World Cup Wrap-Up Day 1

One glorious month of football. . . and we're just getting started. This is my first true world cup, saying that I'm now an educated purveyor and supporter of the game, and I've got my team ready to go. That said, here's my analysis of the first 4 days of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

South Africa 1-1 Mexico

13' MEX Juarez (YC)

27' RSA Dikgacoi (YC)

55' RSA Tshabalala (1-0)

57' MEX Torrado (YC)

70' RSA Masilela (YC)

79' MEX Marquez (1-1)

As the host nation, South Africa has nothing to lose and everything to play for. Trying to avoid being the first host nation to not advance from the group stage or lose their opening match, South Africa came out a little sluggish, and allowed the Mexicans to dominate play. As the game moved on, Bafana Bafana managed to create rhythm and on a fantastic through ball, Siphiwe TSHABALALAAAAAAAAAAAAA thundered the ball in. Mexico would later equalize on some good play, and the game ended in a draw.

RSA Verdict: I thought they played valiantly, and showed they've got a lot of passion as they want to avoid being eliminated. Should be interesting to see if they're passion can make up for raw skill against better opponents such as Uruguay and France.

MEX Verdict: Good showings from the youth such as Giovanni Dos Santos, but disappointing play from the experienced players like Blanco. I hope they can mesh together into what could be a formidable side. Though they looked like the better side for most of the game, they were lacking creativity and the final touch necessary needed to put opponents away.

Man of the Match: Giovanni Dos Santos (MEX)

Uruguay 0-0 France

12' FRA Evra (YC)

19' FRA Ribery (YC)

59' URU Victorino (YC)

65' URU Lodeiro (YC)

68' FRA Toulalan (YC)

90+3' URU Lugano (YC)

A rather borish draw, fitting that it ended scoreless. France showed their ineptitude under Raymond Domenech once again, blaming the traditional vuvuzelas for their lack of communication and creativity. Uruguay, despite being sent to 10 men defended for their lives against "mighty" France, and despite having Diego Forlan to their credit, they barely generated any attack.

URU Verdict: They defended very well, almost out of character for an attacking side like Uruguay. Diego Forlan was invisible, as was the rest of the Uruguyan attack.

FRA Verdict: France, despite having some of the world's best players, can never seem to gel. They are strong in defense and can break down the best of defenses, but they lack the ability to create. Such a poor showing has me casting doubts on how far they can goal in this tourney.

Man of the Match: Diego Lugano (URU)