South Africa have been through a difficult build up to the World Cup
When assessing Bafana Bafana's chances of making the second round of the World Cup, it's common for South Africans to use the word 'miracle' in their reply.
And when you consider that the team is Fifa's lowest-ranked of all those contesting the finals, the fans' fear is understandable.
Yet there are some positives which might give the hosts hope.
Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has led four sides at the finals, including his native Brazil to the title in 1994.
And home advantage should not be underestimated.
Every World Cup host so far has made it through the first stage.
While much of their fortune lies with Friday's draw, a great deal also rests on the slender shoulders of Steven Pienaar.
South Africa's World Cup build-up
The attacking midfielder is South Africa's key man, installing a sense of urgency to a side that has a tendency to go sideways and slow down play with unnecessary touches.
The 27-year-old is a class above his colleagues and having missed recent games through injury, his return should enable Benni McCarthy and Katlego Mphela to finally start scoring.
And this is South Africa's big problem - in their 18 matches in 2009 they scored a paltry 10 goals in total.
Every neutral hopes that the hosts do well because it brings a tournament to life.
And with Fifa having invested so much in South Africa 2010, the governing body must privately share those hopes.
But Bafana Bafana will have to lift themselves well above their usual standard if they are to have an extended stay at their own World Cup.
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