Friday 4 June (a week to go until kick off!)
ENGLAND arrived at their luxury training camp in Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex in Rustenburg this morning. And the boys were treated to a traditional South African welcome. If this is anything to go by, the opening ceremony looks to be an incredible spectacle.
But the festivities were dealt a blow as England skipper Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the competition following a training session clash with Emile Heskey.
Spurs' Michael Dawson will be on a plane very soon to cover for the 31-year-old defender.
In a boost to fans and Fabio Capello alike however, Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry returned to training in the first session for the Three Lions.
And in much bigger news, Frank Lampard DOES like the new World Cup ball. He seems to have forgiven it after he missed a spot kick with the new ball against Japan last weekend. There's been a lot of fuss about the weird-looking and lighter 'Jabulani' ball, especially from various International goalkeepers who are complaining that the movement the ball creates in the air will cause them problems.
FOCUS ON: GROUP B
Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea and Greece
Argentina
"We need new heroes" admits boss Diego Maradona. The Argentines, led by the infamous 'Hand of God' player will be backed by a strong team including arguably the world's best player Lionel Messi as well as Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain and skipper Jabier Mascherano.
While on the subject, we mustn't forget the budding talents of goal-threatening Angel Di Maria, the Benfica winger who will want to showcase his talents to cement a move to one of Europe's biggest clubs after the Finals.
Ironically the only thing that could stop Argentina from being the new heroes of the tournament is their manager. The off-the-rails character could prove too much for the players to handle if they progress through the rounds and the heat on them is turned up. Watch the drama unfold.
Nigeria
Possibly the most laid-back team in the competition, leaving qualifying until late thanks to a 81st minute winner against Kenya, Nigeria appointed a new manager with three weeks until the start of the World Cup and arrived late for the competition from their UK training camp.
Look out for some brilliant goal celebrations however and the stand-out talents of John Mikel Obi. Not to mention former Hornet Danny Shittu.
Nigeria will be feeling the weight of their nations' hopes on their shoulders as the Nigerian Football Federation has targeted a semi-final place for the national team. Even though that might be unlikely considering the other teams that will inevitably be in the mix, Lars Lagerback's side will still be under pressure to reach the last 16, especially since the tournament is in Africa.
South Korea
South Korea will be captained by Manchester United energy capsule Park Ji-Sung and with his work-rate and commitment; Korea will hope the rest of the team follow suit as hopes are high for this years' tournament under his stewardship. Park Ji-Sung also heads up the 'Fab Four' of Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton), Ki Sung-Yong (Celtic) and Park Chu-young (AS Monaco).
As hosts in 2002, the Asian Tigers clocked their first ever win at a tournament and subsequently a place in the last four, something they will be striving to do again this year, not only to gain global respect but also to pay back their passionate fans. Who can forget the noise and colour their fans brought to the game eight years ago.
The clash between Argentina and South Korea looks to be an explosive one on 17 June as both managers have been stoking the fire for the encounter claiming that the South Korean's 'played taekwondo rather than football' the last time the two teams met. Manager Huh Jung-Moo has retorted 'I will fight them'. Expect fireworks.
Greece
Having lifted the Euro 2004 trophy, the Greeks have been rather quiet since, failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2006 and the Euros two years later. A team with a point to prove is always dangerous, but do they have the players to cause problems in Group B?
Many are saying that their current squad is stronger than the winning one of six years ago and are sure to be a threat from set-pieces. Their tactics will be to sit back, defend and hope to snatch a goal on the break. Perhaps that could be a winning formula in the group stages.
The nation has big ideas for attacking midfielder and Panathinaikos young star Sotiris Ninis. They may not be able to boost many 'big name players' compared to other teams but they do have Sokratus Papastathopoulos, who may just have the biggest name in the competition.
