The waiting is over: Friday marks the start of the biggest sporting event on the planet - the 2010 World Cup finals.

England do not being their campaign in South Africa until Saturday evening when they take on the United States in Rustenburg, but expect the vuvuzela horn's to be out in force first when the hosts take part in the first World Cup finals game to be staged in their continent.

Whether South Africa can provide performances to match the noise made by their supporters remains to be seen. After taking on the pace of Mexico, they must also face Franca and Uruguay. A win in their first game is vital to give them much hope of reaching the knockout stages - where in all probability the might of Diego Maradona's Argentina would await them.

Their side will not have many familiar faces for English football fans. Steven Pienaar, the Everton midfielder, is their most dangerous player.

Carlos Alberto Parreira, their coach, is confident of getting off to a good start.

"My players know they have to deliver, and they know how to deliver," he said on the eve of the match.

"We are well prepared. Bafana Bafana now has a face, an identity, we are confident and want to deliver."

Many English football supporters will watch the opening match wondering just how mighty the Mighty Pea is. Javier Hernandez has scored seven goals in 12 appearances for his country and will join Manchester United in the summer.

As they proved against England at Wembley, Mexico will approach the game with an attacking mentality.

France head into their opening game, against Uruguay, without great expectations. Their coach Raymond Domenech is unpopular and will be replaced by Laurent Blanc after the tournament and friendlies in their build-up to South Africa included a 1-1 draw with Tunisia and 1-0 loss to China.

Uruguay will take hope from those results. Diego Forlan has become one of the deadliest forwards in Europe with his success at Atletico Madrid - helping them win the Europa League last season - replicating his form at Villarreal. It is in stark contrast to his time at Manchester United in 2002.

Oscar Tabarez, the Uruguay coach, is confident his partnership with Luis Suaraz will prove effective during the tournament.

"They are two of the most dangerous strikers here and I hope they will prove that to be the case," he said.

FRIDAY'S GAMES:

Group A: South Africa v Greece, 3pm, ITV1; Uruguay v France, 7.30pm, BBC1