There's little doubt that the World Cup is the most visible, prestigious sports tournament in the world. Ever four years, 32 teams come together and play to be crowned the world's best, and over four weeks and through stadia around the host country, everyone thrills and grits their teeth with every goal scored and allowed. A similar feeling occurs when the Olympics occur. However, a question that is rarely asked is "What Happens Next?" Who Really Wins? attempts to answer this in relation to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The 75-minute documentary features interviews from famous South Africans like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, along with various reporters, scholars and educators, as they share their thoughts on the soccer (football) tournament's impending arrival to their land. The process to get South Africa ready for the tournament overcame some obstacles. After losing the hosting honors for the 2006 tournament to Germany, the organizing committee put together a package that allowed the African continent to host the tournament for the first time. The thinking was (from FIFA, the international football governing body's perspective) that by holding it in Africa, with its rising interest in African soccer and soccer players, the event could continue to scratch the itch of talent that Africa is slowly developing.

However, having the tournament in South Africa meant having the government spend close to $1 billion on new venues and infrastructure, a questionable decision considering the rampant unemployment and social disparity. When Nelson Mandela helped bring the Rugby World Cup to the country in 1995, it was a decision made for unity of country. But with the economic conditions being as they were, why build new stadiums without a larger consideration for renovating existing areas? It smells a little weird, made even more so when you consider that the workers who have been involved with the tournament preparation have walked off the job on at least two separate occasions, citing underpayment and/or extensive work hours. A billion dollars might have been better spent on roads, hospitals and schools, rather than ignoring the problems at hand.

What helps makes this documentary so effective is that it does not paint a completely cynical portrait of the financial impact of soccer. One could even say that with its periodic highlighting of quotes from soccer players that there's a bit of romance for the sport. There is a rightful poke at FIFA, which appears to use the power of its brand to convince countries to place restrictions on stadiums and regional businesses. Consider that Budweiser is a FIFA-endorsed sponsor. So when you go to games in South Africa, you will likely drink crap American beer. This is not a new policy; FIFA tried to implement this same policy for the last World Cup before the German hosts justifiably bristled and allowed for decent booze for games. Along with these rules, local vendors are forbidden from selling anything within a stadium's zone, lest it face FIFA's wrath. Ironic that in South Africa, a place known for it's amazing environment and culture, that traveling fans are exposed to so many creature comforts.

While Who Really Wins? does make sure to lay some of the blame at FIFA's feet, the host country also shares ample blame in the contortions made to get this tournament in full swing. But some of the most powerful ammunition the filmmakers have is precedent. Consider that South Korea and Japan hosted the 2002 World Cup, built several new stadiums that are now sparsely used, attended, and have become financial drains on their respective communities. With South Africa in worse economic shape than the Far East, what's to say the impact won't be even more difficult for the country?

Ultimately Who Really Wins? is asking questions that should be asked, not only for international football tournaments but also for large sporting events in general. What is the true economic impact? Can the tournaments be more fiscally conservative? And what can be done to avoid the downfall of what happens when everyone leaves?

1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen is replicated accurately and apparently uses a couple of different video/film sources with relative ease. Edge enhancement wasn't noticeable, and when capturing video of some of the locals with heavier accents, subtitles come up on their own and look fine. All in all it's acceptable viewing.

The two-channel stereo track surprised me in how strong it sounded. The interview subjects sound clear and strong, and set against the soundtrack of news footage, games and South African music, makes for a peppy soundtrack during the film. It wouldn't have surprised me to hear the subwoofer rumble in at some point, but as it stands it's better than average audio.

Additional interview footage is included from Tutu, South African football legend Jomo Sono and political cartoonist Zapiro. Each shares their thoughts on the impact the tournament may have, along with a personal story here and there. There's no 'Play All' function for the segments, but all told, the footage runs 33:32.

For all who enjoy the World Cup and Olympics, Who Really Wins? should be given as much credence and exposure as the US football team who gave America so much hope and optimism. The questions are worth asking and it's done effectively. Definitely worth viewing.