Nerves are good. You need nerves before a football game if you are to do well, because without nerves, the butterfly feeling in the stomach, you don't truly know what is at stake. Some of the South African players have admitted to feeling nervous today and it's not a bad thing.

In fact, it's a good thing, because having these nerves also means they believe they can achieve something special and you know what, they can.

"As it gets nearer to kick off, the nerves are beginning. All we have in mind is not to disappoint," said striker Bernard Parker.

"There are times now when you get really nervous but having the nation behind us means a lot to the squad," added winger Siphiwe Tshabalala.

"I don't know how we are going to feel on the bus on the way to the opening game," said the David Beckham of South African football and not because he looks like him, just because of the media coverage of him and his wife, Matthew Booth.

Just a chance for South Africa

You see, South Africa have looked good lately. The football has been very focused, very crisp and very controlled. When you look at France, Mexico and Uruguay and then back at the football South Africa have played recently, there is reason to believe they will get through this group.

Mexico looked good against England despite losing 3-1 so they will be tough but South Africa drew with Bulgaria and they beat Colombia recently also. They will believe they can finish in the top two.

"We are all aware of the importance of winning the first game," said goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

"We have the advantage of home support and with the whole nation behind us there is a real energy. But there is a little bit of nerves while we wait."

Nerves are good, but local support is going to be important too and I fancy South Africa will get it.