - Pele' and Franz Beckenbauer.

So all around the world - at shops or online, from the Brazil's Greatest (Pele') to the Newest ( teenager - "Pato" at top), this set has it all. Made for the collectors and the gamers and the fans of the sport - 2009 FUTERA is out of this world.

Warning - this is a high end product - not for the faint hearted of finance. The HEROES card have a brisk selling price of $15 - 20 on the secondary market, while the LEGENDS can demand from $50 to $300.

The 1/1 cards that make it to the second hand auctions range from $100 to $500 for "average" players. Superstar 1/1 autographs (if anyone would give them up) would fetch well into the thousands of dollars price range - AC Milan's Gattuso bringing $450 last week on ebay.