The likelihood of a European nation winning its first World Cup away from the continent is fast dwindling.

World Cup seemed to find another gear today, just in time for Tuesday’s Group of Death start.

Will the favored and defending champion Italy team emerge from Group F?

Italy v Paraguay in Cape Town – World Cup Group F Match.

World Cup Group F breakdown and preview.

After the World Cup draw was made in South Africa just three weeks before Christmas, England coach Fabio Capello could not have wished for a better group.

The Dutch share a long history with South Africa dating back to 16-1700s through trade and colonization – 300-odd years later, the Netherlands are the first Europeans to qualify for WC10.