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2140 Join us tomorrow for three live matches as England get their campaign underway against the USA.
2123 France just could not break down their rivals, but summing it up you never got the view that Domemech's side could open the door. It looks like Group A will be competitive.
FULL TIME: URUGUAY 0-0 FRANCE
92 min Free kick in a dangerous postion for Uruguay. Yellow card for Uruguay captain Lugano after protesting about the exact spot from where the kick should be taken. Henry's free-kick comes to nothing.
90 min 3 minutes of stoppage time. All hands on deck now for Uruguay.
89 min Henry scuffs a great opportunity and calls for a handball against his opponent. Ironic for what.
88 min Uruguay change with Abreu coming on for Suarez.
87 min France finishing strongly but Uruguay are dealing with the threat and are getting numbers behind the ball.
84 min French change sees Gignac come on for Govou. Gignac will partner Henry up front as Domenech smells blood.
83 min Sagna's cross was met by Henry as his header just flashed narrowly wide. The linesman's flag was up in any event.
78 min Any mistake will be costly now. Uruguayan sub Lodeiro has been sent-off for a bad tackle on Sagna. He will miss the next game, and possibly two, Can France exploit their numerical advantage.
77 min You get the feeling that one goal will settle this one. Floren Malouda's free-kick is easily dealt with by Muslera.
74 min French change as Malouda comes on for Gourcoff.
73 min Best chance on the night falls to Diego Forlan. He had a clear sight of goal, was 20 yards out, but he could not trouble Lloris.
71 min Henry on for Anelka.
70 min Thierry Henry is being readied for action.
68 min Toulalan is booked for a reckless challenge - five yellow cards in total - but it is not a dirty match.
66 min Decent ball from Arevalo nearly puts Suarez in and Lloris has to work hard to make a clean catch. The Uruguayans are beginning to find their groove. This game is finely poised.
64 min Forlan free-kick warms the hands Lloris. Evra, who has a booking to his name, makes a rather clumsy challenge. No booking, but he has to be careful.
63 min Uruguyan change with Lodeiro coming on for Ignacio Gonzalez.
61 min Anelka has another headed effort that goes skyward.
59 min Uruguay's Victorino is booked for a foul on Evra. Free kick in a dangerous position. Gourcoff slides it to Ribery, whose effort slices violently off his right foot.
58 min Forlan is lion-hearted player, but he just can't make the telling pass. The tempo has just picked up again.
55 min Ambitious shot from Toulalan from fully 40 yards forces Muslera into a comfortable save. Interesting to watch the flight of the ball.
52 min Gallas denies Forlan a chance as France have still to get out of the blocks in this half. The Uruguayan defence has definitely tightened up.
50 min Down goes Suarez for Uruguay and a free-kick results in a dangerous position. Decent ball in from Forlan and Diaby does well to prevent Godin from getting on the end of it.
46 min Toulalan goes on a great run, showing much athletic ability, but his cross is dealt with easily by Muslera.
2033 SECOND-HALF UNDERWAY
2032 Second half is about to get underway. William Gallas is pretty vocal in the middle of the pitch for some reason. Mr Gallas has always something to say.
2023 Liam Brady can't see where Uruguay are going to get the goals.
2022 Despite my view that France have done well in the first half, John Giles feels they lack coviction and drive, and if Uruguay score the 'professor' feels France could collapse.
2017 France are clearly the better side, but just can't find the final ball. Uruguay have disappointed, somewhat on a par with the way South Africa played in the opening half against Mexico.
2016 HALF-TIME Uruguay 0-0 France
45 min The Uruguay defender Victorino has shown well for his side.
45 min 1 minute of additional time
43 min Diaby tried to pick out Anelka but the attempted pass was weak. Perfect case of Diaby making the wrong choice. He had a good sight of goal.
42 min Domenech is somewhat agitated on the line, urging his players on. Anelka's header goes harmlessly wide as another French probe comes to nothing.
39 min Gourcoff's free-kick for France dips in mid-flight, but Muslera deals with it comfortably. The tempo of the game has dropped as half-time approaches.
36 min The Uruguay keeper Muslera is known as the 'little beaver.' He scuffs his clearance as France continue to dominate.
33 min Some complaints are coming in about the sound of the hooters in the Stadium. Unfortunately, we can't do anything about it. Maybe by next Wednesday we'll all get used to it.
30 min Diaby skips by players as if they didn't exist and bears down in goal, but Anelka is in an offside position. Vexing and frustrating if you follow the French.
