South Africa – Entering the tournament as the lowest-ever ranked host nation, little is expected of Bafana Bafana and we can see why. Uninspiring in failing to qualify for the African Nations Cup, they missed their chance to test themselves in readiness for the big stage.  Although unbeaten in seven months, they ambled to draws against Jamaica and Namibia, before beating Jamaica 2-0 in April. Beyond Steven Pienaar, their only top-level player, there is little quality in the side. Benni McCarthy, well known to English fans, was dropped from the final squad amid concerns over his form and weight. With the exception of captain Aaron Mokoena and Kagiso Dikgacoi of Fulham – hardly a regular – the squad lacks experience in competitive European Leagues, with a few members plying their trade in Greece and Germany having been omitted. World Cup-winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has called on a large group of domestic-based players who we can know little about. Nevertheless, he has been unbeaten in 11 games, upon being named coach and we can be sure to expect that the strong team spirit that has been fostered will do their nation proud.

Eyes will be on Steven Pienaar, yet to secure his long-term future at Everton after a wonderful season where he emerged as the injury-hit clubs’ leading light. Speculated interest from top four teams may well materialise with a strong showing at the finals, not that he needs any added incentive.

With the lack of expectancy on the hosts’ we can look forward to a celebration of the game on its visit to Africa; vuvuzelas will be an astoundingly irritating feature for the unknowing, but what will truly shine through is the spirit of the African people showing their passion in a way which is rarely matched anywhere in the world. Now they have the chance to prove it.

Uruguay – Enter the tournament boasting the two most prolific strikers in Europe. Strikers who have an astonishing goal:game ratio of almost 1:1 for two consecutive seasons. Their midfielders may just be the players who look like World Cup Wizards when supporting them, thus earning a move to one of Europe’s big leagues. One to look out for is the creative Nicolas Lodeiro of Ajax. Having just joined the Amsterdam giants in January, Lodeiro will be looking to announce his arrival on the big stage, showing all the skills that had many Uruguayans pushing for his inclusion in the starting line up. However, on Thursday morning Oscar Tabarez named his side to face the French, excluding his midfield whiz-kid.

Seven goals in two warm up games suggests form going in to the tournament.

However, a lack of general quality should see them come unstuck if and when they successfully negotiate the group stage.  Too much rests on their deadly strike pair, backed up by Edison Cavani of Palermo, who, it is believed has impressed sufficiently to interest the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham in recent months. Fernando Muslera, a goalkeeper of promise, has failed to convince but there is a dearth of quality in the goalkeeping ranks, something a few of the South American teams will be cursing.  At the back they have Diego Lugano, a tall and rugged centre back in the Nemanja Vidic mould. Lugano is widely regarded for his no-prisoners approach and he will be an intimidating presence for opponents. Much will also be expected of Martin Caceres, a young defender coming off the back of an uninspired loan spell with Juventus after failing to break in to the Barcelona ranks. A good World Cup could turn his career back in the right direction, yet it may be that too much is riding on Uruguay’s youngsters to camouflage the lack of depth through the squad. For all of the promise of the future, it seems only Brazil have brought the continents’ best when it comes to defensive players – a commanding mix of youth and experience that stabilises a team otherwise full of flair players.

Uruguay also warrant a mention for being the side that pioneered the introduction of players of African descent in to the game. It was perhaps this policy of social diversity that led them to becoming the first winners of the World Cup, drawing on talents of European and African heritage, creating a heady mix of power and dazzling technique that so many teams seek now. It is fitting that they return to take part in this celebration of the beautiful game, for the very first time on African soil; that which brought them so much success in the past.

Line up to face France: Fernando Muslera, Diego Lugano, Diego Godin, Mauricio Victorino, Diego Perez, Alvaro Pereira, Egidio Arevalo Rios, Ignacio Gonzalez, Maximiliano Pereira, Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez.

Prediction: to progress – France, Uruguay

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