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Game 1, RSA v. Mexico. A well deserved draw from RSA. I had bet that Mexico would win, and on another day, they would have. They DOMINATED the first half. RSA came out looking shell shocked and just terrified. They were unpolished, sloppy, and just bad. El Tri had a few shots on target, and Guillermo Franco should have capitalized on his two free headers. But The Bafana Bafana built momentum towards the end of the first half, and there must have been quite a lecture from their manager, because they came out with an intensity and passion that was invisible during the first 45. Tshabalala (arguably the coolest name in the tournament) finished brilliantly at the end of a counter attack from Mexico’s lost possesion. A beautiful strike across goal that went upper 90. A beautiful opening goal for the beautiful game.
One thing that I noted about soccer during a tweet of mine (twitter.com/denniscdowd (I recently un-locked my tweets so you don’t have to follow me to read them)) was that I loved how there are no time-outs in soccer. Momentum must be built by playing, rather than by stopping play (as in basketball). While it’s a useful tool, I love how the play determines how involved the crowd (made up of 94,000 vuvuzela blowing maniacs) will be in the game.
Mexico ended up equalizing when RSA’s defense shit the bed and collapsed. The hosts could have put away Mexico for good, but tired legs took over Mphela and he was unable to finish. A deserving draw, it was a game of two halves, and The Bafana Bafana started the WC off with a great performance. Fuck you Mexico, for making me lose my bet. I hated you before, but now I despise you forever.
Moving on, the next game of the day is France v. Uruguay. I hate French people as a whole, but really like some of their players, except for Henry, being that he handled (The Hand of Gaul) the French into the WC Finals, much to the chagrin and disbelief of my beloved Irish. France is loaded with talent, but lack the heart and passion. They had an awful run through the qualifiers, and really do not in any way deserve to be a part of this tournament. They hate their coach, and he really is just quite useless. He’s already stepped down from the position immediately following France’s exit from the Cup. Uruguay has lots of talent up front in Diego Forlan, who has played for the likes of Man U, Villareal, and Atletico Madrid. While France overpowers in marquee names and overall talent, I think they’re lack of passion and heart will ultimately lead to their downfall. I expected Mexico to take this group, but with their draw today agains the hosts, it’s France’s group to lose.
My prediction: France 1, Uruguay 1.
Don’t forget to check my twitter (twiter.com/denniscdowd) for in game thoughts.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
I’ve decided I’m going to blog/tweet my brains out during this years World Cup. I’m going to write about the bigger picture (South Africa and the impact of the WC on the African continent) at a later time.
For now, here are my thoughts on the opening match between the Republic of South Africa and Mexico.
It’s a shame that Nelson Mandela isn’t able to make the opening/pre-game ceremony. I’ve read that the South African people believe that a certain aura surrounds their icon. Some believe that magical results can happen when he is present (see the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the movie Invictus was based on that).
Sepp Blatter reminds me of Hitler without the stache, he’s hysterical.
I’ve bet on Mexico to win, I hope they do, just for my own sake, but I’m very happy and excited for the nation of South Africa and the Bafana Bafana (the name of the RSA’s team, translated to The Boys, The Boys).
RSA have a good chance, not only do they have a phenomenal home field advantage (aided by 50,000 deafening vuvuzelas). Attacking midfielder Steven Pineaar has the experience from playing in the EPL for Everton.
I’m inclined to take Mexico due to their experience combined with athleticism and young talent. Giovani dos Santos will be paired up front with experienced Guillermo Franco to test the inexperienced Bafana Bafana keeper Khune. Barcelona’s Rafa Marquez has the talent and experience to lead El Tri to victory over the host country. Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium is at a similar altitude to Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium, and El Tri are used to playing in front of loud and raucous crowds. I think the pressure of playing in front of their home fans will be more of a detriment to the host team.
Mexico 3 – RSA 1
I thought about doing a halftime summary, but I think that I’ll wait until the game is over.
