First, catch up with the crazy antics of the event’s mascot, Zakumi the leopard. Zakumi is featured in his own comic strip at www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/mascot/index.html. You can also experience Zakumi’s personality through a cartoon series co-produced by Hong Kong's Jidou Studios. Watch the series preview by clicking the “preview” button on the home page at www.jidou.com.hk.

To prepare for the event you’ll need a calendar. The most amazing calendar is available from www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html. MARCA is a Spanish daily sports newspaper that is read avidly by fans of Real Madrid. MARCA’s calendar for the World Cup allows fans to follow the event by schedule, cities and stadiums, groups and stages or national teams. Simply select from basic information located on the perimeter of the circular calendar and detailed information appears instantly in the center of the graphic — with highlighted links to additional fields of interest. For best viewing, click on the “full screen” button located in the upper left corner of the display.

Now that you’re ready for the matches, there’s still time to kill till the teams run out on the field. So play a little football yourself with EA SPORTS FIFA Online. The game is free, but you’ll need an Internet connection and a PC. Register at http://fifa-online.easports.com and compete in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa tournament mode. Maybe you’ll be the one to score the goal that lifts your nation to FIFA World Cup glory. Compete by yourself or online with friends in an authentic re-creation or a fantasy version of the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament.

If you’re looking for something to play on your phone, then join the matches on Facebook with EPIC GOAL (http://apps.facebook.com/epicgoal). EPIC GOAL brings engaging football action to Facebook users, who can form teams with their friends, train their players in various skills and lead their teams to victory in unique, first-of-its-kind match-play simulation. Further adding to the excitement of playing EPIC GOAL, users can customize their players, stadiums and team colors — and even set their international affiliations from a list of more than 100 countries, including Saudi Arabia.

The game developer, Watercooler, has incorporated advanced artificial-intelligence programming in the game that brings greater range and control to player’s movements. A point-and-click interface provides an experience unlike anything else on Facebook, resulting in thrilling action for all users, from the most frequent to the most casual player. In addition to Facebook, you can also have fun with EPIC GOAL through Fox Soccer Channel’s website (http://foxsoccer.com/epicgoal).

Eventually, your thumbs will tire. You might be all played out, but it’s tough to overcome football fever. That’s when it’s time to sit back, relax and view the content at TheFA.com. The governing body for football in England, the Football Association (FA), has posted a variety of video initiatives around the official website for England’s World Cup team, including interviews with players and highlights from previous games and tournaments. There’s an excellent film clip called, “Feeding England” in which Team Chef Tim De’Ath speaks about the players’ diet. He has to ensure that they’re fueled up and not just fed. The video just might inspire you to put the chips away and take a jog before the World Cup begins.