Group A - Is this the first time a host nation does not make it past the Group Stage?

It is strange to think that only 16 years ago, apartheid was ended in South Africa. It is also strange to think that this happened in my lifetime, when I was 6 years old, with the impression that the world was a harmonious place where people of all nationalities just got together and celebrated their similarities and differences.

Well, it is about that time folks, once every four years in June-July, where this occurs. Political bickering goes out the window (for the true football fanatic), and the spectacle unfolds right in front of us (I must make the exception for the unfortunate Andres Escobar Saldarriaga in the 1994 USA-Colombia game as that is the one time I have detested the effects of the sport). Otherwise, you hear stories of people living completely different lives hand-in-hand as their nation's hopes rest on 23 individuals.

Unfortunately, this year's host nation's hopes may be prematurely dashed. It is not that I don't have faith in the Bafana Bafana. Disregarding the fact that the country's highest goalscorer, Benni McCarthy, was cut because of his fitness problems, world cup winning tactician Carlos Alberto Parreira has made the right choice of trusting local players in favor of foreign-based players. English Premier League stars like Steven Pienaar (Everton) and Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth) will definitely start but the foundation of the team is built from players playing in the South African Premier League in teams as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs. South Africa's friendly wins over Thailand and Denmark are a solid foundation to build upon.

However, it is the quality of the opponents in their group I am worried about most. I don't need to say anything about France. They have been playing poorly as a team but at any moment, they have individuals who can take control of the game by themselves. Mexico have been surprising many with their level of play. The 3-1 loss against England does not do their game play justice as they had numerous opportunities to score. The 2-1 win against Italy also did not do Mexico any favors; they should have scored 5 or 6 against a lethargic Italy. Uruguay, two-time winners of the World Cup, have a world class attack. Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlan leads the line alongside the rising startlet of Palermo, Edinson Cavani. They also have Luis Suarez, who was the Eredivisie's top scorer and is being linked to a host of top clubs around Europe.

My point is that South Africa are, without a doubt, the worst team in their group. It will be a surprise if they finish third, a miracle if they advance from their group.

This year history is being made as the world's most followed sports tournament is being held in Africa for the first time. Unfortunately, history will also be made for the wrong reasons, as the host nation will not progress this year.