As I think about the World Cup finals that begin today, I can't stop myself from going back years when I was a kid and used to watch the matches with my dad and brother irrespective of the time and hour.

Bollywood actor John Abraham picks his World Cup favourite

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Bollywood actor John Abraham picks his World Cup favourite

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Since then, the whole family has been addicted to football and the World Cup. And unlike many who watch the finals from the knock-outs, we follow every game.

It feels as if it was only last year that I was in Germany for the 2006 finals and can't believe another one is about to begin.

I have tickets for the final this time around as well though I might not be able to make it due to prior shooting commitments.

The first big name player that I got a chance to see in action was the Italian Paolo Rossi in the 1982 World Cup. But Diego Maradona's skills in the 1986 World Cup got me hooked and since then I have been a huge fan of the great man.

After watching his solo run from the half against England in the quarter-finals, I started understanding that somebody could play such a high level of football.

I think the only player who can be compared with Maradona is Pele. I have seen a lot of videos of his and while Maradona was pure flamboyance, Pele was all brains on the field.

It will also be great to see Maradona near a football field once again. I will be watching the Argentina games more to see how he behaves at the touchline than how his team fares. Considering his temperament, I am certain he is going to get into a scuffle or an argument with the officials.

Among the current players, the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres are brilliant but I think Lionel Messi is light years ahead of them. You have to watch him to understand how good he is and the kind of impact he can have on a game.

Teams who have players like Messi will always be among the favourites to win though I have a feeling this World Cup is going to throw a few surprises.

Historically, you have a France or an Italy in the semi-finals but this time it might be different.

Both Spain and Holland have incredible players and though they always seem to choke on the big occasion, this could be their time to lift the trophy. Both teams have incredible depth and it would be unfortunate if they were to exit early.

England are also a side who have underachieved in the past but I think this time they have the firepower to cause a few surprises. They also have Fabio Capello as coach who has done a terrific job.

And how can one forget Brazil. Traditionally, Indians have always had a soft corner for the team in yellow and I am no different.

As much as I am rooting for Spain or Holland to win, somewhere in the heart, I also want Brazil to do well.

The World Cup has all the ingredients to make it an event to remember and the fact that it's being held on the African continent for the first time makes it even better.

It's a great shift of focus and will be a big boost for all the African nations. For all you know, this might even help a team like Ivory Coast or Cameroon or South Africa to make an impact.

Lastly, am also hoping India qualifies for a World Cup sooner than later. It would be great to see my country taking part in one of the biggest spectacles on the planet.