The World Cup Begins

Finally the waiting was over...after the opening ceremony we saw South Africa take on Mexico in the opening game in front of 90,000 fans (and 90,000 vuvuzela horns by the sounds of things). It was a great start to the tournament as the game swung both ways over the 90 minutes. Mexico were hugely impressive in the first half as their movement & use of the ball allowed them to run rings round their hosts, and they were unlucky not to go in a couple of goals up with Dos Santos running the show.

I was watching the game with a group of mates and at half time we all agreed we wanted South Africa to get something from the game for the good of the tournament, as an opening defeat would be sure to dampen what appears to be a fantastic atmosphere. We got our wish, as the second half was a complete turnaround with the African side dominating, playing with pace and passion, culminating in an outstanding opening goal from Tshabalala which sent the stadium in to raptures and created the most amazing noise I ever remember hearing when watching a match on TV. The World Cup had begun.

Unfortunately for the majority of fans in the stadium, Mexico levelled the scores through Marquez later in the game, but to be honest it was a deserved equaliser on the overall balance of play. Mphela could've won it in the 90th minute, but after showing impressive pace and strength he could only hit the post when he really should've scored. A fair result, and a great opening game.

The same could not be said for France v Uruguay, which barely deserves a mention. A dull 0-0, no real notable efforts on goal and typically odd decisions from Domenech leaving Malouda on the bench because of an apparent row, subbing Anelka off instead of the anonymous Govou and bringing on Gignac as a right winger. Uruguay had Lodeiro sent off, Forlan was probably the best player on the pitch, but neither side look like anything to worry about, so both Mexico & the South Africa will believe they have a chance of progressing - Group A is wide open.

In fantasy terms I had only Ribery, who scored me 4 points after picking up a booking. My midfield sub options are Hamsik and Cahill, but I think I'm going to keep Ribery's 4 points rather than making any changes. Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard & Lionel Messi play for me today.

Speaking of today, I actually woke up at 6am this morning after struggling to sleep last night. I don't remember being this nervous about a football match - it's just 12 hours until England v USA. Before that we have South Korea v Greece followed by Argentina v Nigeria, and I'm going to be watching all 3 games and drinking beer in an effort to calm my nerves. My prediction is 2-1 England, but I'm wary of the Americans and given the fixtures to follow I think avoiding defeat will be key for both sides, as they should both beat their 2 remaining opponents.

What did you think of the opening day? Any success in World Cup fantasy football? Let me know your predictions for today!

Cheers,
AM