On air: Does the success of the World Cup depend on the South African team?
Post categories: World Cup 2010,ÌýWorld Cup Have Your Say
| 06:26 UK time, Friday, 11 June 2010
"I pity the Mexicans on 11 March - truly I do."
Those were the words of South Africa defender Matthew Booth . His feeling was that the pressure on the country ahead of the would be positive - and that the ferocious sound of the crowd would spur Bafana Bafana on.
But with the first match now upon us, do they really have a chance against the Mexicans? And if not, will it damage the chances of the tournament's success?
Certainly if you listened to show from Soweto last night you would have got the impression that it will be no contest - and surely, if the competition was about the energy of the fans alone, Bafana Bafana would be nailed on certainties.
But around the world, every fan is excited. Everyone is optimistic. After all, a ball has not been kicked yet - and no-one has lost.
And Bafana Bafana, most pundits agree, are not a great side right now. There are real fears that they could be the first host nation to go out of the tournament at the group stage.
Should they lose today - still needing to face France and Uruguay - will the spark go out of the tournament?
