World Cup Rd 1 Review

The greatest show on Earth has started and we have concluded the first rd of matches. Here is my thoughts of the Event so far.

South Africa has been quite a host. The opening ceremony was professionally and beautifully orchestrated. It was an awe to see the cultural dances, colors and innovative human collages. The stadiums are superb. Their aesthetic quality are among some of the most beautiful I have seen. The football pitches are superb, which highlights the exquisite movement of expression of skillful players navigating the ball across them. I will admit the plastic horns, known as the vuvuzelas have taken some time to get used to but I am now able to ignore the droning noise.

Team of Round One, Germany: I was quite amused by the nonsense coming out of analysts mouths saying that Germany would be weak. They mentioned that the team would fail to live up to expectations because their strikers were in poor form for their domestic leagues. Their captain Ballack succumbed to injury and their were too many young unknown and unproven players in the team. There was also nonsense that full back Lahm was too young to be given the German captaincy. I have noticed that the team has had an impressive record leading up to the finals, with goals galore. Polish born strikers Podolski and Klose have always been under achievers in the domestic realm but when they put on their countries shirt the former especially shines like a diamond. Their left forward/winger Mueller was already familiar to me from their his Champions League performance with Bayern Munich. The young man who replaced Ballack in the midfield play maker Mesut Ozil was rather unknown to me except that I read he was one to watch in the tournament.

The day came and Australia was taught a lesson in football. The Germans were fluent with their short passes and through balls. Muller being over six ft and placed on the right wing was a handful as he pushed forward to meet passes from the ever present Ozil who glided with the ball with the finesse that would rival Messi. Of course beautiful passing is nothing without a finishing product. In the final third Germany proved that they had what it takes. In 4 minutes Podolski made a mockry of allegations that the world cup ball could not be controlled by strikers as he sent a rocket of a shot past Australians keeper almost taking his fingers with the ball. The second goal was one of my favourite goals of the tournament. Lahm crossed the ball from the right perfectly to the head of Klose who sent the ball piercing into the back of the net. These goals were followed by the dismantling of Australia, which saw the Socceroos best player Tim Cahill seeing red and opening an onslaught of attacking play that led to goals by Mueller and Brazilian born Cacua. Their defense has yet to be challenged but for this round they were stand out favourites. Runners up: Argentina.

Game of Round One: I have to say the most stand out game of the round goes to the opener between hosts South Africa and Mexico. It was an open attacking game that ended in a 1-1 draw. Mexico's attacking prowess was on show with the likes of Arsenal's Carlos Vela, West Ham's France and Tottenham's Dos Santos moving around the hosts half with fluency. The only problem was they were not able to finish off the impressive displays. South Africa had moves also and showed the world they were not push overs. Their high work rate paid off and they were rewarded with one of the top goals of the World Cup so far. In the 55th minute local based player Tshabalala who plays on the left wing for the Kaiser Chief's took the ball from a pass on the left and hit a magnificent shot pass the Mexican keeper to open the World Cup in fine style. South Africa went into euphoria and thoughts the dreams began. Mexico realizing their plan was not working looked towards the bench for answers and replaced Vela with Blanco and also brought on young play maker Guardado. The adjustments worked as the substitutes troubled the S. Africans. Mexico equalized in the 79 minute with a shot by captain, defender Marquez. The remaining minutes S. Africa and Mexico held each other off from winning the match. Great entertainment. Runners up Germany vs Australia, Argentina vs Nigeria and Ivory Coast vs Portugal.

Goal of the Round: Brazil right back Maicon. This goal was absolutely amazing and defied the laws of physics. North Korea put up an Iron curtain that held the Brazilians to 45 minutes of football with nothing to show but frustration. Some of the Brazilian players were seen looking to sky as if to ask for blessings from God. The result of their prayers came in the second half when attacking right back Maicon received the ball from the right side of the box, just parrallel with the goal and took a shot at an impossible angle that fooled the goal keeper and curved into the goal. He and the world were surprised as the ball passed the line, tears ran from his eyes as he celebrated. Runners up: Podolski against Australia, Klose against Australia amd Ji Sung Park against Greece.

Player of the Round: Nigerian Goal keeper Enyeama. Nigeria had the dreadful task of playing their first match against Argentina. The Tel Aviv goal keeper conceded one goal, and displayed phenomenal talent between the post to denie the World's greatest player, Lionel Messi from opening his world cup with a 5 star performance. Enyeama saved his team from picking up at least 6 goals from the South American giants. There is no doubt in my mind that top clubs are calling Israel to negotiation their chances of getting Enyeama into their squad for next season. Runners up: Messi, Maicon, Lahm, Podolski, Tshabalala, Honda.