In one of the most evocative stadiums of all and under a searing afternoon sun, the World Cup will began when Mexico faced South Africa. And, for many, all the justifiable gripes with a bloated format, price gouging and political manoeuvring may instantly disappear following the first glimpse of the Azteca on their TV screens.
The co-hosts, on paper, should find this group straightforward but the outstanding question is how they will cope with the pressure and an opening day win against the least heralded of this quartet appears a must.
