2010 World Cup

[Dmonix]

From the FIFA Website

Tshabalala gets the party started
(FIFA.com) Friday 11 June 2010

"A dream came true," declared FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter before the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ got under way today in Johannesburg and there was very nearly a dream start for hosts South Africa. Bafana Bafana started slowly against a slick Mexico side but looked likely winners once Siphiwe Tshabalala had fired them in front in spectacular fashion early in the second half. Instead they had to make do with a draw as Rafael Marquez's 80th-minute equaliser prevented the third African triumph in the Opening Match – and ensured the first draw since 1986. Home fans may bemoan misses by Teko Modise and Katlego Mphela either side of Mexico's leveller, the latter striking a post, yet the first-half supremacy of Javier Aguirre’s men meant few neutrals could begrudge them their point.

After that sparkling start in Soccer City, attention switched to Cape Town's Green Point Stadium where 2006 runners-up France endured a frustrating evening against Uruguay. It might have been different had Sidney Govou not turned wide Franck Ribery's inviting ball across goal after seven minutes. Instead a game of few chances unfolded. Yoann Gourcuff and Diego Forlan was each foiled by the opposition keeper but perhaps we should have expected that. Uruguay had not scored a first-half goal in their previous nine FIFA World Cup matches; France had not scored in their two previous opening fixtures on the world stage. Not even the 81st-minute dismissal of Uruguay substitute Nicolas Lodeiro – who earned two yellow cards in 18 minutes on the field – opened the door to France, ensuring Group A remains wide open.

Results
South Africa 1-1 Mexico
Uruguay 0-0 France

Goal of the day
South Africa-Mexico, Siphiwe Tshabalala, 55 mins: Whatever treats lie in store over the next month, the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder's strike is guaranteed a spot among the goals of the tournament. Three South Africa players exchanged passes in the middle of the pitch before Kagisho Dikgacoi's incisive diagonal ball sent Tshabalala breaking clear. Cue a searing left-foot shot from the left side of the penalty box that flew into the far corner and sparked pandemonium inside Soccer City. Some way for the 25-year-old to celebrate winning his 50th cap.

One to remember
After the endearing sight of Archbishop Desmond Tutu dancing in the stands, the South Africa team gave the worldwide television audience the perfect introduction to Africa's FIFA World Cup as they broke into song in the tunnel at Soccer City before taking to the pitch. The message that we are in for something different was writ large in that moment. Here, it seems, it is the players who do the singing – while the fans build a wall of noise with their vuvuzelas.

Quote of the day
"He said, 'The game must start, you must enjoy the game'. We as a country are humbled by this honour to host one of the biggest tournaments in the world. Africa is indeed happy, this is the African World Cup. The time for Africa has come, it has arrived – Ke Nako. Allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to say I am honoured and privileged to be given an opportunity to declare the 2010 FIFA World Cup open," South African president Jacob Zuma relates a message from Nelson Mandela – absent due to a family bereavement – before declaring the 2010 finals open.

Stat of the day
4 – Tshabalala’s goal was the fourth time Mexico have conceded the first goal in a FIFA World Cup finals. El Tri had played in the Opening Match four times previously and are still waiting for a win. Down in Cape Town, Thierry Henry became the first Frenchman to appear in four separate FIFA World Cup tournaments when he replaced Nicolas Anelka in the 72nd minute, joining an exclusive club of 17 players.

[Q Man]

Ironic moment of the day:

Henry claiming one of the uraguay players handballed.

[Legendary Apophis]

4 – Down in Cape Town, Thierry Henry became the first Frenchman to appear in four separate FIFA World Cup tournaments when he replaced Nicolas Anelka in the 72nd minute, joining an exclusive club of 17 players.

Wonderful!
I didn't even think about it, but it's indeed true, he was already there in 1998 France hosted world cup and was world champion in his first. I wish his last world cup would be second finals victory for France, but with countries like Spain or Germany, it's not going to be an easy task at all!
After all, he's best scoring ever french player in national team. 51 goals, about 120 caps, so it's about 20 less than all time record Lilian Thuram's 142 caps. If he can hold those three records, that would make Thierry Henry best french player of all time as of now.
Hmm well, if France gets on second round to face whoever they have to face from group B, I will buy another french teaù jerzey, but this time with player name & number, likely to pick Thierry Henry.

[nightlight]

I thought that Maddog....I don't see the French doing very well this year....I think North Korea stand a better chance

[Legendary Apophis]

I thought that Maddog....I don't see the French doing very well this year....I think North Korea stand a better chance

Sure
With the three teams they will face they will do better..

[Doc]

France played ridiculously awful in the first 80 mins, then they sprang to life in the last 10...if they can keep that momentum through all the matches then they might stand a decent chance tbh. But they are missing any kind of decent player in midfield whocan hold the ball up like zidance :/

[Legendary Apophis]

Well, France started by a draw in 2006 against Switzerland, and I was wrong, started by a defeat in 2002 against Senegal.

[solmyr]

FRance were woeful. mexico were very exciting but just failed. atm i think uruguay and RSA are still outclassed but who knows??

[Legendary Apophis]

For tommorow:

South Korea beats Greece

Proven right.

2-0
Jung Soo Lee and Ji Sung Park scored.

[Tek]

wasnt exactly an upset was it

Greece are shocking, 2-0 down and still set up to contain.

[Legendary Apophis]

I don't understand how the hell could Greece be ranked 13 on FIFA...and South Korea 45th something.
Greece above Paraguay, Côte d'Ivoire or Australia...erm..

[minisaiyan]

thats because of euro 2004.

Greece were shocking today, seriously outclassed.

[Legendary Apophis]

Argentina 1-0 Nigéria

Heinze goaled.

[Dmonix]

Argentina never seemed fully in control of the game though it could've gone either way it seemed at times Messi was unlucky to be denied so many times but Nigeria fought hard for it 1-0 seems a fair justification although 1-1 would've been a more accurate result in my personal feeling.

Now to watch England trash the USA

[minisaiyan]

meh, i would say a fiarer result would have been 2,3-1
messi shouldda bagged a few,, and iguaem(sp) was unlucky not to get one

great performance by the nigerian keeper who looked rather unhappy having made a save, watched his team fail on the counter more than once.