Vuvuzela South Africa

Rafael Marquez - Mexico will play

The 2010 World cup has already seen is share of injuries before the first match even kicks off on Friday 11 June – be it stress, or end of season exhaustion – these are injuries nobody wants to happen.

New Zealand – Tim Brown Vice Captain

Tim Brown, vice captain of the all whites will leave for South Africa tomorrow to joins his team for their World cup campaign. He has had an operation on his right shoulder after injuring it during a warm-up match against Australia on May 31, and apparently his recovery is ahead of schedule.

Mexico – Rafael Marquez and Guillermo Franco to Play in Opening Match

According to football365.com Rafael Marquez has handed Mexico a timely boost ahead of their World Cup opener against South Africa. Marquez’s involvement had been cast into doubt once he picked up a leg injury during a warm-up date with Italy last week.

It was widely suggested that the problem would keep the Barcelona man out of at least one game, if not more. However, the 31-year-old centre-half returned to training on Tuesday and is expected to come into contention on Friday.

Mexico have also welcomed the news that Guillermo Franco is set to be fit to make the South Africa clash.

The former West Ham and Villarreal striker had been struggling with a muscle complaint, but came through train

Coach Ricki Herbert has until 24 hours before New Zealand

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