After the long wait the World Cup is finally upon us. South Africa plays host as 32 nations battle it out to be crowned world champions at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on July 11.
Here's Sportsmail's guide to Group A.
Double trouble: France's main threats - Nicolas Anelka and Franck RiberyFRANCE
Manager: Raymond Domenech – the eccentric manager has warned his players that he will ‘shoot’ them if they fail to control their egos or perform.
Captain: Patrice Evra. After a solid season for Manchester United the left back has been handed the armband by Domenech ahead of previous incumbent Thierry Henry.
Old boy: William Gallas (32) - the maverick yet highly capable defender has the chance to put yet another trophyless season with Arsenal behind him.
Young gun: Hugo Lloris (23) - Lyon’s highly-rated goalkeeper is a fantastic shot stopper, nicknamed Saint Lloris by the fans, and reported to be on his way to Arsenal after the tournament.
What to expect: Woeful in qualifiers and successive finals must be out of their grasp. But don’t underestimate them – they still have one of the best squads heading for South Africa.
World ranking: 9.
Best World Cup performance: Winners (1998)
Prediction: Quarter-finals.
Odds: 18/1
Mexican magic: Giovani Dos Santos is a huge prospect this summerMEXICO
Manager: Javier Aguirre has been a revelation. The 51-year-old boss resuscitated Mexico's qualifying campaign after Sven Goran Eriksson left following the defeat to Honduras.
Captain: Rafael Marquez. The Barcelona defender picked up another La Liga title this season but has announced this tournament will be his international swansong.
Old boy: Cuauhtemoc Blanco (37) - the Veracruz forward may not play the full 90 minutes of a game but remains the nation’s hero.
Young gun: Giovani Dos Santos (21) - is a lively attacking threat. Has been on loan at Galatasaray this season and was in devastating form during qualifiers but is unwanted by parent club Tottenham.
What to expect: A team with a blend of youth and experience who are capable of causing an upset under the direction of a manager who knows how to get the best out of his players.
World ranking: 17.
Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
Prediction: Second round.
Odds: 80/1
Host's hope: Steven Pienaar is South Africa's biggest starSOUTH AFRICA
Manager: Carlos Alberto Parreira is in his second spell with Bafana Bafana and is hoping for a repeat of the 1994 when he guided Brazil to the trophy.
Captain: Relegated with Portsmouth but Aaron Mokoena believes his country is home and hosed to win: ‘the crowds will give us an extra player.’
Old boy: Matthew Booth (33) - a 6ft 6ins giant defender - married to a former Miss South Africa.
Young gun: Bongani Khumalo (23) - has forced his way into the reckoning for a starting place in the heart of defence after great form in the World Cup build up.
What to expect: The world wants South Africa to do well but current form suggests they will do well to progress from the group stage.
World ranking: 83.
Best World Cup performance: Group stage (1998, 2002)
Prediction: Group stage.
Odds: 150/1
Danger man: Diego Forlan will provide Uruguay's goal threatURUGUAY
Manager: Oscar Tabarez is a tough boss who has a wealth of experience and led Uruguay to the second round back in 1990.
Captain: Diego Lugano was the goal hero in the qualifiers and looks set to leave club side Fenerbahce for Fluminese after the finals.
Old boy: Andres Scotti (34) - a utility player with Colo Colo who is comfortable shoring up the defence or in midfield.
Young gun: Nicolas Lodeiro (21) - Ajax’s fabulously talented left-footed midfielder, described as the best since Enzo Francescoli.
What to expect: An entertaining side but they were unconvincing in qualifiers. Great going forward, they have the ability to score against any team.
World ranking: 16.
Best World Cup performance: Winners (1930, 1950)
Prediction: Group stage.
Odds: 100/1
source: dailymail
