World Cup SA 2010

[Albert Tatlock]

BBC not covering this first game (SA v Mexico), so watching the text only commentary updates on my PC whilst looking over someone else's shoulder to see the screen of someone who is 'authorised' to watch ITV on the internet.

 

These made me laugh:-

 

From Luke: "I’m on holiday in Corsica watchin the game in a bar. Just had an argument with a French fella about the offside rule but I don’t know the French word for goalkeeper so I said "un Barthez" instead. Who needs French when you have the universal language of football?"

 

From Ando in London Bridge: "Just seen two chaps in suits, with Mexico shirts underneath, and fake handlebar moustaches and sombreros, walking along like it's the most normal thing to do.... In London Bridge!!! I LOVE THE WORLD CUP."

 

Was not really looking forward to it beforehand, but now it's started I may get caught up in the atmosphere.

 

Edit: Now pictures on my desktop. Result!

[cryptique]

ESPN SoccerNet has some video highlights of the opening match (still ongoing).

 

You can also watch it live online ... but my employer has blocked that bit.

[IATTBYB]

Can someone explain to this neophyte why the first Mexican goal was disallowed? There was a player (not the GK)on the goal line when the ball was played.

 

That SA goal was about as beautiful as the SA defense was horrible on the Mexican goal.

[Albert Tatlock]

You can also watch it live online ... but my employer has blocked that bit.

 

Probably UK only: http://www.itv.com/channels/itv1/

Pretty certain BBC coverage for their games is restricted.

[cryptique]

Can someone explain to this neophyte why the first Mexican goal was disallowed? There was a player (not the GK)on the goal line when the ball was played.

Was it a Mexican player? If so, he was probably in an offside position.

[IATTBYB]

Was it a Mexican player? If so, he was probably in an offside position.

No, it was a SA defender on the opposite post. The GK went out from the goal line to play the ball, missed it, it landed near the Mexican who drilled it into an open net.

 

I don't recall if it was a corner or a free kick, but it was off of a set play.

[Albert Tatlock]

Another of the many reasons the World Cup is brilliant: you can now fill in the first result on your wallchart. Yippeeeee.

 

Where would we be without a world cup wall chart? All part of the World Cup mythology since the age of about 8.

[bjorn_skurj]

I am leaving work hella-early today to watch Uruguay v. France and am really looking forward to U.S.-England tomorrow, then heading to Brooklyn to hang out with my friend to watch Germany-Australia.

[Winston Legthigh]

Can someone explain to this neophyte why the first Mexican goal was disallowed? There was a player (not the GK)on the goal line when the ball was played.

 

That SA goal was about as beautiful as the SA defense was horrible on the Mexican goal.

Here's a good explanation

[MattZ]

Here's a good explanation

 

thanks for posting that.

[uncool2pillow]

That SA breakaway in the 90th minute that went off the post was a heartbreaker.

[IATTBYB]

Here's a good explanation

Well that pretty much explains that, thanks.

[Sunken mountain]

Someone of you all must start a thread with a poll about the World Cup...

 

(I´m unable with technologies )

[bjorn_skurj]

Oh dear - ESPN's graphics department should have had a little more separation between the L and the I on their Clint Dempsey graphic,or at least not used all caps.

[uncool2pillow]

US looks completely amateur out there right now.

[okp greg]

Those horns are god awful and annoying.

[Winston Legthigh]

My US 1 v ENG 1 headline:

 

SLIPPERY, INNIT?

[uncool2pillow]

My US 1 v ENG 1 headline:

 

SLIPPERY, INNIT?

[Calexico]

So, 5 or so games in and it has been a bit of a damp squib so far. It's like the Champion's League with too many shite teams and it doesn't really get going until the latter stages.

 

 

England were awful and the USA team did well to hang in there after going a goal down so early. They deserved a point for sure.

 

Frand and U-R-GAY was awful claptrap. The constant droning from those vuvuzelas are completely annoying on the television. I mean, even Adrian Chiles shuts up after a while.

[auctioneer69]

So, 5 or so games in and it has been a bit of a damp squib so far. It's like the Champion's League with too many shite teams and it doesn't really get going until the latter stages.

 

 

England were awful and the USA team did well to hang in there after going a goal down so early. They deserved a point for sure.

 

Frand and U-R-GAY was awful claptrap. The constant droning from those vuvuzelas are completely annoying on the television. I mean, even Adrian Chiles shuts up after a while.

 

Agreed. One good team so far - Germany. Even Holland vs Denmark this morning was a damp squib. High hopes for Spain vs Switzerland tomorrow. But apart from that highlights would probably suffice for next two weeks until elimination rounds begin.

[bjorn_skurj]

The USA had no real business drawing that match. They did not look horrible, but they did not look like they are going to get that far.

[auctioneer69]

The USA had no real business drawing that match. They did not look horrible, but they did not look like they are going to get that far.

 

I'd completely disagree with that. They got an enormous amount of luck with the goal but had the best chance to win the game in the second-half when Altidore hit the post. That said Dempsey shook off one of the world's best midfielders in Gerrard to to be able to take the shot that led to the goal. Going 1-0 down against a team like England after 4 minutes might have meant that the floodgates were about to open for some other teams but they showed grit and finesse clawing themselves back in the game. Remember that England qualified for the World Cup with ease and everyone of their players plays in the top-end of the EPL. On paper, only Tim Howard would have made it into the England team with possibly Donovan and Dempsey on the English bench. Wayne Rooney barely had any chance to impress because of Demerit's performance playing against him. In general, the US's midfield passed the ball better than England's for large parts of the game. Up front Altidore and Finley looked fast and dangerous. They don't have as much width as I'd like but on their day they can give anyone a good game. I am looking forward to the key game against Slovenia on Friday.

[Winston Legthigh]

The USA had no real business drawing that match. They did not look horrible, but they did not look like they are going to get that far.

The US had some quality chances - they could have stolen a victory. England of course could have run away with it - they had more quality chances.

 

But still, the US could get deadly on set pieces, and they have a world-class goalie. They should be able to make it into the 2nd round.

[Gobias Industries]

England lost all momentum when the ball squeaked by Green. They seemed to be controlling the game up until that point, then from there the US took over, until basically a little ways throughout the second half decided to play for a draw. It was ugly.

 

I'm back in the US now after a sojourn into England...and now I can't help but attach myself to England, those lovable losers...

 

It will take a whole string of catastrophic events for both England and the United States to not make it out of the Group. Just saying.

[Albert Tatlock]

Now we're talking! World Cup moments recreated in Lego:-

 

Green's moment of shame

 

Mexico score - gets good from 1:15

 

So, not exactly rivetting so far, but that's usually the way with most of the first group games. Samba party tonight though as North Korea get a mauling.