Match Day 1
Preview of match day one
South Africa vs Mexico Group A
The opening match of the World Cup
Drogba could start against Portugal
Didier Drogba could start his team's opening World Cup game against Portugal next week, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said on Thursday. Ivory Coast saw their pre-tournament preparations rocked when their talismanic captain broke his arm during a friendly against Japan on June 4, and needed surgery. It was initially feared that the Chelsea striker would be forced to sit out the opening matches of the World Cup as he nursed his way back to full fitness. "If the game had been today or tomorrow, he wouldn't play. But there are still some days. He might play against Portugal," said Eriksson.
Messi fitness fears allayed
Argentina's doctor has allayed fears that Lionel Messi is struggling with his fitness ahead of the World Cup. Rumours had emerged that the Barcelona star was not 100 per cent fit, but team doctor Donato Villani says all 23 members of Diego Maradona's squad are in "optimum" physical condition ahead of the tournament. Argentina's fitness coach Fernando Signorini had previously said that Messi's hopes of being crowned the best player at the World Cup could be dashed by the exhaustion of a taxing European season.
Frei still in doubt for Spain match
Switzerland's team doctor says captain Alexander Frei is doubtful for their opening World Cup game against Spain next week. The 30-year-old striker sprained his right ankle before the team flew out to South Africa and is now undergoing intensive treatment on the knock. Frei is regarded as a key player for the Swiss, as the skipper has earned more than 70 caps for his country.
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