Day One

Here we are, a few hours before footballs biggest ever party, and I can’t wait.

64 games in 30 days and it all kicks off with South Africa against Mexico. The Africans will hope that they don’t become the first hosts to lose their opening game in world cup history. Expect to see three Premier League men on show for the Bofana Bofana, Mokena of Portsmouth, Dikgacoi of Fulham and Steven Pienaar from Everton.

Mexico will probably match that by naming Carlos Vela of Arsenal alongside Gio Dos Santos of Spurs and Manchester United’s latest recruit Javier Hernandez.

Tonights game pits France against Uruguay. Thierry Henry looks like he’ll be left out by Domench and Anelka will start up front with Govou and Ribery on the flanks. The biggest doubt has been William Gallas but he seems to have won his fitness battle and will take his place alongside Abidal, Sagna and captain Patrice Evra.

Uruguay’s main worry was Diego Forlan’s thigh strain but he has recovered and will join European top scorer, Luis Suarez. The Ajax frontman scored 35 goals but missed out on the Golden Shoe as Messi’s 34 goals in La Liga were deemed to be scored at a higher level.

I am predicting wins for Mexico and France but I think both will be cagey games as nobody wants to lose their first game.

South Africa 0 Mexico 1

Uruguay 1 France 2

Balls!

Adidas’ Jabulani match ball seems to have united the goalkeepers of this tournament with their universal hatred of the thing. The Jabulani, which ironically translates as ‘happy’ or ‘rejoice’ is perfectly round and that means it will spin more in the air which, when combined with the thinner air at altitude, will pose major problems for all. Watch out for a few howlers in the next month.

Here’s a selection of comments over the last few days...

“Every touch comes with the unknown, the trajectory is really unpredictable” Gianluigi Buffon, Italy

“The ball is terrible, like cheap ones that you can buy at a supermarket or petrol station” Julio Cesar, Brazil

It’s horsesh!t, the worst ball I’ve ever played with, it moves like crazy” Marcus Hahnemann, USA

On the other hand…

“The ball is fantastic and did what ever I want it to” Michael Ballack, Germany and Adidas ambassador!