World Cup Diary: Day 1

First off I am sorry that it has taken me 7 months to get back into writing. I have spent this time readjusting to not only being back home but living with my girlfriend.
Anyways, I am not here to talk about that, today is the first day of the biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup. And to mark this occasion I am going to be blogging about every match and every game, to give you one man's take on the "beautiful game."

Match 1: Republic of South Africa vs Mexico
Being American I naturally have a disliking of Mexico. The rivalry of US and Mexico in soccer is well documented without even getting into the international political issues such as immigration. So, to say that I was very biased was an understatement. For South Africa, the story for this World Cup was if they could even get out of the group stage. Though it is definitely a tough road to haul I feel that you can never underestimate the power of the host nation.
First Half:
The first 45 minutes was basically all Mexico. They controlled the possession through short and long passes, had runners running unmarked through the final third of the pitch, and had plenty of shots. Mexico looked to have scored the first goal of the tournament off of a corner kick only to have it called back due to an incredibly sketchy offsides call. South Africa's offense was all but non existent with only a few chances at net. The lone highlight of the first half for Bofana Bofana was the play of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. The 22 year old made some incredible save to keep the host nation even.
Second Half:
Coming out of the half South Africa looked to have calmed down and controlled the pace of the first 15 minutes. Launching counter attacks and catching Mexico forward looked to be their best chance of pulling ahead. And in the 55th minute Teko Medise played a beautiful through ball to find a streaking Siphiwe Tshabalala who struck a laser into the far corner. I'm telling you the celebration that followed gave me absolute goosebumps. After the goal you could see Mexico turn it on. One of their best chances came when Dos Santos fired a shot that forced Khune to lay out and parry the ball wide. Then finally in the 79th minute Rafael Marquez was left unmarked on the far post where he coolly slid it into the goal for the tying notch. After the goal it seemed as though both sides were happy with a draw. Though, in extra time Katlego Mphela nearly gave the South Africans the edge when he beat the Mexican goalie only to watch it bounce off the post.
Final Score: Draw
Republic of South Africa 1, Mexico 1

Match 2: Uruguay vs France
I hate France. I hate their accents, I hate their anthem, I hate the Eiffel Tower, I hate the way they look down on Americans (even though they would be speaking German if it wasn't for us), I hate their flag, and I absolutely hate their soccer team. Luckily, France has been immersed in controversy heading into South Africa. From Henry's handball goal that qualified them to the entire nation openly calling for the head of their coach. Though all the experts have them winning the group it could prove tough for the French to get to the knockout stage.
First Half:
France looked incredibly unorganized. A lack of off the ball runs and their lack of a build up hurt them. They haven't shown anything that got them to the Finals of the last World Cup. It remains to be seen if it is because of their coach or if it's just lack of cohesion between the players. Uruguay to their credit played an incredibly solid first half only allowing France a few shots. Even with the few shots that France had they definitely tested the stones of the Uruguay keeper.
Second Half:
Plenty of midfield play. France really has had a hard time trying to get a good look on goal. Not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination it is basically the soccer equivalent to a 6-3 NFC Central game. Uruguay had the best chance when their striker Diego Floran had a beautiful look but sliced it wide. In the 80th minute France finally got some luck when Uruguay's Lodeiro received the first red card of the tournament. Even down a man, Uruguay's defense looked great. Breaking up runs and suffocating ball holders France had chance after chance slip by. A great game played by the Uruguay defense resulted in a draw. Not what I was hoping for but anytime the French are disappointed I enjoy the result.
Final Score: Draw
Uruguay 0, France 0

On tap for tomorrow...
The big one US vs England. Excited for it and hopefully I will be able to blog about it. I am looking to get drunk. Well, until then play beautiful

Anthony