South Africa vs Mexico. Today, Johannesburg, 4pm, Group A.
Perhaps the most important game Bafana Bafana have ever played. After enjoying a long unbeaten streak,
the opening game against Mexico could set the tone for the rest of the host country’s campaign.
South Africa vs Mexico. Today, Johannesburg, 4pm, Group A.
Perhaps the most important game Bafana Bafana have ever played. After enjoying a long unbeaten streak,
the opening game against Mexico could set the tone for the rest of the host country’s campaign.
A host country has never lost their first game and a win would put South Africa in a good position to qualify for the second round even before they face France in the final game of the group.
Mexico, ranked 17th in the world, however, are no pushovers, despite stuttering through their warm-up matches. An experienced defence will support a young, exuberant attack.
Expect it to be a cracker. Players to watch: Steven Pienaar (SouthAfrican). The Everton playmaker will orchestrate Bafana’s attack from midfield and is a key player if SA are to get past the likes of Marquez and Osorio.
Javier Hernandez (Mexico).
At 22, the new Manchester United signing is tipped to be the next big thing. His pace and aerial ability will ensure that Mokoena and co. will have their hands full keeping him off the score-sheet.
Argentina – Nigeria. Tomorrow, Johannesburg, 4pm, Group B.
The Super Eagles were amazingly drawn into the same group as Argentina for the third time in 16 years.
Nigeria will be out for revenge against the two-time champions after failing to beat them at previous World
Cups.
The Argentineans are one of the tournament favourites, but are playing far from home against a strong and talented African side.
The match is likely to dictate who will top the group and avoid an encounter in the second round with the winner of Group A. Players to watch: Lionel Messi (Argentina). The World Player of the Year has been in top form and can run through almost any defence, make plays and score goals.
Moreover, coach Maradona reckons that Messi is better than he was in ’86… that’s saying something. Peter Odemwingie (Nigeria).
The Lokomotiv Moscow forward provides the perfect blend of experience and creativity. Highly influential at the African Cup of Nations earlier this year, Odemwingie will be looked to for his incisive dribbling and ability to play just about anywhere in the opposition’s half.
England – USA. Tomorrow, Rustenburg, 8.30pm, Group C.
A match featuring two of football’s most glamorous teams. England have long been the team most followed by the press but the USA has marketed its team very well, enjoying increasing support around the world. Despite the glitz attached to the game, the match should be entertaining.
It pits an English team, strong and talented as always, against an American one that has grown into a force to be reckoned with since hosting the World Cup 16 years ago.
The Confederations Cup finalists will be looking to cause an upset against choke-artists England, who are in search of their first title since ’66.
Players to watch: Wayne Rooney (England). Much of the pressure on the England team will rest on the shoulders of football prodigy Rooney.
More mature and level-headed than he was at previous tournaments, the Manchester United star is undoubtedly capable of providing England with what it needs to take them beyond the quarters for the first time in 40 years.
Clint Dempsey (USA).
The Fulham midfielder is one of the most respected players in the squad and brings the most out of the team with his fighting nature and refusal to give up, both on and off the ball. A regular goal-scorer and playmaker, Dempsey will be a key player in this match and the USA’s campaign.
Ghana vs Serbia, Sunday, Pretoria, 4pm, Group D.
Arguably Africa’s best hope at the World Cup this year, the Black Stars boast a young, but dynamic team. Ghana will be taking on a relatively new side in international football since Serbia will be appearing at the tournament for the first time as an independent team.
Beli Orlovi (or the White Eagles) are less fancied in the game and Ghana can capitalise early in a group that will be hotly contested with the presence of Germany and Australia.
Players to watch: Asamoah Gyan (Ghana). If Ghana are going to score goals at this year’s World Cup, Gyan is the man to do it. The Rennes forward is highly-rated despite having battled with recent injuries, and has an ability to run into space and unleash explosive shots.
Nemanja Vidic (Serbia).
The Manchester United centre-back is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world and if Serbia are to perform at the tournament, it will depend on Vidic to hold up the Serbian defence. Vidic hardly loses a ball in the air and is known for his fierce tackling.
