FORZA ITALIA's Travelblog - Pics: Joburg Part 1

Pic 1: Why is a Fifa ticketing center located in an Aston Martin dealership?
Pic 2: Agreed. Go Fans
Pic 3: nice to see that jersey strip malls have been outsourced to joburg
Pic 4: Golden Arches, where outside the US, middle and upper classes eat instead.
Pic 5: I asked my host about BP...apparently it has a very good image in South Africa for its good service and its clean petrol...

read more...

FORZA ITALIA's Travelblog: NYC - Joburg

oh man...what a ride. 9pm departure from jfk on wednesday, june 23rd...12pm arrival local time friday, june 25th...south africa is only 6 hours in front of EST, so you must be wondering...why so long? why was my trip a total transit time of 31 hours? because we had a 15 hour wait in madrid..hmm. this was the one time in my life i wanted to be american or just any nationality where you don't need a visa....couldn't leave the airport due to my indian passport...couldn't even leave the terminal (there were 4 terminals and we landed in terminal 4, the smallest one)....and the airport really sucked...i mean....worse than jfk if that's possible...nothing to do...a total of 3 restaurants to choose from (slice of pizza for 5 euros anyone? compare that to $1 double cheeseburger...what what....and we ask ourselves why we are fat?)...

but hey, at least i would be able to watch the soccer games in the airport because it's the world cup, and i was in madrid, SPAIN...rite? nothing could go wrong there, rite?....if you're following my general tone/mood of how things have gone so far, you may be able to take a guess as to what follows....

THE 2 TVS THEY HAD FOR PUBLIC VIEWING WERE 24 HOUR NEWS CHANNELS AND YOU COULD NOT CHANGE THE CHANNEL!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! IN SPAIN? WHY? WHY?

so imagine me sitting in madrid, having a bunch of fans laugh and make fun of me for my maldini jersey, which i was wearing proudly cuz i was confident Italy would qualify (more on that later...) and being in a vacuum.

but i didnt give up...i knew there had to be someway of watching something...so i went up to the VIP lounge (obviously only reserved for first/business class ppl) and asked them kindly if I could just sit there for 2 hours and watch the games...they said no...i said if there was anyway i could pay them just to watch the matches and i would leave immediately..i wouldnt even take any food, drinks, or any of the other amenities they provided...they said no (i wonder if I didn't have my milan jersey on whether the outcome could have been different because i've come to realize more and more a LOT of ppl hate italy...the reason mainly has been that italians are divers....yes that is true..but south americans invented it and then brought it across the european continent...but r u telling me other nationalities don't dive??? even gerrard, rooney, kaka have succumbed to the most pathetic of dives...anyway, more on that later)

so after much frustration and scourging the airport, i found a very uncomfortable loophole. there was a specific point you had to be outside the VIP room at a corner, where the glass walls were see through (most of the glass on these walls had been lacquered and coated so you couldn't see through it)...but i found a small crack, and this is the one time lady luck smiled down on me....through that crack, you could see the entire TV...that was all you could see, the 42inch TV...had to sit uncomfortably for 90 minutes to watch the denmark-japan game in this hidden corner...if you had seen me (i actually wish someone took a picture), you would be laughing...thankfully keisuke honda made it worthwhile...milan, pick him up.

unfortunately they didn't show the italy game cuz local programming there is shiite....ive come to realize not to ask logical questions because i will often get an illogical answer...guess that's real life...i found out about the italy result from some other dejected italian fans in the madrid airport...oh well...the guy who collected my boarding pass right before i was about to board the plane patted me on the back and said..."in 4 years time".....i told him, at least there was 4 years ago....cuz in reality don't anticipate italy winning anything anytime soon....

will talk more about joburg soon....about to watch brazil-portugal....enjoy

read more...

Group A analysis (after 2)

Uruguay        4 points               +3 differential

Mexico          4 points               +2 differential

France           1 point                 -2 differential

S. Africa        1 point                 -3 differential

Next Matches

Uruguay v. Mexico

France v. S. Africa

Necessary to win

If there is a winner of Uruguay v. Mexico they win the group, but also:

Uruguay must either win or tie OR lose by > 5 goals less than France wins or > 6 goals less than S. Africa wins.

Mexico must either win or tie OR lose by > 4 goals less than France wins or > 5 goals less than S. Africa wins.

France must win AND must win by < 4 goals more than Mexico scores over their opponent.

S. Africa must win AND must win by < 5 goals more than Mexico scores over their opponent.

First place finish in the group does NOT play Argentina.

read more...

One for the History Books

Just a quick post to take pause and pleasure in the fact that the very first World Cup goal ever scored on African soil was scored:

1) By an African player: South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala, winger for the South African team the Kaizer Chiefs

2) Was an absolute beauty of a slicing, skillful shot bending into the upper right corner.