27 min France threaten again as a probing ball by Govou nearly finds Anelka. The Uruguayans rush the clearance in a somewhat panic striken manner.
25 min The French passing is crisp; it's just that final ball is letting him down. Diego Forlan is a talented player, but his distribution is often wayward.
23 min Anelka could have picked out Ribery when clear, but he wanted to do it all himself. I suppose it's human nature, but we all want the glory!
20 min France's Diaby has been the impressive player on the pitch so far. Ribery not far behind him. The display by the French has been most impressive and their midfield unit looks more composed and imposing than the South Americans.
18 min Ribery booked for a silly tackle on Arevalo Rios.
17 min Ribery's strength is a key asset for France. His raiding runs down the left have caused problems. One such run resulted in a free-kick which the Uruguay keeper Muslera saved well from.
14 min Uruguay are playing the ball forward more in hope than anything else. As I write, Diego Forlan makes his first meaningful contribution and his well struck effort is well saved by Lloris.
13 min First corner of the game to France and Govou's header causes some consternation in the Uruguayan defence.
9 min Diaby's effort from distance is well wide. The movement from France early on is impressive.
7 min France deal comfortably with Uruguay's attacking thrusts, which at this early stage, are a rare occurance.
6 min Good run by Ribery down the left and his cross just needed a touch by Govou for the opening goal. Not to be, however. Tempo has just gone up a notch.
5 min The top surface is causing difficulties for the players. A lot of slipping so far.
3 min Ray Houghton accidentally called Stephen Alkin, George in commentary. George, he of the Hamilton clan, is busily preparing his notes for the England v USA game tomorrow night.
2 min Early sniff for Ribery, but it comes to nothing. France have settled the better.
1930 Game on.
1929 Raymond Domenech is big into astrology. Will the Stars shine brightly for him and his team?
1928 The last two teams to qualify for 2010 World Cup are all set for battle. French captain Patrice Evra cuts a serious pose as the pre-match formalities are carried out.
1924 The Green Point Stadium is looking resplendid. Capacity of 64,000. The anthems are being played, with the Uruguayan boys in full voice.
1922 The teams are in the tunnel in Cape Town. John Giles is going for Uruguay, while Eamon, somewhat surprisingly is going for a draw.
1916 The merits of the French custodian Lloris are being discussed. When he's good he's good and when he's bad he's... well he's not great.
1913 Eamon rates Uruguay as a 'useful' team. They certainly have players with experience in Europe's top leagues.
1910 The RTÉ panel are speaking about disharmony in the French camp with talk of Ribery not talking to Anelka. Eamon doesn't think much of the French coach. More importantly, do the Les Bleus players' think much of Raymond Domenech?
1903 RTÉ Television have put together a nice montage of what might have been. Robbie Keane scored the goal that gave the Irish a 2-0 victory of France and so we qualified for the finals. The Republic of Ireland were in the hat for the draw last December and Trap and the FAI were happy. Then they hit the rewind button. Just like the 1985-86 Dallas season - it never happened. Time to move on.
18.54 Line-ups for tonight's match
Uruguay: Muslera, Victorino, Lugano, Godin, Pereira, Maxi Pereira, Perez, Arevalo Rios, Gonzalez, Forlan, Suarez.
France: Lloris, Sagna, Gallas, Abidal, Evra, Govou, Gourcuff, Toulalan, Diaby, Ribery, Anelka.
18.51 Florent Malouda and Thierry Henry have been left out of the France starting XI. More team news to follow.
18.45: More about the World Cup ball from Will Graham: 'I would like to voice my opinion in relation to Eamonn and John's comments earlier regarding the new World Cup football.
'This football is now widely available at any sports store and I have personally experienced the use of this ball during an amature football match in UCD last night.
'I have to strongly agree with Eamonn on this one. The ball is a disgrace, even at Sunday league level. Describing it as something similar to a beach ball is not an exaggeration. This opinion was felt by everyone playing last night and was reflected at half time when the ball was disregarded in favour of a Euro 2008 replica ball. Simply put the new ball is far too light.'
18.41 Damien Walker from Tallaght has contacted us to say that everytime France play a match in the World Cup we should
all put out our Irish Flags. Is it not time my good friend to move on?
18.31 Some breaking news, courtesy of my collegues in the BBC. The bus carrying the United States team got stuck in a traffic jam caused by an elephant. The elephant was unavailable for comment afterwards, but did make a trunk call to the zoo to inform all the other animals that he was okay.
