One game over for each of the 32 sides in World Cup 2010. We've had (a few) goals, ball complaints, surprises, shocks, outrage but mostly disappointment. So, how are each of the big names doing after just 90 minutes?
France
On the opening day of the tournament, 2006 runner's up France were held to a goalless draw by ten-man Uruguay. Once more, the group should get harder from here on in; the well-organised Mexico are next on the French fixture list, followed by the hosts, South Africa. France should on paper qualify, where they'd most likely face Argentina or South Korea. Excluding star player, Bayern Munich's Frank Ribery, France lack players who can provide ammunition to target man Anelka, and many of the players stepping up to the mark aren't as accomplished as their predecessors. Only a brave man would back France all the way: 2010 doesn't look like their year.
South Africa
After netting a fantastic opener to the World Cup on Day 1, South Africa conceded a late goal against Mexico. After drawing their first game, many South Africans seem disappointed, but optimistic for the remaining two fixtures in the group. Whether they have the quality to overcome the French remains to be seen, but they do have the backing of their whole nation. On the pitch, they appear to be fired up, but still culperable to the odd error; South Africa were never likely to go all the way, but could cause an upset against the French, or even a badly-coached Argentina in the last 16.
Argentina
Argentina kicked off their World Cup with a 1-0 win against Nigeria, though showed signs of vulnerability, namely in right-back Jonas Gutierrez. They took the lead through full-back Gabriel Heinze and despite the attacking prowess of Higuain, Messi and Tevez, failed to capitalise on numerous chances later in the game. Although a forlorn figure of 2006's outstanding side, Argentina can never be written off, especially with the aforementioned Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. Perhaps Argentina are slow starters this year, but should easily make the last 16 and must fancy their chances against any of Group A. The Argentinians have the confidence to win the World Cup this year, and may enjoy being tournament underdogs, but will need to prove that this generation is a side of class, across the field.
England
Injury-riddled England take on Algeria and Slovenia in their remaining group fixtures and are expected to make the knockout round, though must be praying not to face penalties once they qualify. Should they top their group, they'll most likely face a tie with Ghana, and a quarter final clash with France could be on the cards after that. It's difficult to say whether this is their best shot since 1966, such is the casualty list of the side. The draw's been kind to the English though, who need to keep their nerve, and build on confidence.
Germany
One game down, Germany have been easily the most impressive of any team in the tournament. Like many others, the Germans are in transition: Michael Ballack for one's not at this tournament, replaced by the younger generation coming through. After an impressive 4-0 win over Australia, the Germans must be looking to the next round, where they'll play either USA or England, and will be favourites against either. Futher than that, Argentina potentially await them in the last 8. Germany must be dark horses now, as they look to be the only team in form in the competition, but once they face stronger opposition than Australia, then the world will see just how good this crop of players are.
The Netherlands
Holland are another team slow out of the starting blocks this summer. After a scrappy win over a defensive Denmark side, the Dutch are still in a strong position to finish top of Group E, where a pairing with Paraguay is probable. Opponents after that could be Portugal or Spain, so it's important that Holland build on their opening win and start playing with the famous Dutch flair of the past. They certainly have the players to do it, but Wesley Sneijder needs to work on his partnership with Rafael van der Vaart, Robin van Persie needs to find his scoring boots, and the Dutch currently lack width, with Arjen Robben sidelined. It's a big ask for The Oranje to ditch their tag of "the greatest side never to win the World Cup", but with rising stars Ibrahim Affelay and Eljero Elia, plus the fact that the likes of van Persie and Sneijder could be at their peak in four years time, it looks like this Dutch side could be too young this time around.
Italy
A nervy 1-1 draw saw the holders kick off their campaign in a fashion unfamiliar to the Italians; defensive errors, trailing at half time, and lacking the passing ability that unlocked the world's defences in Germany '06. Italy are still strong favourites to advance the group stage, where their route to the final could be via Japan, Portugal or Spain and Argentina or Germany: opposition signicantly more difficult than Australia, Ukraine and Germany in 2006. With Alberto Gilardino up front, the Italians aren't at their sharpest, and Claudio Marchisio's service up to him isn't as potent as Andrea Pirlo's. Like so many other nations at this World Cup, The Azzurri look shadows of their former selves, though with Rino Gattuso, Antonio Di Natale, Mauro Camoranesi and Pirlo himself at the disposal of highly experienced Marcelo Lippi, it could be foolish to rule Italy out from retaining their crown.
Brazil
A workman-like, efficient Brazilian side managed a 2-1 win over North Korea just yesterday, albeit without the Samba magic the world has come to know and love from them. Without the Peles, Ronaldos and Rivaldos of the past, the Brazilian side's focal point is the lesser-known Sevilla hitman Luis Fabiano. Whether he can emulate the legendary Brazilian strikers of the past is unclear at this point in the competition, but with service from Robinho, Kaka and Elano, he stands as good a chance as any frontman in South Africa. A potential clash with Spain in the next round may excite neutrals, though Brazil are the favourites overall to clinch a sixth triumph on yet another continent: they just need one player from the squad and become a superstar.
Portugal
A Portugal side, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, returned to the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast in the "group of death", Group G. Favourites to finish behind Brazil, the obvious Portuguese strength is the enigmatic Ronaldo, who will be looking not only to supply Liédson, but to chip in with his fair share of goals. But the team needs to prove that they're as strong across the pitch; familiar Premier League names Pedro Mendes, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho should feature for Portugal. With Spain, Italy and Argentina on the horizon, it won't be easy for the Portuguese, but a strong performance against Brazil would work wonders for confidence and send out a clear message that they're a force to be reckoned with.
Spain
The only big-name nation to lose their opening game, Euro 2008 winners Spain are facing the prospect of qualifying second in their group and meeting Brazil in the knockout stages. Should they win their group, they still have the unenviable task of Portugal, but do the Spanish still have what it takes to break a habit of a lifetime and advance to last four even? If they are to reach the expectations of many, Fernando Torres has to find his match fitness quickly, David Villa needs to start scoring and the service from trio Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso needs to improve on what was a lacklustre display from the midfield in Durban. One could argue that Spain need another dimension; along with the aforementioned midfield, the Spanish impact players are winger Jesus Navas and Barca-bound Cesc Fabregas, more passers. One thing is certain: Spain need to lift their game dramatically if they're going to live up to their 4-1 odds and change history.
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