Since the day South Africa was awarded the World Cup five years ago, skeptics have raised doubts about the country's ability to host such a large event. Every possible mishap and downfall; Security, transport, prostitution, ticket machines and especially Bafana Bafana have been scrutinized in an attempt to prematurely taint the big show.

But before the tournament even begins, we already know that the most critical element of the World Cup has already taken a hit, and this one was completely out of South Africans' hands. In fact, 2010 may be remembered as the World Cup of absentees.

First it was the missing teams. Three of the past four third-place finishers, Sweden, Croatia and Turkey all failed to qualify. Russia, who reached the semi-finals in Euro 2008 under legendary coach Guus Hiddink, were eliminated by former Soviet Bloc state Slovenia. Argentina and Portugal, home to the world's two best players, were pushed to the brink, with the Iberians slipping past Bosnia-Herzogovina 1-0 in a playoff match.

Then it was the players who were left out of their countries' squads. Benzema, Nasri, Senna, Totti, Cambiasso, Zanetti, Walcott, Ronaldinho, Van Nistelrooy and South Africa's Benni McCarthy are all watching the tournament from their couches.

The first to fall was David Beckham. Although the veteran midfielder is well passed his prime, he was expected to provide invaluable leadership and coolness in big games. His signature crosses have already been missed as a lackluster English midfield struggled to get the ball to Wayne Rooney against the US.

Chelsea boss Carlo Angelotti has serious cause for concern after seeing four of his stars and respective national team captains, Ballack, Mikel, Drogba and Essien fall in the past two months, which effectively crushed all hope for the trophy to stay in Africa. Drogba has however been declared fit to play the "group-of-death" opener against Portugal, a pivotal game in deciding who will follow Brazil into the knockout stages.

A fifth Blue, Jose Bosingwa and Manchester United speedster Nani will leave the right side of the Portuguese lineup depleted and put even more weight on Ronaldo's shoulders. Another former Blue, Arjeen Robben, is said to have been cleared but missed the Dutch opener against Denmark.

And yet another captain, Rio Ferdinand, was also sidelined last week after suffering a knee injury in training just last week. His replacement, Tottenham's Ledley King, will miss the rest of the tournament after reinjuring his knee against the US.

To add insult to injury, Argentinian hero and flamboyant skipper Diego Maradona has been missing his wakeup calls. The team hasn't been able to train in the mornings because of El Diego's sleeping habits. Not that it's hurt Argentina in the Cup so far. More teams might be sleeping in after Argentina's 4-1 blowout of South Korea today.

Another thing that might go missing will be Maradona's clothes. If the 'albicelestes' take home the trophy; he has vowed to run naked in the center of Buenos Aires.

Gerardo Chapa is the producer of 20/10, a documentary about the 2010 World Cup. The movie's descriptor reads: "For a month this summer, for 90 minutes at a time, an inexplicable phenomenon will unite people of all ages, creeds and colors. Every four years, beggars and kings, whites and blacks, women and men gather to indulge in the revelry of this sensation. For the first time ever, the catalyst for this fever will take place in Africa."

Chapa is on the ground in South Africa as the world's biggest sport event grips the globe. He's writing a first-person account, exclusive to CultureMap.