The Big Picture: Is it still Africa's World Cup?

In Ghana we trust:

A record six African nations qualified for this World Cup, but Ghana are now the continent's only team. Their favourable draw, however, means the Black Stars stand a good chance of becoming the first African team to ever reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.

Europe-based:

Sulley Muntari is one of four members of the Ghana squad plying their trade in Italy – 19 Africans play in Serie A, less than half those in the Premier League, which has 57 registered African players.

High security:

South African police have joined with private firms to provide top-level security to players at all times. On match days they have been keen to liaise with their counterparts abroad on how best to control their particular fans.

Sparkling feet:

Nike's vivid purple, orange and white boots, worn by 44 per cent of players, have lit up the World Cup.

Big chill:

Despite fans arriving in beachwear, temperatures have dropped as low as -5C at night, freezing training pitches and disrupting practice sessions.