18.30 Welcome back to our live text coverage of events in South Africa on the opening day of World Cuo 2010. The opening match involving the hosts and Mexico ended in a 1-1 draw. Marks out of 10 for entertainment - we'll give it a 6. That's been generous.
17.44 Don't forget to join us back here for more news and previews in advance of the Uruguay v France tie at 6.30pm.
1726 The RTÉ panel are not singing the praises of the French and when you think about it Trap's lads did dominate them in Paris last November. Yet, the French are capable of great things, and I, for one still think they can emerge from their group.
1722 Uruguay XI: Muslera, Lugano, Godin, Victorino, Perez, Pereira, Rios Gonzalez, Pereira, Forlan, Suarez.
1717 Okay, there are 63 matches still be played at World Cup 2010 and next up is Uruguay v France.
1713 Back to the World Cup ball and Patrick in Kildare says: 'The only solution to the debate about the World Cup ball is for RTE to go out and buy one for Johnny, Graham, Eamon and Ossie.....so that they can feel what it's like for themselves. I'm surprised they haven't done this as their research already! Come on RTÉ buy the lads a ball. It's Saipan all over again with no proper balls.'
1706 On a more serious note, we are hearing about injuries sustained following a crush outside the Soccer City stadium at the end of the match.
1700 Eamon Dunphy was not happy with the way the ball was travelling in the game just finished. Flying balls, singing, All-Ireland Talent Show judge, possible weather presenter - Dunphy has had much to say on this opening day of the tournament.
South Africa improved greatly in the second half, though both sides will have show more next week. France and Uruguay, if they were looking on, will not be overly preturbed, you would think.
93 min GAME OVER. A share of the points in Soccer City. A draw was probably a fair result.
91 min 3 additional minutes.
90 min - So near and yet so far. Straight ball down the middle and Katlego Mphela uses his strength to good effect and his effort hits the post.
88 min Mexican sub Blanco has upped his game and could he be the one to score the winner.
85 min Five minutes to go and is there a winner in sight. I would not rule it out. Steven Pienaar has made way for Bernard Parker of FC Twente.
83 min Sniff of a chance for Hernandez but Khumalo carries out his defensive duties wuth aplomb
81 min Brilliant South African move results in Modise being flagged up for off-side when in a scoring position.
78 min MEXICO GOAL The captain Rafael Maquez does the business as he was left unmarked in the box after the South Africans tried to play off-side and he cooly slotted the ball home.
77 min Mexico sub Blanco is intent on displaying his trickery, but it's coming to nought so far.
75 min Mexico have brought on their extra attacking options, but failure to come up with decent crosses is frustrating.
73 min Manchester United recruit Hernandez, who many speak of very highly, comes on for Franco.
70 min Modise was nearly through on goal, but good work by Rodriguez, who uses his strength to good effect, and the danger is quelled.
68 min Mexican change sees Arsenal's Carlos Vela come off for Blanco.
65 min It was nearly joy again for Bafana Bafana as Mphela crosses from the left to the unmarked Modise and he shins it wide of the post Hold it! He was offside, so it would not have counted.
61 min Dikgacoi tries a long range effort but it lacks any power.
58 min Mexican response sees Dos Santos' effort brillianty saved by the lively and agile Khune.
56 min Mexican change sees Guardado come on for Aguilar.
55 min GOAL GOAL GOAL - Tshabalala with a belter when cutting in on the left. Superb finish. Their growing belief has yielded a productive dividend. The through ball from Dikgacoi should also be applauded.
51 min Mexico change is imminent. Rodriguez cuts out a promising South African move with the home side starting to put a few more neat moves together.
49 min The home nation have started the second half well; much more purpose and drive about them. Can they sustain it?
48 min Early chance for South Africa as Modise fails to connect.
16.07 SECOND HALF IS ON. South Africa bring on Masilela in place of Thwala, who struggled in the opening period.
16.05 The teams are coming out for the second-half. The noise of the Vuvuzela is quite prominent inside Soccer City. Some viewers to RTÉ are not happy. FIFA sough to ban these blow horns from inside the ground - but nothing came of it. I know it's annoying but there is nothing RTÉ can do about that constant drone.
1551 Half-time in Soccer City and its 0-0. Mexico will be disappointed that their noses are not in front.
45 min One additional minute to be played as Mexico start playing keep-ball again.
