Ivory Coast: The African side have the best chance of making it past the groups and far into the knockout stages and the Elephants will be confident that they can upset Portugal. If Brazil are the favourites, then the Africans are second, as Portugal have endured a horror show in qualifying. Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue are just a few of the top stars to strut their stuff for this side and they will surely make it hard for Cristiano Ronaldo and company.
• Prediction: Second in the group. The Africans could easily spring a surprise and beat Portugal, who have not been in the best form.

Cameroon: On their own continent, Cameroon should be one of the hardest sides to beat in this competition. With a deadly marksman like Samuel Eto’o up front, they will be a threat on the counter attack and should batter opponents into submission with their physical power. Perhaps a lack of cohesion could pull them apart, but they have 1990 to look back on if they need some inspiration.
• Prediction: They will push all the way and Cameroon should be confident that they can progress. It will depend on their ability to overcome Denmark.

Ghana: A strong showing at 2006 has shown that Ghana have a powerful side who are always capable of providing an upset. It wouldn’t be a stretch to see them drawing with Germany and picking up wins over the other two, so that could see them through into the knockout stages. Michael Essien will be a driving force in the middle of the park and the Black Stars have some top players to push for the second round.
• Prediction: Expect Ghana to do well and make it through. Perhaps not much further, but there’s a good chance of them making waves.

Algeria: A huge game against Egypt saw the Algerians progress, but they may not get much further. It is a very big deal in Algeria that the side made it in the first place, so they may not be too bothered about missing out on the knockout rounds. That said, if they managed to beat Egypt, they could upset the U.S. too. They should have enough to beat Slovenia, but without any major stars to step up when needed, won’t be viewed as dark horses just yet.
• Prediction: They won’t finish bottom, but there’s little chance of them making it past England and the U.S.

Nigeria: If you look past Argentina, the Nigerians will be confident that they have enough to get through this group. A solid set of players, the Africans will be boosted by the fact they are on their own continent and, despite struggling in their qualification group, they will want that second spot. Obafemi Martins will lead the line and should cause South Korea and Greece no end of problems; however, they are not the most stable of units and could come undone if they suffer under the pressure of a major final.
• Prediction: Second, behind Argentina, as they should have enough to break down their rivals. They may not go much further though.

South Africa: The hosts will be relatively happy with their draw. Under experienced coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, the side are faced with high expectations from a demanding public but should be buoyed by a solid performance in the Confederations Cup. They have every chance of upsetting the likes of France and Uruguay with their combative style of play, but may struggle more against the Mexicans.
• Prediction: Could surprise a lot of people and make it out of the groups, but they need good results against France and Uruguay.

Thierry Henry’s handball, which set up France’s winning goal in their World Cup play-off encounter against the Republic of Ireland, will not be punished.

No action will be taken by FIFA’s disciplinary committee after the handball, which set up William Gallas’ levelling strike in a 1-1 draw. Essentially this controversial effort pushed les Bleus through to South Africa at the Irish side’s expense courtesy of a 2-1 aggregate advantage.

At present, the report states, FIFA’s disciplinary code has no ability to punish such incidents. Such news is likely to incense the Irish FA, who did much in the aftermath of the fixture to try and force a replay, even suggesting to FIFA that they go to South Africa as the competition’s 33rd team.

Dr. Jordaan was integral in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa and will spread his belief that next year’s World Cup will have a major impact in building racial harmony and stimulating future economic growth in South Africa at the Soccerex event.

“The World Cup is about much more than just 64 games of football spread over 30 days. This World Cup could unite South Africa more than any other event has done. The World Cup gives an unprecedented opportunity to nation-build, to brand our country and to leave a lasting legacy,” said Dr. Jordaan.