And…..THEY’RE OFF!!!!!!!
The real irritation with the vuvuzela is the one tone deadness of the din. No variation, no tune can be played. Just an ongoing honk. That’s all I intend to say about the aforementioned trumpet! Enough has been expressed elsewhere. It’d be hard to find an original angle!!
ANYWAY, The South Africa v Mexico game was a bright way to start it all. There seemed to be an abundance of space all over the park yet painfully few moments of craft to unlock either defence.After South Africa took the lead and celebrated with a delightful piece of choreography, Mexico looked beaten. Then South Africa, being the gracious hosts they are. allowed three opponents hatfuls of space at the far post to pick their spot and equalise. How could anyone have doubted their ability to host when they show such hospitality? Mexican manager Aguirre seemed to age about fifteen years during the game. At the start he was a dashing well dressed charmer. By the end he looked bedraggled and anxious.
As for France, well….their ideas drained away as they game went on. The worst thing was the late Uruguay red card because they set their stall out for the draw and rarely looked in danger. There was that late penalty appeal but it smacked of desperation. At least Thierry Henry had the decency not to look indignant. Him complaining that a handball hadn’t been given would be a rather ironic twist to proceedings. This will hardly help to brighten Domenech’s legacy.
As for tonights games, it’ll be fascinating to see if Maradona can be as entertainingly mad as he was in qualification. Anything can happen. A disputed throw in could result in him baring his backside or something. He makes Neil Warnock look like Bjorn Borg.
And tonight’s other poignant question is, if the USA take the lead, or just threaten to, how many references to Belo Horizonte 1950 will the commentators cram in? My prediction is 12. Hopefully it won’t come to that but the longer the game goes on without us scoring the more the ideas may drain away like France’s did.
This is Wayne Rooney’s time. In the last twelve months he has fulfilled all the rich potential and evolved into one of the world’s best players. He will also be aware that beiong our one truly world class player .so many of our hopes and dreams rest on his stocky torso. He can make as many appearances in Nike ads as he likes, now he really does have the chance to write the future. So come on Wazza, justify the hype!!
Come on England!!!