WC Notebook: Day 1

Perhaps my friend Michael H. said it the best, for the casual American sports fan:

"After the first day of the World Cup, both games ened in a tie. I wonder why Americans hate soccer so much."

It's not to say that the games were boring, but they were fairly palpable that these games were exceptionally low scoring, especially given the zip-zip tie between the French and Uruguay. (At least France didn't win.) Plus the one all draw between the hosts and the Mexicans, yet again, glad to see the Tri not winning either.

Still, there's a lot that will happen, for the fact that there's 60-something matches remaining. Odds are another goal is going to eventually occur. Granted, Group A isn't necessarily the thrill group as people anticipate. Below are some recaps of each game:

Match 1: South Africa v. Mexico

Tyler's Prediction: Draw 2-2.
Result: Draw 1-1.
Watch: Match Highlights.

In my opnion, one thrilling match. Or...it was the brisk power-walking from lunch to class and back that gave me an adrenaline rush. In the first half, the Mexicans dominated play, and almost took the lead (goal called offsides). The Bafana Bafana? Seemed intimidated. Second half: coach smacks them into it. They come out on fire:

[caption id="attachment_839" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Mexico goalkeeper Oscar Perez, left, during the World Cup group A soccer match between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday, June 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)"][/caption]

I love the dude's name. Tshabalala. No way in hell I can annunciate it. Gorgeous, world-class goal. Couldn't find a video.

Mexico drew even, but South Africa had a gasping chance at the end. At least though, the Bafana Bafana keep the "non-defeat" streak alive.

Match 2: Uruguay v. France

Tyler's Prediction: Uruguay wins 2-0
Result: Draw 0-0.
Watch: Match Highlights.

[caption id="attachment_842" align="aligncenter" width="547" caption="Curtosey of FIFA.com, the first red."][/caption]

Trying to figure why people were certain France would be quote unquote "powerhouses" in this World Cup. France, is an absolute joke, meaning it in a school-friendly, gentle way. Okay fine, they suck. You got to give it France though, they actually looked SOMEWHAT decent. Uruguay's defense plugged up Les Blues. Uruguay had a handful of chances, but well...the score says it all. Solid defense, weak offense. No goals, lousy draw. First red card though.