2010 FIFA World Cup: Hosts Face Uphill Battle

The host nation as never failed to get beyond the World Cup first round. However, South Africa face a monumental task to continue that fine record next month when the tournament gets underway.

The enthusiastic hosts have been placed into Group A and open the tournament on June 11th against Mexico. France and Uruguay make up the other two teams in the group and South Africa will have to massively upset the World Cup betting odds to qualify.

Mexico looked a capable outfit despite their 3-1 defeat to England at Wembley on Monday night. They carved England open on several occasions and in possession they showed they will be a huge test for the hosts.

Defensively Mexico looked susceptible on the break and their defending from set-pieces was questionable, but South Africa are unlikely to pose the same threat that England did.

France, once again, are not fancied to emulate their success of 1998 and anyone who has placed a World Cup bet on them is a brave man. With an aging squad and a maverick boss in the form of Raymond Domenech, they will struggle to go beyond the quarterfinals. Still, they will have enough firepower to see off South Africa's challenge, while Uruguay will probably be the other side in the group to miss out on qualification.

Carlos Alberto Parreira's hosts were in action on Monday night, but failed to impress against an average Bulgaria side. The game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw in Johannesburg, despite a bright start from Bafana Bafana.

Thanduyise Khuboni gave them the lead, but Bulgaria soon equalized and after a host of changes at the break it was Bulgaria who finished the game the stronger.

There's no doubt South Africa will be full of commitment, but their aim of qualifying looks difficult and the home crowd won't be enough to cheer them into the second round.