Day 1 Recap

This will be a short, quick one because, frankly, I'm tired and got a long day in front of us.
It was a fun start to the World Cup, I thought. The first game was quite thrilling, the second game far less inspired.
It was so fun to see South Africa have some success and get a point when many, including myself, believed that they may go 0-3. It was really cool to see the crowd support and the goal dance was truly inspired. And what a goal it was, by a guy whose last name is Tshabalala, which may be the most fun name to say in the tournament. Tshabalala of Bafana Bafana sounds like a kids book that I would love to read. I guess I was a bit disappointed that Mexico came back to tie it, if only because it's hard not to pull for South Africa, and what an amazing thing at the end of the first day would it have been to see South Africa - a team totally written off - atop a group that includes two former Cup winners in France and Uruguay, and traditional power Mexico? Still, all teams are even, and that's a victory for South Africa by itself.
The second game was, frankly, pretty boring, especially in comparison to the first. While there were a few moments of inspired play by both teams, it mostly seemed to be two teams afraid to lose, rather than trying to win. Maybe they both figured they still get to play South Africa and can get their win there, but don't be so sure, especially with how they played. France clearly waited too long to get Thierry Henry in the game, and while Franck Ribery made some great runs, they just didn't seem to be on the same page as a unit. How ironic was it to watch Henry complaining about a missed hand ball call? Uruguay didn't play nearly as inspired as I'd hoped, though it was every bit as physical. That won't go over well, especially in its upcoming game with South Africa, and could backfire against an equally physical team in Mexico. Both teams have to be disappointed in the result, while Mexico has to be happy that France and Uruguay tied, and South Africa has to be thrilled after the first day. This has suddenly turned into an even more interesting group than I expected.
Saturday is the big one, at least, the first big one. In a game no one is really paying attention to, Greece will meet South Korea in what could be a really competitive game. It may not be exciting, but it should be interesting. Greece defends like crazy and South Korea is in non-stop motion. Whoever comes out on top in this one is going to get some needed momentum. Now, whether I'm up at 4:30 to watch it, we'll see.
Then comes Argentina against Nigeria, which should be fantastic. I'm starting to feel like I undersold Argentina and it could be better than I think. And who isn't excited to watch Messi play? Nigeria should generate a lot of local support and is a really entertaining group. This should be a wide-open, fast-paced game that will be a lot of fun to watch. I'll definitely be tuned in.
Then comes England-U.S.A. Is this the biggest match of the tournament? No, it's only been hyped that way. But it should be a great one and a great measuring stick for the United States. What will be really interesting is how the U.S. will react if it is buried by England. I think the Americans will have success attacking England, but I worry about the U.S.A.'s defense handling the likes of Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard, etc. In the end, I think England wins an entertaining one. I'll go with 3-2.
See you in the morning!