44 min Mphela can't connect with Thwala's flighted cross and the South Africa cannot avail of their best chance of the game. The home side playing with a bit more pep and are finishing the half strongly.
41 min South Africa's first corner following good work by Gaxa. Mexican golakeeper has to stretch and it's out for another. Poor delivery from Modise and the Mexicans deal with it.
37 min Franco is doing his best not to score. Another clear header goes skyward when finding the onion sack was easier.
36 min Mexico protest as Vela slams the ball home buts its ruled out for offside despite a South African player being on the line. There needs to be two players between the player and the goal. It's not great and South Africa are poor. Surely this is an opportunity for the South Americans to take full points
33 min Again, the Mexicans engineer a swift move and Vela on the right doesn't know whether to shoot or cross and his effort goes harmlessly wide.
31 min Franco has the best chance of the match so far when put through by Vela, but Khune saves well. Like any good keeper, he stood tall.
29 min Kagisho Dikgacoi gets a yellow card for a foul on Giovani. Mexico have had 61% possession so far.
28 min Not great fare so far. The opening match in World Cup 2006 saw six goals fly in. What we would do for some fireworks here.
25 min Steven Pienaar shows too much strength and fouls Osorio when in a decent position.
21 min South African need to get a decent control of the ball in midfield; their opponents are more assured in this sector.
20 min The ball seems to be flying around a lot, not helped by the firm surface.
19 min Mexican counter attack sees Franco with an effort that goes narrowly over the crossbar.
17 min First yellow card of the tournament goes to Juarez of Mexico for a clear handball. Free kick to be taken by Modise is dealt with easily by Mexico.
14 min Free-kick for South Africa in a decent position, but Pienaar's effort goes well over.
12 min Decent chance for Mexico as a clear header from Franco goes sky high. Slack marking from the hosts.
10 min South Africa's Tshabalala has been giving reign to push forward, but there's no support for him as Mexico continue to have most of the ball.
9 min The accuracy of the passing has slipped and the nervousness extends to the Mexicans.
4 min Veteran defender Marquez has played some probing passes so far.
2 min Mexican chance as South African netminder parries an effort from Jaurez.
1 min Early possession with the Mexicans and they are passing the ball around nicely.
15.05 GAME IS ON
15.04 Kick-off is seconds away. Lets hope for an entertaining opener.
15.02 The two captains are at the centre circle with the officials.
15.00 National anthems are completed. Let the games begin.
Teams:
South Africa - Khune; Gaxa, Thwala, Khumalo, Mokoena;Letsholonyane, Dikgacoi, Pienaar, Modise, Tshabalala; Mphela.
Mexico - Perez, Rodriguez, Salcido, Marquez, Osorio, Aguilar,
Juarez, Torrado (capt), Franco, 11 Vela, 17 Giovani
1456 The pre-match formalities are underway.
1449 95,000 are in situ in Soccer City for this opening clash. The Presidents of South Africa and Mexico are present alongside Sepp Blatter, who addresses the crowd. He congratultes South Africa for bringing us this tournament and reiterates the spirit of Nelson Mandela and all that it entails. The atmosphere in the crowd is electric.
1448 The teams are making their way onto the pitch. Eamon hopes for a South African victory; Graeme goes for Mexico, while John thinks it will be a draw.
1445 I'm back and the RTÉ panel are wondering how one Swen Goran Eriksson managed to survive as a football manager. The current Mexico manager recently lambasted the Swede for his handling of Mexico during his spell as manager.
1435 25 minutes to kick-off between South Africa and Mexico. The excitement is palpable. It's time I went for some fresh air.
1434 Eamon has doubts about Spain, and, in particular their defence. Ramos from Real Madrid does not inspire confidence with the Dunph. In saying that you can't but help feel that Eamon wants Spain to do well.
1432 John & Graeme feel that Spain are worthy favourites. They like their midfield sector, insofar that they make like difficult for the opposition in playing keep ball.
14.28 John is lukewarm about Portugal, and thinks their manager is poor. Ronaldo is their key player, but it's asking a lot for him to carry the team. I feel that Ivory Coast will join Brazil from Group G.
1426 Has Dunga taken the beautiful out of the beautiful Brazilian game? Graeme thinks he has, but is of the view that he is only adapting to the defence minded tactics that prevails widely. Eamon is looking forward to seeing Kaka in action, and feels Brazil will be a hard nut to crack.
