Against a backdrop of fevered enthusiasm and the deafening noise of vuvuzelas at Johannesburg's cavernous Soccer City, an entertaining tone for the tournament is likely to be set by two teams who are much better going forward than defending.
Impressive results and performances from both sides in their warm-up games suggest a capacity crowd of almost 90,000 could be treated to a memorable opening to the 64-match event.
A home win on Friday would not be as big a surprise, such has been the hosts' vast improvement in form, but it would still be a boost for South Africa and its tournament.
Disappointing form over the last few years threatened to put a damper on the 2010 World Cup, a concern even expressed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter who openly criticised Bafana Bafana's performances.
"It is important that as the host country we go out to win all the games," said South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. "We can go out there and upset these countries," he added also referring to Uruguay and France who make up Group A.
South Africa's improved results have not only galvanised the players and inspired new-found confidence but have also led to a massive outpouring of nationalistic sentiment.
"There is no doubt this can be our 12th man," he said.
"Our philosophy is to always make good use of the ball," forward Carlos Vela said on www.fifa.com. "With that in mind, I think that (coach) Javier Aguirre has called up the right kind of players: obnes who are quick and comfortable on the ball."
Mexico striker Guillermo Franco has overcome injury to increase the attacking options available to coach Javier Aguirre. He could be partnered on Friday by Manchester United's new signing Javier Hernandez.
