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It’s finally here;
the first World Cup on African soil! It’s an exciting event anyway,
made even better by the fact that it’s happening on our continent. The
build up is always great too, only slightly blemished this edition by
the fact that there are so many injuries to key players of various
squads. We’ve already lost Mikel Obi to the ‘Chelsea curse,’ so I
joined all Ivorians in a shared gasp of horror when Didier Drogba had
to have surgery. The weight of expectation from African fans is firmly
on the broad shoulders of the premiership top scorer. It would be good
for the game to have a fully fit Drogba at his most lethal.

Injury scares have
dominated recent headlines, with a host of well known internationals
ruled out of the World Cup. Michael Essien, Michael Ballack (that curse
previously mentioned), Rio Ferdinand and Nani to name a few: It’s a
tale for the grandchildren – I was there when Africa first hosted world
soccer.

How will the
African teams fare in the motherland? Looking at the Super Eagles in
Group B], much has been said about remodelling our midfield and
increasing the potency of our attack. Our defence is made up of players
who have barely kicked a ball for their clubs so we are going to need
all those prayers that we are so fond of. The focus is on our first
group game against Argentina on tomorrow.

Though they boast the world’s best player in their squad, Argentina hardly convinced in qualifying.

Add to that an
unpredictable coach who runs over journalist’s feet and we might just
have a look-in. Getting the points from Greece and South Korea will
obviously determine whether we progress or not and I believe we are in
with a chance, but the Eagles must show true grit and passion and
Lagerback had better prove that he is a better tactician than his
predecessor.

In Group A, hosts
South Africa face Mexico in their opening game. Not many people expect
too much from them; however they will enjoy massive crowd support.
Unfortunately, I don’t see the vuvuzelas ushering them past the group
stage. Although fellow group members France qualified by le hand of
Thierry, they might just come good on the world stage and erase a
dismal couple of years.

Algeria in group C
have a good defence; let’s hope that they can keep their men on the
pitch for long enough to actually win a game. Their disciplinary record
at the Cup of Nations was dreadful. I don’t think they will make it
past the group stage. Ghana will face Germany, Australia and Serbia.
The main news is that there will be no Michael Essien. They could do
with his skills and leadership, but they gave a good account of
themselves at the Nations Cup and should progress to the round of 16. I
hope their goalkeeper returns completely fit.

Cameroon is teamed
with Germany, Denmark and Japan. It’s probably better for them that
there is more hype surrounding Cote d’Ivoire. The Drogba-led team got
the short end of the straw in the ‘group of death.’ But a team with so
much talent on paper must make the most of this opportunity to shine on
the world stage. Portugal qualified through the playoffs but still have
a weapon in Ronaldo. Brazil is a very efficient side under Dunga and
are always tournament favourites. For me, Cote d’Ivoire is the great
African hope. They are most likely to progress further than any other
African side. I will be cheering myself hoarse for Africa in Africa and
expect to see a month of great football.