Day 1: June 11, 2010

Alright, let's get this started. We all waited four years, so let's do this up right. Most of my stat information for the next month will be (lovingly) stolen from www.livescore.com, who I suggest you check out because they have completely changed their interface for the World Cup, and, despite the awful green colour, it's awesome.

Did I just write “interface?” Damn you MLIS!

Anyway, let's start with Day One. Here's the line up:

GAME 1

South Africa – Mexico

Ref: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)

South Africa

Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Itumeleng Khune

Siboniso Gaxa

Bongani Khumalo

Aaron Mokoena

Lucas Bongane Thwala

Teko Modise

Renielwe Letsholonyane

Kagisho Dikgacoi

Siphiwe Tshabalala

Steven Pienaar

Katlego Mphela

VERSUS

Mexico

Coach: Javier Aguirre Onaindía

Oscar Perez

Paul Aguilar

Francisco Rodriguez

Ricardo Osorio

Carlos Salcido

Gerardo Torrado

Rafael Marquez

Efrain Juarez

Giovani dos Santos

Javier Hernandez

Carlos Vela

Prediction: I want to say South Africa will win this match, but in reality, I don't think it's going to happen. It's the first game so I am sure they will be some jitters on both sides, but I think Mexico will prevail in the end. However, I also won't be completely surprised if it ends up being a draw.

Predicted Score: 0 – 1

GAME 2

Uruguay – France

Ref: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan) 

Uruguay

Coach: Oscar Tabarez

Néstor Muslera

Mauricio Victorino

Diego Lugano

Diego Godin

Maximiliano Pereira

Diego Pérez

Egidio Arévalo

Alvaro Pereira

Ignacio Gonzalez

Luiz Suarez

Diego Forlan

VERSUS

France

Coach: Raymond Domenech

Hugo Lloris

Bacary Sagna

William Gallas

Eric Abidal

Patrice Evra

Yoann Gourcuff

Jérémy Toulalan

Florent Malouda

Sidney Govou

Nicolas Anelka

Franck Ribery

Prediction: I hate to admit it, but the damn Frogs will get this one. That said though, I think Uruguay (or, Team Diego) may give them a good run for it. The French need to prove themselves for being there and they will use their first game to do so. But more importantly, I am watching to check out how Domenech 's glasses will be styled this year.

Fun Fact: The French tied 0-0 with Switzerland in Germany 06. The French then went on to lose to Italy. Conclusion: The Swiss have a chance to win SA10.

Predicted Score: 1 – 2.

ONE MORE SLEEP. I'll be at the Grad Club at 09h30. With the biggest smile on my face that you've ever seen.

Hopp,

scm.