1422 The Italians are not a side the panel feel will be around at the business end, despite their organisational nous. Their opening match against Paraguay will provide them with a stern test, however.
1418 Eamon is impressed by the Dutch, and the possibility of a clash with Brazil in the last eight excites him. Graeme thinks the Oranje can't win it, and feels Denmark should not be taking lightly in Group E. John likes the low key appraoch of their manager, but also feels they may fall short.
1413 Mark Donovan has e-mailed in and thinks that South Africa can hold Mexico to a draw today and is hoping that Uruguay can spring a shock against the French. He also believes they have the firepower in Forlan and co to cause the ageing French serious problems.
A quick word to girlfriend Nicola 'I'll make it upto you on the 12th July, but for the next month I'm going to be a couch potato putting monkey bets on as much soccer as possible.'
1410 John Giles is not warm on Germany's chances, and will only go so far to say that they might scrape out of the group. Graeme quoted a friend and states that there is a view in Germany that the side is possibly better off without Ballack. Serbia and Australia are his tips to emerge from the group.
1409 Niall from Dublin says: 'Can't wait to go home & watch the box. RTÉ's coverage four years ago was fantastic. Looking forward to Messrs Ardiles and Hamman's contributions. Have backed Rooney, Messi, Torres & D Villa to bag the golden boot so wait 'till you see, Van Persie will win it. Brazil v Spain final for me. Let's hope the refs do a good job. The idea of non-english speaking refs learning english swear words doesn't bold well. Games will be destroyed if players are given their marching orders just for being passionate about the greatest sporting event in the world.
1404 Eamon will be supporting England among a number of teams at the tournament. However, if it's a England v Spain final, Eamon will opt for Spain. Of course the notion of having your name across an England jersey did not sit well with the panel.
1402 John Giles feels England can do well, while Graeme thinks they have the ability to muscle their way into a good position that might get them to the semis. But no further, adds the Scot. Eamon sees their defence as a possible weakness, and the likes of Spain, he believes, are capable of ending their dream of ultimate glory.
1400 Gary Murphy feels the Germans will get out of their group and thinks Eamon is so wrong.
1357 Ray from Dublin e-mailed in and agrees with Gary Murphy about Robinho being good odds for top scorer gong. Ray has Brazil to win with Robinho to be top scorer at 66/1. He thinks those odds are sensational. He tells the masses to 'put your house on it'
1352 Graeme feels Maradona is a loose cannon, and feels he is not capable of making the right calls. Eamon quoted Ossie Ardiles, and says that fame has gone to Maradona's head. The panel are of the view that Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, but are not sure whether Maradona uses him in the right way.
1340 Eamon is also offering his services as a weather presenter, and may also host the Rose Of Tralee.
1338 The big kick-off is about 80 minutes away. Eamon Dunphy liked the colour of the opening ceremony, but that some of the singing, he thought, was awful. John Giles disagrees, while Graeme Souness liked the dancing. Eamon has threatened to sing to prove that he knows what he's talking about. He also says that he has been approached to judge the next series of the All-Ireland Talent Show.
1337 Now it's time to recognise that countries that did qualify. 370 youngsters call out the name of each finalist and the respective flag is revealed.
1333 All the countries (208) that participated in the World Cup qualifying are now being recognised in song with R Kelly on vocals. The flags of the countries that did not qualify are now being brought into the stadium.
1329 Dancers from the Ivory Coast and Ghana take to the stage. The organisers want to bring together the various cultural strands that premeate the four corners of Africa. What odds on an African nation going far in the tournament. Ivory Coast seem the best tip, but Drogba will not be at full tilt if he plays.
1325 Plenty of colour, energy and noise within the Stadium, as South Africa's best known rap artist, WHP takes to the stage.
1322 Desmond Tutu is certainly enjoying himself as he tries to mimic the moves of a rapping trio strutting their stuff. Sepp Blatter also seems in good form, but no dance moves from him. Just as well!
1321 The large screen shows an image of Nelson Mandela, who unfortunately is not able to attend this celebration following the death of his great grandaughter in a car crash last night.
1316 Every World Cup sees a different football and for 2010, the new ball comprises 11 colours to signify the number of players on a team and the fact that the tournament starts on the 11th and finishes on the 11th
1315 Soccer City is a magnificient setting, full of colour, and needless to say the tournament will be full of colour.
1312 The Opening Ceremony is underway.
1310 Bernd a German and Bayern Munich fan disagrees with Eamon Dunphy that Germany will be going home early.
13.05 Ray is of the view that we should get over the whole Henry handball saga. I agree with you 150%.
1300 The RTÉ coverage is underway with some fascinating shots of South Africa, and in particular, the stadiums that will be used. Opening ceremony is minutes away.
