Johannesburg hosts the first World Cup game on African soil when home side South Africa take on Mexico in the competition's curtain-raiser on Friday.

In the other Group A encounter in Cape Town, 2006 World Cup runners-up France will take on Uruguay, with both teams eyeing victory.

South Africa V Mexico

Head to Head

South Africa win: 1 Goals: 4

Mexico win: 2 Goals: 9

Teams News

South Africa are boosted by a 12-match unbeaten run. Their coach Carlos Alberto Parreira named the same starting eleven that downed Guatemala 5-0 and beat Denmark 1-0.

Left-back Tsepo Masilela will start on the bench despite recovering from injury.

Steven Pienaar is tipped to play a major role in feeding the frontline while Katlego Mphela is expected to lead the Bafana Bafana's attack in Benni McCarthy's absence.

On the other hand, Mexico's influential pair Rafael Marquez and Guillermo Franco have recently returned to action.

What they Said

South Africa coach Parreira: "Bafana Bafana now has a face, an identity, we are confident and we want to deliver.

"We want to make this country proud and we're going to give any team that plays against us hell."

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre: "For 90 minutes I will be against South Africa. But after I will support them."

Uruguay V France

Head to Head

France win: 1 Goals: 3

Uruguay: 1 Goals: 2

Draw: 2

Teams News

France's William Gallas is expected to start in spite of his minor knee injury. He should partner Eric Abidal at the heart of defense.

Franck Ribery has also recovered from a slight knee problem and will most probably be given a starting berth.

Thierry Henry is likely to be benched as hitman Nicolas Anelka is set to lead the frontline of Les Bleus.

At the other end, Atletico Madrid star Diego Forlan has recuperated from a foot injury on time and is ready to feature for Uruguay.

He should be deployed upfront along with Ajax ace Luis Suarez. Both players form a potent strike partnership.

What they Said

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez: "Our aim is to win the match, but it's not because we want to be vindicated historically or recover what's been missing all these years.

"The way to do this is to play very well, defend well, and when we have the ball to use it smartly."

France coach Raymond Domenech: "I feel they (France's players) are determined, even a bit aggressive and very impatient."