世界杯首轮最值得期待的10场比赛

　　-- History may see France as a dubious World Cup participant, given Thierry Henry's naughty handball and an unconvincing overall qualifying campaign. Still, there's something to like about this squad, thanks to talented attackers like Franck Ribery, Florent Malouda, potential super-sub Henry and others. Mexico has never advanced past the second round in a World Cup played outside its own borders. Still, there's something to like about this squad thanks to sassy young attackers like Giovani Dos Santos, Carlos Vela and new Manchester United signee Javier Hernandez. Given the tournament history of host nations advancing out of the first round, South Africa could find a way through, which means the second spot from Group A could well come down to this one。

　　7. United States VS Algeria

　　-- This will be the first-round closer for Bob Bradley's team. Only the red-white-and-bluest of American fans would dare think their boys will have second-round passage secured by this point. Chances are, they'll need a result against the North Africans in Pretoria. Algeria can be a bit erratic, but there is surely talent there. Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, assuming they come through the first two U.S. matches unscathed, will need to carry the day. Get your foam fingers up!

　　8. Ghana VS Germany

　　-- Among the most evocative aspects of any World Cup is the contrast in styles -- although it can sometimes be overstated in the modern game, where soccer cultures frequently intermingle. But this one does offer some contrast. Michael Ballack's absence could see the German's drift back to the old ways: grinding out results through efficiency and sheer will. The Ghanaians are fairly well organized by freewheeling African standards, but they'll still challenge Germany with an energetic side, a mix of young talent and returning players who impressed four years ago. Ghana's loss of indomitable midfielder Michael Essien, however, will dent the Africans' chances。

　　9. Netherlands VS Cameroon

　　-- The Dutch have a tendency to hit a sweet spot about this time in major tournaments. It's usually around the second or third match -- after the initial draw borne of overconfidence and before the inevitable collapse borne of internal bickering (or hot-headed lunacy as we saw four years ago in the Portuguese-Dutch back-alley brawl). But in between, they can be simply amazing. And if you've seen some of Robin van Persie's recent strikes, you know why hopes are rising among the side's substantial worldwide support。

　　10. Brazil VS Portugal

　　-- It looked like Brazil-Ivory Coast would be the marquee match of this bunch, but a devastating injury to irrepressible striker Didier Drogba may strip some sheen off that one. Rather, the group may be decided by the Portuguese-speaking nations. Both teams will be keen to finish first in the group, for a likely second-round matchup with Spain awaits the Group G runner-up. And even mighty Brazil might want to sidestep that one。