US Men Will Open World Cup Against England

As FIFA notes on their website, Draw ignites FIFA World Cup fever, it was an early Xmas present for the US Men’s National Team today as the final draw was completed.

While South Africans smiled upon learning that the host nation’s Opening Match on 11 June would be played against Mexico at Soccer City, it was the outcome of Group D which caused the biggest stir. Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana will battle it out for the two qualifying places for the Round of 16, meaning that two nations with a proud footballing heritage will have to depart the tournament early.

The early stages of the draw brought a very interesting match-up as England were paired together with USA in a match which will take place in Rustenburg on Saturday 12 June, which brought back memories of the clash at Brazil 1950, which USA won 1-0. However, Fabio Capello and Bob Bradley avoided a nightmare group, with Algeria and Slovenia also coming out of the hat.

Group G looks a tricky section with Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal all drawn together too.

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana,
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

Although the dates and locations of each of the 48 matches are known for the group-stage games, the kick-off times will be announced shortly, upon conclusion of a meeting between FIFA, the Local Organising Committee and broadcasters.

Jabulani, the official 2010 World Cup ball was unveiled, at ceremonies on Friday morning. The adidas ball is named after the isiZulu word for “to celebrate,” and its 11 colors represent the 11 players on a team, the 11 official languages of South Africa and the 11 South African tribes that make the country one of the most diverse countries on the African continent.

“Grip’n'Groove” ball technology was used to make a stable flight and perfect grip. Eight 3-D spherically formed EVA and TPU panels are molded together to envelop the inner carcass.