World Cup 2010

[Brad]

South Africa has just opened its account!

[J.A.W.]

South Africa has just opened its account!

So did México.

1-1, with only a few minutes left.

Still not a very good game.

[Van Basten II]

In terms of viewing it was a lively game, do I think much of both teams, not really , don't have the second half stats but felt the hosts were playing more confidently in the second half and probably were the better team during the last half, overall a draw seems a fair result.

[brownie]

That was a fair game for an opening match and it ended on a fair score.

Thought Mexico was the better team.

However very much doubt that neither team will go to the final!

[B. Goren.]

It is really beyond me why Henry & Florent Maluda are on the bench.

Edited June 11, 2010 by B. Goren.

[Van Basten II]

Well Henry was not supposed to make the team at the first place. He had to beg to be part of the squad.

We were the best team, although it does not say much, but we need to be better in the last part of the pitch, a bit more flair is needed. Thought the ref was trigger happy for delivering the yellow cards.

Edited June 11, 2010 by Van Basten II

[Brad]

I used to live in Uruguay when I was a kid and so am rooting for them but their play is more anti-futbol than not, more defensive. I guess they just want to get the one point.

[Van Basten II]

We missed a great opportunity of taking control of the group, I was not thrilled by the selection of forwards prior to the competition, I'm even less right now. Uruguay got what it wanted a four way tie after one game for all the teams.

[Brad]

I suppose the red was justified although I have seen that happen in league matches and not been called reds. However, too many people watching so red it is and you can't say it wasn't justified.

Yes, Uruguay got what it wanted. I suppose their theory is to beat SA, contain Mexico and hope for the best

[brownie]

Another no-scorer game for France!

Malouda was kept out of the field (except for the last 15 minutes) after he clashed with coach Raymond Domenech.

Hope Domenech will get over it and enter him in the team right from the start of France's next match. And get rid of Sidney Govou who remained useless once more!

France is still looking for its right team. Tha should have been taken care of months ago!

Uruguay used its usual bag of tricks.

Edited June 11, 2010 by brownie

[J.A.W.]

I suppose the red was justified although I have seen that happen in league matches and not been called reds. However, too many people watching so red it is and you can't say it wasn't justified.

The second yellow card (= red) was fully justified, it should have been a straight red. These horrid fouls (going straight for someone's leg instead of the ball) are happening way too often and the punishment should be much tougher than it has been in the various leagues so far.

I found the French team very disappointing, sterile and void of ideas, while Uruguay played the way I expected them to play: they don't have many players who are creative, so they count on their defence and prowl, and strike when they see a chance.

[sidewinder]

The France/Uruguay game was pretty lukewarm. On the basis of this, neither team will get very far in the tournament. France should have nailed it after the guy was sent off but somehow the Uruguay defence held.

I wonder if England/USA will fare any better tonight. Riots on the streets predicted if England lose..

Edited June 12, 2010 by sidewinder

[Brad]

I suppose the red was justified although I have seen that happen in league matches and not been called reds. However, too many people watching so red it is and you can't say it wasn't justified.

The second yellow card (= red) was fully justified, it should have been a straight red. These horrid fouls (going straight for someone's leg instead of the ball) are happening way too often and the punishment should be much tougher than it has been in the various leagues so far.

I found the French team very disappointing, sterile and void of ideas, while Uruguay played the way I expected them to play: they don't have many players who are creative, so they count on their defence and prowl, and strike when they see a chance.

I can't disagree with any of that not to mention that it should have been Ireland on the pitch. For that reason alone I hope the French make a quick exit.

[B. Goren.]

I can't disagree with any of that not to mention that it should have been Ireland on the pitch. For that reason alone I hope the French make a quick exit.

[Van Basten II]

First upset of the competition, not an upset in the result, felt it was a pick 'em game although I picked Greece in my pool . It was more in the way the Korean were better than their opponents, they were better technically, physically, tactically and mentally.

Nigeria and Argentina have been warned, they have to bring their A game against them.

Edited June 12, 2010 by Van Basten II

[Van Basten II]

I almost expected a rout the way the game started but thanks to a fine game by their Nigerian keeper and the fact that Argentines lost a bit of steam , the African team actually had a chance of getting something out of the game. Unfortunately poor finishing and sloppy passing actually did them in.

[brownie]

Argentina did not miss its World Cup entrance with a 1-0 victory over Nigeria. They should have scored more.

The Argentina-South Korea confrontation should be most interesting!

[Van Basten II]

I think that Nigeria-South Korea will be the game to decide the second spot in that group.

Edited June 12, 2010 by Van Basten II

[J.A.W.]

None of the 8 teams that have played so far have impressed me very much, but that's usually the case in the first days of a World Cup. Argentina were good in the first part of their game against Nigeria, but, as Van Basten II said, they lost steam later on; some of their players looked very tired. Greece were the weakest team by far, while South Korea were better than I expected. I'm looking foward to the England v United States game later today.

[brownie]

I can't disagree with any of that not to mention that it should have been Ireland on the pitch. For that reason alone I hope the French make a quick exit.

France does not deserve to be in South Africa. From the way les Bleus prepared and from the way they played their opening match they won't be there long!

[.:.impossible]

Finally got to see some play today. Nothing too impressive yet. Looking forward to catching what I can of the England v US game. Of course, this match is way hyped up on TV here in the states. You'd think this match is the final. Good to see a thread here. I'm not too knowledgeable, so I'll be coming here for insight!

[Brad]

Talk about a gift.

[Van Basten II]

England has now its own Bill Buckner.

[papsrus]

Talk about a gift.

Nah. I think the shooter put a little English on that shot. (swoosh)

New rule: goaltenders can't use their hands either -- oh wait, the English already play that way. (Gong!)

Seriously, I'm guessing England comes out and scores, what, 2 or 3 goals in the second half?

Edited June 12, 2010 by papsrus

[kenny weir]

Seriously, I'm guessing England comes out and scores, what, 2 or 3 goals in the second half?

Doesn't look all that likely @ 75 minutes.