Watch it, and the S.A goal celebration dance here



Hooray for Africa!

(you heard it here first: don't be surprised if African teams do better than expected with all the emotion and crowd support attached to the first African World Cup)

read more...

Replay The Goal Post's Liveblog: South Africa v Mexico

09:19


Zamundinho:
Welcome
Friday June 11, 2010 09:19 Zamundinho
09:20


Zamundinho:
ESPN has yet to begin coverage, but the BBC World News Hour has been reporting on the opening ceremonies for the first game. Apparently Bafana Bafana have just literally danced into the stadium. From the noise, it's not clear whether the crowd is expecting a football match or a rave.
Friday June 11, 2010 09:20 Zamundinho
09:52


Zamundinho:
Only minutes away now. President Zuma is about to officially open the World Cup
Friday June 11, 2010 09:52 Zamundinho
09:57


KO:
which of his wives did he bring with him
Friday June 11, 2010 09:57 KO
09:59


Zamundinho:
None...
Friday June 11, 2010 09:59 Zamundinho
09:59


KO:
he's in full mack mode then
Friday June 11, 2010 09:59 KO
09:59


Zamundinho:
Mexico's Felipe Calderon is singing his nation's Anthem with Gusto
Friday June 11, 2010 09:59 Zamundinho
10:00


KO:
apaprently Mandela's great granddaughter died in a car accident on the way back from the opening ceremonies. very sad time for the family
Friday June 11, 2010 10:00 KO
10:01


Zamundinho:
Bafana Bafana look a little shell-shocked singing Nkosi Sikele/Die Stem.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:01 Zamundinho
10:02


KO:
where's francois pienaar when you need him
Friday June 11, 2010 10:02 KO
10:02


Zamundinho:
Not that it's a shocker, but Bafana Bafana's starting XI were just shown, and there will be Surprises, and no Macbeths on the pitch.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:02 Zamundinho
10:03


Zamundinho:
Where's Nelson Mandela when you need him? Hopefully Bafana Bafana can pull through this match, but I somehow doubt it.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:03 Zamundinho
10:04


KO:
i like the SA game shorts. Rafa Nadal, eat your heart out
Friday June 11, 2010 10:04 KO
10:04


Zamundinho:
If Mexico comes out strong and takes an early lead, this game will be over quickly. If, however, Mexico are as scared as Bafana Bafana, and take their time getting into the game, Bafana Bafana could score an early goal and make it a game.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:04 Zamundinho
10:04


Darkseid:
MEXICO, MEXICO, don't shoot yourselves in the foot like PLAXICO!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 10:04 Darkseid
10:05


KO:
"Uno, dos, tres, CUATORCE!"
Friday June 11, 2010 10:05 KO
10:05


KO:
who would be the antonio pierce to Mexico's plax?
Friday June 11, 2010 10:05 KO
10:05


Darkseid:
AND WE'RE OFF!!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 10:05 Darkseid
10:07


Zamundinho:
Oh how close!
Friday June 11, 2010 10:07 Zamundinho
10:07


Zamundinho:
Mexico gets an early chance on an empty net after some confusion in front of South Africa's net
Friday June 11, 2010 10:07 Zamundinho
10:07


KO:
um, what happened there
Friday June 11, 2010 10:07 KO
10:07


Darkseid:
Can you say blowout, broken plays will go in Mexico's favor almost every time.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:07 Darkseid
10:08


Zamundinho:
Basically, that moment came about because Mexico is aggressively pursuing tackles.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:08 Zamundinho
10:08


Darkseid:
Bafoona Bafoona!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 10:08 Darkseid
10:08


KO:
SA's doing it on purpose. they want an invictus moment
Friday June 11, 2010 10:08 KO
10:09


KO:
that comment worked
Friday June 11, 2010 10:09 KO
10:13


Zamundinho:
South Africa is making some aggressive aerial challenges.. which leads to fouls
Friday June 11, 2010 10:13 Zamundinho
10:13


KO:
in Khayelitsha, no blood no foul
Friday June 11, 2010 10:13 KO
10:15


Darkseid:
that was a bullshit pass, step it up Mexico.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:15 Darkseid
10:15


KO:
this is an interesting matchup of styles: SA's lack thereof vs. Mexico's fluidity and width in attack
Friday June 11, 2010 10:15 KO
10:17


Zamundinho:
That's like saying that a Palin vs Clinton campaign would be an interesting matchup of intellectual capacity: Palin's lack thereof vs Clinton's pantsuit variety.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:17 Zamundinho
10:18


KO:
bill or hillary? i'm not sure who wears the pant[suit]s in that family anymore
Friday June 11, 2010 10:18 KO
10:18


Zamundinho:
fair
Friday June 11, 2010 10:18 Zamundinho
10:18


KO:
and the liveblog is alive! I thought u guys were dead
Friday June 11, 2010 10:18 KO
10:19


