2010 World Cup: Random Musings On Day 1
June 12th 2010 13:39
The World Cup started with a bang as Mexico and South Africa battled to an entertaining 1-1 draw after a nice opening ceremony that featured R. Kelly (!!!) among others. That game was offset by the tepid encounter between France and Uruguay. All in all, it didn't top 2006's opening day but was pretty good. Here are some random thoughts on the day's events.
- The vuvuzelas aren't as annoying as people make out to be.
That's all people are talking about since the event started. “The vuvuzelas are loud.” “They sound like a giant bee.” “We can't hear the fans.” Etc. Etc. Well, I say it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Sure, the Confederations Cup last year gave an early taste of what to expect so maybe I've been desensitized. My advice to football fans is: don't worry, by the fifth game, those horns will only be background noise.
- Kudos to the Mexican fans for making themselves heard
As loud as the vuvuzelas were yesterday, the Mexican fans were still loud enough to be heard around the stadium. They were even a bit arrogant in the early stages of the game, screaming “Ole” to every Mexican pass.
- For the millionth time, Vela was offside
The offside rule is one of football's most complicated aspect to explain to newcomers. As fans who grew up watching the game, we have an almost-innate understanding of the rule even if we haven't seen it in writing. However, sometimes we can still be misled. It took me a brief stint as a refere/linesman (lineswoman?) to fully grasp the rule and its subtleties. Basically, there should be two opposing players between the striker and the goal when the ball is played. The goalkeeper also counts as a player – he is not a special being as most hockey goaltenders would want you to believe. So, Vela was indeed offside since Khune was slightly ahead of them and Pienaar was the only South African player on the line when the ball was played to Vela.
- Forlan's beautiful control
Although the France-Uruguay game was quite boring, it was a delight to watch Diego Forlan play. The Atletico Madrid striker has an incredible first touch that makes it hard to keep him away from the ball. It's too bad that his finishing wasn't as exquisite.
- Henry calling for handball
How sweet was it to see Henry call for handball only to be ignored in the dying minutes of France-Uruguay? The referee made the right call anyway as the player's arm was stuck to his body, trying to protect his family jewels.
- The referees were awesome
Yes. Usually, you hear how afwul such and such referee was so I thought I would point that out. The South Africa-Mexico crew was particularly efficient and on point for all 90 minutes. Just a great job all around.
- I'm already sick of slow-mo replays
As great as the day was - the World Cup is finally here after all - one thing still annoyed me to no end: the irrelevant slow-mo replays. Yes, we get it, the game is in HD. We can see the players' every single muscle as they stretch for the ball but I'm not interested in watching the replay of a player missing his shot just because it's pretty. Tone it down please.
- Goal of the Day: Siphiwe Tshabalala
- The vuvuzelas aren't as annoying as people make out to be.
That's all people are talking about since the event started. “The vuvuzelas are loud.” “They sound like a giant bee.” “We can't hear the fans.” Etc. Etc. Well, I say it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Sure, the Confederations Cup last year gave an early taste of what to expect so maybe I've been desensitized. My advice to football fans is: don't worry, by the fifth game, those horns will only be background noise.
- Kudos to the Mexican fans for making themselves heard
As loud as the vuvuzelas were yesterday, the Mexican fans were still loud enough to be heard around the stadium. They were even a bit arrogant in the early stages of the game, screaming “Ole” to every Mexican pass.
- For the millionth time, Vela was offside
The offside rule is one of football's most complicated aspect to explain to newcomers. As fans who grew up watching the game, we have an almost-innate understanding of the rule even if we haven't seen it in writing. However, sometimes we can still be misled. It took me a brief stint as a refere/linesman (lineswoman?) to fully grasp the rule and its subtleties. Basically, there should be two opposing players between the striker and the goal when the ball is played. The goalkeeper also counts as a player – he is not a special being as most hockey goaltenders would want you to believe. So, Vela was indeed offside since Khune was slightly ahead of them and Pienaar was the only South African player on the line when the ball was played to Vela.
- Forlan's beautiful control
Although the France-Uruguay game was quite boring, it was a delight to watch Diego Forlan play. The Atletico Madrid striker has an incredible first touch that makes it hard to keep him away from the ball. It's too bad that his finishing wasn't as exquisite.
- Henry calling for handball
How sweet was it to see Henry call for handball only to be ignored in the dying minutes of France-Uruguay? The referee made the right call anyway as the player's arm was stuck to his body, trying to protect his family jewels.
- The referees were awesome
Yes. Usually, you hear how afwul such and such referee was so I thought I would point that out. The South Africa-Mexico crew was particularly efficient and on point for all 90 minutes. Just a great job all around.
- I'm already sick of slow-mo replays
As great as the day was - the World Cup is finally here after all - one thing still annoyed me to no end: the irrelevant slow-mo replays. Yes, we get it, the game is in HD. We can see the players' every single muscle as they stretch for the ball but I'm not interested in watching the replay of a player missing his shot just because it's pretty. Tone it down please.
- Goal of the Day: Siphiwe Tshabalala
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