Arkitip points us at one of the best footie collectors set we have seen in some time – adidas Historical World Cup Soccer Ball Set of 10. Every FIFA World Cup official match ball from 1970 to 2006 (2010 is indeed missing) is presented with balls holders featuring the dates of the Cups. As well each ball is made again to their original and exact manufacturing builds. I would love this on my mantle.

We can sit here and argue our favorites but I am pretty sure the majority of readers will point to the Mexico 1986, Tango Azteca as the ball that sticks the strongest in their youth memory. It is hands down the best pattern, best looking kicker (the og ‘78 is great as well).

Amazon is selling the set for just under 650$US.

Following up on our original post showcasing the Happy Socks, Wong Wong collaborative effort to get national fans outfitted into the proper socks for the tournament, the duo have now issued their “USA edition” just in time for Game 2 this Friday against Slovenia. The to the point design should be on every man rocking short pants this week. Find them now at Urban Outfitters.

Another look at the Happy Socks World Cup 2010 Series “USA Socks” after the click.

(photo: Guradianflickr)

We have never had an easier of a time as this to get the staff of Titel (that’s HS, HSb, SL, RC, CR) to respond to a request – ever. Dare we say  it brought us all just a little closer together even though we know that the coming six weeks will be full of scornful response and unsettlingly gestures of hate?

The point is, the World Cup is a binding element that allows for many to understand one another through a device as simple as a ball or as complex as a prediction bracket. Call it what you want, but it is a true fever that captivates just about the entire globe. Yes, even in the United States, the last village of unconquered converters are seeing the mission style ad campaigns that have flooded our TVs, including the NBA finals. ESPN is betting the farm on this one in the USA (going to lengths to compete against UNIVISION’s Spanish language coverage by converting ESPN Deportes to Portuguese commentators - massive respect). This is the biggest World Cup yet and first truly “socially connected” tournament.

Below, are some predictions and thoughts on the South Africa Cup by our writers and editors. The elusive, David Fischer of Highsnobiety fame, even chimes in with his thoughts. Much respect to all Nations playing over these next weeks.

Read our prediction and thoughts on the 2010 South African World Cup after the jump.

Dont’cha love it when someone that sounds terrible turns out to be great? That’s what happened with Sepp magazine, an officially sanctioned magazine by FIFA focusing on football and fashion (and named after Sepp Blatter). While all those ingredients sound awful on paper, it works out much better than expected. Of course, it does help that their budget is big enough to get Karl Lagerfeld doodling – that’s not a joke, he drew several portraits of famous footballers – and some of the worlds best photographers and art directors on the job.

Take a leap to see spreads from the magazine.

Tomorrow is the start of a long month of footie. To get you in the proper mood, we recommend you download the official FIFA World Cup 2010 bracket PDF. Print it out, paste it on your work wall, and hope to the Lord that you have ESPN3 as part of your cable package (USA only) so you catch (almost) every match online.

For those on Twitter, be sure to check out their excellent World Cup Tracker here.

Download the Official FIFA 2010 World Cup Bracket PDF here.

June 12th people. While many of our editors may be Anglo centric in the battle (which I find ridiculous since one of them actually lives in Philadelphia – the home of the big bell and 1776 Congressional Congress which made a bunch of rag tag colonies into what is now the USA). Either way, an epic pitch war will erupt. You might as well show your allegiance via one of these Bumpy Pitch x Five Four shirts.

More looks at the Bumpy Pitch, Five Four England vs. USA World Cup 2010 T-Shirts after the click.

It is almost time for another battle between the Brits and the Yanks. June 12th is a day that will leave one side of the “special relationship” happier than the other. England v. USA. Los Angeles’ Bumpy Pitch celebrates this event with a reminder of the great upset of 1950 when the USA upset the Brits. 60 years on and Joe Gaetjens’s goal is still with us through imagery. I love this shirt. June 12th could not come soon enough. Much love to both sides.

More looks at the Bumpy Pitch 1950 England v. USA World Cup T-Shirt and a few other shirts after the click.

Louis Vuitton seems to have all the fun. Here is a look at their “official commission” FIFA World Cup Trophy Case Bag. “Commissioned by FIFA, the special order case, handmade by a single master craftsman in Louis Vuitton’s historic Asnières workshop near Paris, has been meticulously designed to accommodate the celebrated Trophy, which measures 36 cm in height, weighs 6.175 kg and is made of solid 18-carat gold with a base of semi-precious malachite. Covered in Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram canvas, the travel case is fitted with the company’s signature brass lock and corners, and has a dark brown lining that complements the Trophy’s rich gold.”

More looks at the Louis Vuitton World Cup Trophy Case and its assembly after the click.

“Samurai Blue” is looking at you. Dunhill gets is right with their off field suiting for the Japanese National Football team during this year’s FIFA World Cup in South America. I just do not see how any other off field suit will beat this look. Sleek fitting and proper. As OPENERS mentions, the “St. James” fit is borrowed and reworked to include some prominent emblem placement that make this writer ask – which Japan player is going to donate his remnant suit to me when the tournament (or their bid) is over?

More looks from the Dunhill Suits for Japanese National Football Team for 2010 after the click.

Happy Socks does it right for 2010’s World Cup with a great series of nation inspired socks to rock during the tournament. How can you Germans not resist wearing those? “Recognizable the world over by their colours, flags, and kits as well as their respected his- tory in the world of football, the eight countries represented are Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, South Africa.
Six past World Champions are represented with each embroidered star signifying the number of titles won.” Look for them on May 21st at Happy Socks retailers around the globe.

More looks at the Happy Socks World Cup Series for 2010 after the click.