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.

Advertisement