Friday, June 11, 2010

The World Cup!

Finally, it's here. After 4 years of waiting, the biggest tournament on earth opened earlier this morning to great fanfare and a highly anticipated match, the first World Cup match on African soil. In the opening match, hosts South Africa took on Mexico in Group A action. Bafana Bafana (as the South African team is affectionately called) kicked off the World Cup scoring with a fabulous goal early in the 2nd half. Mexico equalized in the 79th minute, and while South Africa had a brilliant chance in stoppage time hit the post, they managed to pull off the 1-1 draw against El Tri. South Africa, with its draw, extended the record of World Cup host countries to 14-0-6 in the opening match. Now, it will try to continue the momentum it certainly received from this match to try and extend the other World Cup record of each host country making it at least to the 2nd round.

In the 2nd match of the day, it was more Group A action as Uruguay tiptoed with France to a sluggish 0-0 draw. Uruguay saw Nicolas Lodeiro, who came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute, receive 2 yellow cards and get sent off in the 81st minute. Regardless, France couldn't muster much offense and neither could Uruguay as both teams couldn't put the ball in the back of the net.

The 2nd day of World Cup action sees what is easily the most anticipated soccer match in American history, as the U.S. takes on England in Group C action. This match has been talked about for months and anticipation has reached fever pitch long long ago. It certainly has this nation excited and it will surely be an electric atmosphere in Rustenberg. Other action on Saturday sees South Korea take on Greece and Argentina against Nigeria. Wherever you are, there is a great slate of action scheduled for tomorrow. I suggest you tune in to watch!

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