2010 World Cup: Argentina Fans Barred From South Africa

Another lovely day here in Port Elizabeth; not as hot as the 29 degrees Celsius of yesterday, but I’m not going to knock clear blue skies in winter, whatever the temperature.

The excitement continues to build here in the friendly city ahead of Friday’s opening World Cup game between South Africa and Mexico.

I had a Sunday afternoon beer yesterday with my football-mad friend Warren, and the impression I got from him was of a child on Christmas Eve. It is amazing to see the excitement amongst the locals here with another friend Alan, who has never really been into football, actually excited about where the park and rides are going to be.

Sadly, it has not all been good news from yesterday.

There was a stampede at a friendly match between Nigeria and North Korea yesterday, at the Makhulong Stadium.  The 10,000 ground in Johannesburg is not an official FIFA World Cup venue and was probably ill-equipped for a game of this nature. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians live in South Africa, many illegally, and the match should have been hosted at a bigger venue.

Sixteen people were injured and in all honesty, they have got off lightly. Let’s hope this is the wake-up South Africa needs, but the Nigerian FA should have known better when arranging the friendly.

However, anyone who questions security and preparation for potential trouble at this tournament only has to look at the 10 Argentine nationals held at OR Tambo International Airport, due to them being on the FIFA banned list.

The 10 are apparently Barras bravas, Argentinean supporters groups,  but this 10 have a reputation for trouble or in other words, they are Argentinean football hooligans.

They will not be entering SA and are on their way home, but one man is to make his way to the country.

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His name is Didier Drogba.

It was speculated the Chelsea and Ivory Coast star would miss the entire tournament after breaking his arm in a collision during a friendly a few days ago. However, the striker is now expected to play some part in the competition.

Unfortunately for me, he will miss his country’s opening clash with Portugal on June 15 in PE, meaning I will not see the big man in action and it seriously dents my chances of witnessing an upset.

The Africans need a result in this game to have any chance of qualifying.

One leading country that could be prime for an upset is France, who have looked less than world class over the last four years leading up to 2010 in SA.

Midfielder Florent Malouda thinks his team is lacking a leader, but I’d say they are lacking a decent gaffer.

Raymond Domenech took over the French team six years ago after Euro 2004 and has not taken his side even one step forward since losing the final of the 2006 World Cup.

In fact, it amazes me he is still in the job.

He has survived losing twice to Scotland in qualifying for Euro 2008 and even finishing last in their group at the finals, having struggled past the fighting Scots to qualify.

They then needed a dodgy play-off win over Ireland to qualify for this World Cup. Thierry Henry and his infamous handball ring a bell anyone?

The French will not go too far in South Africa.

I’m going to finish today by praising England defender Ledley King.

The Tottenham Hotspur centre back is a legend in my eyes for fighting back from almost certain retirement to quite possibly a World Cup starter.

The defender is likely to fill the gap left by captain Rio Ferdinand and as I’ve mention previously, I feel he will do a better job than the Manchester United player, and will do England’s chances no harm at all.

Should he stay fit that is?

King rarely trains and struggles at times to play once a week, never mind a potential seven games in four weeks but I believe he will get through it. I see no reason for him to play in every group game and if used correctly, he will be the rock which can propel England beyond my expectations.

Andrew McNair has written for broadcasting giants Setanta and Fox Sports as well as Scottish newspapers the Evening Times and Sunday Herald. If you have any questions about the 2010 World Cup or this blog you can contact him at [e-mail] . If you enjoy his work you can join his group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=35412076250 . He will writing on an almost daily basis for the duration of the 2010 World Cup from South Africa. Previous editions of the blog can be found on this website.