1246 John Mulligan from the Roscommon Champion wonders how many fans will be cheering for Uruguay in their match against the French tonight. I'm not sure whether the anti-France brigade has much of a following here, but I do think the South Americans will give them plenty to think about tonight.
1244 An e-mail from Gary Murphy (tell us where you're from) is of the view that Robin Van Persie and Robinho are well priced to be the top scorer in the tournament. Here's Gary's team of the tournament:
Goalkeeper H Lloris
Defenders Maicon, G Pique, B Alves, G Van Der Wiel
Midfielders A Di Maria, M Krasic, D Silva
Forwards: W Rooney, Robinho, R Van Persie
1235 Of course all the pundits are speculating as to who will win the trophy, potential shocks and so on. Mr Dunphy reckons Germany will not emerge from their group. He is sweet on the chances of Australia, however.
1227 I can confirm that Eamon Dunphy and Graeme Souness are on the premises. The former made his World Cup debut for RTÉ in 1978, while the latter, a somewhat suprise signing by the top brass, is gearing up for his second tournament for the Donnybrook outfit. Indeed, the Scot hasn't been linked, as of yet, with the vacant Liverpool job. Though, in fairness he would be a rank outsider.
1225 Bad news for Denmark ahead of their opener against the Netherlands on Monday with the news that Nicklas Bendtner will miss the match with a groin injury. Read full story here.
1220 I'm on the lookout for a sneaky top scorer wager (I am still mentally scarred by the victory of a few friends who backed Milan Baros at fancy prices (66/1) to be top scorer in the Euros a few years back and won wads of cash).
David Villa of Spain is the favourite at around 8/1 with Robin Van Persie next at 10s.
Villa looks fairly solid but could this tournament turn out to be Fernando Torres (14/1) time to shine?
As for Van Persie, it is tempting to rule him out on the basis that Holland will get most of their goals from across the team rather than through one main striker.....and I just don't see it.
Cristiano Ronaldo at 16s or thereabouts is actually not a bad price though Portugal may not be a good enough side and Didier Drogba is another who might be one to put on the shortlist if he wasn't crocked.
So my long price tip is going to have be Carlos Tevez (33/1) of Argentina who won't lack for energy and knocks them in from all angles when he gets on a roll.
Viva Argentina!
1205 The lovely Germans have begun their charm offensive this morning.
Manager Joachim Loew has told the world: 'We want to be able to embarrass opponents with our playing skills'.
Germany play Australia on Sunday in the Group D opener and my guess is that the Socceroos will be pretty flamin' stoked......
1155 I can confirm for certain that John Giles is on the premises........
RTÉ's first World Cup TV broadcast begins at 1.30pm this afternoon and details of all RTÉ's Sport coverage can be accessed here.
Details of RTÉ's World Cup coverage across TV, Radio and Online are here.
1125 So, which team is going to win the World Cup? Who'll be top scorer? Want to share your tips with other RTÉ.ie readers? If so, let us know who you're backing by emailing us at sportonline@rte.ie
1100 RTÉ's Stephen Alkin tells us that Ray Houghton can't go anywhere in South Africa without somebody approaching him to say hello. Read Stephen's latest dispatch from South Africa here
1030 Hello and welcome to the first of our daily World Cup text commentaries. We will be providing text updates on all of the matches in South Africa, and the tournament kicks off today with the hosts playing Mexico.
That game kicks off at 3pm (Irish time) but before that the tournament will be officially launched with the opening ceremony at 1pm (again, Irish time).
We'll try to give you a flavour of the colour and festivity of the opening ceremony, and if you want to get in touch with your views/predictions/etc, please email us at sportonline@rte.ie. [Note: Your comments may be used in this live text commentary]
Sadly, Nelson Mandela will be unable to attend the opening ceremony after the death of his great granddaughter in a car accident last night.
Today's second game is Uruguay v France at 7.30pm. Wonder who we'll be supporting in that one...
Ok, some news ahead of the first game:
South Africa have named their team - Itumeleng Khune; Siboniso Gaxa, Lucas Thwala, Bongani Khumalo, Aaron Mokoena; Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala; Katlego Mphela.
