Greatest show on turf kicks off tonight with hosts meeting Mexico in opener

JOHANNESBURG - "Vuvuzela" trumpets blasted and soccer chants rang out across South Africa on the eve of the continent's first World Cup which Africans hope will transform negative global perceptions of them.

In hotels and training grounds across the vast and beautiful nation, players and coaches of the 32 competing nations had their eyes set on an equally lofty goal - lifting the globe's most coveted sporting prize on July 11.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma unrealistically urged the local Bafana Bafana (The Boys) team to bring him the trophy. But the more likely benefit for the hosts is a legacy of tourism, investment and greater social unity.