Group A is one of the toughest to predict in the World Cup draw. You've got Uruguay, a team that played very well in CONMEBOL qualifying and boasts a star in Diego Forlan; Mexico, a team that traditionally is strong in group play; South Africa, the host nation, which has historically been as good as a straight ticket into the knockout round (though it may not be this year); and France, perhaps the biggest mystery of all. A team loaded with individual talent, Les Bleus would not have even made the World Cup finals if not for a hand ball by Thierry Henry that went uncalled in the playoff against Ireland. And you've got Franck Ribery. Without question one of the most talented players in the world, Ribery has been embroiled in a prostitution scandal that, for a while, left his World Cup status in doubt. It will be Ribery's responsibility to elevate his game, and to carry a squad that should advance. But this France team is just such a mystery. Worth watching.

Remember: this isn't a list of the 10 best players, it's a list of 10 players you want to keep an eye on. For the U.S. to advance, Landon Donovan has to play extremely well. In his loan stint at Premiership side Everton this year, Donovan proved that he is a legitimate world-class player. But he was still a role player in England. For the U.S. to be successful (aka, advance to the second round), Donovan needs to dominate the midfield. He needs to control play, distribute, and at times he'll need to finish. The U.S. will only go as far as Landon Donovan takes them.