1433 Days have elapsed since Fabio Grosso’s penalty won Italy their fourth world cup. There is only one more day to wait until the greatest spectacle on earth starts again. 32 Countries are ready to fight for the coveted Jules Rimet trophy, and for the first time on the African Continent. For football fans the months of build up finally come to an end and the action can begin. Friday is a huge global event but for South Africa and the continent as a whole this match is especially significant.
South Africa is still a troubled nation with many experiencing crippling poverty, an AIDS epidemic and worrying crime levels. On Friday however people will not be focusing on these things anymore, for all of South Africa’s 49 Million residents the World Cup is a chance to show how far they have come and show people another side of Africa. We all wish them well and hope that the World Cup lives up to all expectations.
But what of the two teams for Friday’s curtain raiser. South Africa has a difficult group with Mexico, a dangerous Uruguayan team and one of footballs powerhouses France. There is optimism in the country as South Africa enter the tournament unbeaten in ten games and having reached the final of the confederations cup. They are going to be heavily reliant on Steven Pienaar producing good performances and driving the team forward. Their coach Carlos Alberto Parriera has world cup pedigree leading Brazil to triumph in 94’ and he will need to inspire this group of players. Mphela upfront will need to fill the void left by Benni Mcarthy’s omission, Aaaron Mokoena will need to be on his best form as he marshals the defence. Most importantly though if South Africa can foster a team spirit and harness the support of their country I feel they could get just get out of the group.
Mexico will not be an easy opponent for the hosts as England can testify. They are a well-organised side boasting young talent and experienced professionals who have been to many world cups. Rafael Marquez, Torrado, Blanco and Franco have all played at the highest level and playing the hosts will not daunt them. In Carlos Vela, Giovani Dos Santos, and the promising Javier Hernandez Mexico have plenty of firepower to hurt any opposition. Mexico though are frail at the back and always looked like conceding from corners and set pieces against England. Their coach Javier Aguirre also has good experience having previously bee to a world cup as manager of Mexico and coaching Osasuna and Athletico Madrid. Mexico are dangerous opposition and they have successfully qualified from their group in the last four world cups. They will certainly enter this game as the favourites.
It is going to be extremely tough for South Africa to get through group A. It is imperative that they start with a win against Mexico. If they can beat Mexico they stand a very real chance of reaching the last 16 for the first time. Come three o’clock Friday afternoon Africa will host its first World Cup match the world will be introduced to the Vuvuzela and the greatest show on earth begins. Roll on Friday…
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Laurie O’Brien
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