To fully appreciate why South Africa is so excited about hosting the World Cup, you have to remember how recently the sports-crazy country was isolated on the international scene. One of the few things South Africans of all colors…

This year's World Cup song, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," has stirred sentiment among South Africans, many of whom were outraged because FIFA selected a non-African, Colombian pop star Shakira, to write the song and perform lead vocals.

The distinctive traits of South Africa's World Cup stadiums -- such as zebra-striped seats and a calabash pot shape -- are meant to represent their country's complex culture. But some have criticized the money spent amid more pressing needs at…