DESTINATION SOUTH AFRICA!

32 teams. Eight groups. Nine cities. 64 matches. Millions of fans worldwide. And one goal: the FIFA World Cup. After six years and billions of rands spent, South Africa finally welcomes the football world to the 19th FIFA World Cup, the first ever to be hosted by an African country.

Although the loss of Nelson Mandela's 13 year-old great granddaughter on the eve of the tournament meant that the great Mandiba would not be there, the opening ceremony was spectacular and befitting of a World Cup that has been known for its high entertainment value. Musical icons such as R-Kelly and Shakira gave us some great music. And then, our own Femi Kuti was there live representing. when he performed his hit song 'bang bang bang' to the delight of the 91,000 capacity crowd in Soccer City stadium, Johannesburg. The hosts, South Africa, also were able to come out unscathed, with a point in their opening match against Mexico, which ended 1-1.

For the records, 2 goals made it the first time in the four fixtures between South Africa and Mexico that there have been fewer than three goals. The three previous games were all played in USA, with Mexico winning the first two, 4-0 and 4-2, and South Africa extracting a measure of revenge with a 2-1 victory in 2005. 10 of the last 12 FIFA World Cup Opening Matches have featured two goals or fewer. The exceptions were 2006, when Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2, and 1998, when Brazil beat Scotland 2-1.

In Capetown, Raymond Domenech and his French team would be biting their nails for not being able to snatch a victory in the dying minutes of their match against Uruguay, who ended the game with ten men. Final score, France 0-0 Uruguay

For the records, 17 players have now featured in four FIFA World Cups, with Thierry Henry becoming the latest with his second half appearance in Cape Town. He is the first Frenchman to achieve the feat.

Now over to Nigeria Vs Argentina. Can the Eagles stop Lionel Messi and co?

Let the game begin!