Who will emerge as South Africa’s biggest star?

At last, it starts.

All the talk, all the speculation, all the excitement has gone on for far too long.

But as South Africa holds its breath, the Rainbow Nation praying for a winning beginning against Mexico in Johannesburg’s Soccer City, so the stars of the world game know this is their moment of truth.

The next month is the ultimate test of whether they can produce on the biggest stage of all.

No matter who you are, from whatever country or continent, it is performances that count now. Not past ones, but the immediate future.

Ten Men With The World At Their Feet

Cristiano Ronaldo
Never forgiven for his wink after Rooney’s red card in Germany but the Portuguese prancer believes he is the greatest of his generation. Won nothing this season after costing Real Madrid £80million.

Wayne Rooney
Hope of England and the key to all that Fabio Capello’s side can achieve. Has a score to settle with the World Cup after what happened in Gelsenkirchen and must prove he is in control of his head.

Didier Drogba
Broken elbow surely makes it impossible for him to play anywhere near his peak although the Chelsea man knows he is perhaps Africa’s biggest hope. Injury could not have come at a worse time.

Kaka
Brazilian schemer’s move to Madrid was overshadowed by Ronaldo signing and injury-hit campaign at the Bernebeu. Only played 25 minutes against Costa Rica in 2002 World Cup triumph and eliminated in quarter-finals in 2006.

Lionel Messi
Mercurial wizard of the Nou Camp and leading light of Diego Maradona’s side. Knows the pressure of expectations on him is immense to prove he is “El Diego’s” true inheritor.

Fernando Torres
Scored the goal that won Euro 2008 but injury-scarred campaign at Liverpool. This time he is going in as the strike-leader of the team that have the additional weight of the favourites’ tag.

Xavi Hernandez
Matador of the midfield and ticking heart of Vicente Del Bosque’s side. But Spain’s past failures on the World Cup stage could be his side’s biggest opponent of the tournament and Xavi has to show he can handle that.

Bastian Schweinsteiger
Michael Ballack’s ankle injury means the Bayern Munich midfielder has to show he is a genuine leader of Die Mannschaft. Demonstrating that in the World Cup will see the European giants hovering to entice him away from Bavaria.

Samuel Eto’o
The Cameroon striker has been savaged by 1990 hero Roger Milla. Eto’o has demanded respect but he will have to earn it in a tough opening group and into the knock-out phase.

Nicolas Anelka
Thiery Henry’s decline has put the Chelsea man centre-stage for Les Bleus. Poor displays in warm-up matches have left Anelka under deeper scrutiny. Can Le Sulk keep his cool and show his class?


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