Zamundinho:
A "beefy" challenge just made by South Africa in the box, but it's clean, and it's a corner. Clean, beefy challenge
Friday June 11, 2010 10:19 Zamundinho
10:19


Darkseid:
It was really fucking beefy
Friday June 11, 2010 10:19 Darkseid
10:20


Darkseid:
I think Mexico wins with hairstyles too
Friday June 11, 2010 10:20 Darkseid
10:21


Darkseid:
NIce passing and routes by the Bufoonas on that one
Friday June 11, 2010 10:21 Darkseid
10:21


Zamundinho:
And South Africa joins the wonderful European tradition of diving
Friday June 11, 2010 10:21 Zamundinho
10:21


Darkseid:
this a defining free kick
Friday June 11, 2010 10:21 Darkseid
10:21


Zamundinho:
Peinaar, from the spot
Friday June 11, 2010 10:21 Zamundinho
10:21


Zamundinho:
and it's over
Friday June 11, 2010 10:21 Zamundinho
10:22


Zamundinho:
not really close, just a rangefinder at this point
Friday June 11, 2010 10:22 Zamundinho
10:22


Darkseid:
as expected, all foreplay and no finish
Friday June 11, 2010 10:22 Darkseid
10:22


Zamundinho:
Mexico penetrates deep along the wing, and crosses it right to South Africa's keeper
Friday June 11, 2010 10:22 Zamundinho
10:23


Zamundinho:
yellow card for Mexico's Juarez
Friday June 11, 2010 10:23 Zamundinho
10:23


Darkseid:
that was bush league deserved the yellow
Friday June 11, 2010 10:23 Darkseid
10:23


Zamundinho:
handball, then delayed the game...
Friday June 11, 2010 10:23 Zamundinho
10:23


Zamundinho:
Mexico breaks
Friday June 11, 2010 10:23 Zamundinho
10:23


Zamundinho:
ohhh! over the bar
Friday June 11, 2010 10:23 Zamundinho
10:23


Darkseid:
first decent shot
Friday June 11, 2010 10:23 Darkseid
10:25


Zamundinho:
Tough challenge by Modise, Free kick to Mexico from far outside
Friday June 11, 2010 10:25 Zamundinho
10:25


Zamundinho:
low ball into the area, deflected
Friday June 11, 2010 10:25 Zamundinho
10:25


Zamundinho:
and another cross directly to the keeper
Friday June 11, 2010 10:25 Zamundinho
10:26


Zamundinho:
and an even worse cross on the other side by South Africa straight out of play
Friday June 11, 2010 10:26 Zamundinho
10:26


Zamundinho:
Perhaps the ball is flying unexpectedly light, everyone seems to be overshooting and overpassing
Friday June 11, 2010 10:26 Zamundinho
10:28


Darkseid:
it looks like 3-1 is not gonna happen
Friday June 11, 2010 10:28 Darkseid
10:29


Zamundinho:
I think it will... it's only the 23rd minute, and the teams are waking up in the World's limelight right now. Everyone is still calming down (see all the over shots and over-passes). This could still turn into a high-powered match.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:29 Zamundinho
10:29


Darkseid:
i think mexico has a disadvantage this game compared to other international teams for being the first to see what the pitch is like
Friday June 11, 2010 10:29 Darkseid
10:29


[Comment From KdubsKdubs: ]
Still plenty of time, it's a long game
Friday June 11, 2010 10:29 Kdubs
10:30


Zamundinho:
Good converging defense by Bafana Bafana at the back...
now a counterattack
Friday June 11, 2010 10:30 Zamundinho
10:32


Zamundinho:
uh oh
Yellow card to SA
Friday June 11, 2010 10:32 Zamundinho
10:32


Zamundinho:
poor challenge just at the top of the box
Friday June 11, 2010 10:32 Zamundinho
10:32


Zamundinho:
here comes another free kick
Friday June 11, 2010 10:32 Zamundinho
10:32


Zamundinho:
Pienaar looks nervous in the wall
Friday June 11, 2010 10:32 Zamundinho
10:33


Zamundinho:
woah, way way over the crossbar
Friday June 11, 2010 10:33 Zamundinho
10:36


Zamundinho:
SA on the attack
Friday June 11, 2010 10:36 Zamundinho
10:36


Zamundinho:
and the cross easily blocked by Mexico
Friday June 11, 2010 10:36 Zamundinho
10:37


Zamundinho:
Mexico up in the box!!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 10:37 Zamundinho
10:37


Zamundinho:
oh my god, can't believe they didn't score that
Friday June 11, 2010 10:37 Zamundinho
10:38


KO:
i wonder if this new ball has anything to do with the play
Friday June 11, 2010 10:38 KO
10:38


Zamundinho:
Franco controlled it off his chest in front of the defense, and then bobbled it right at the Keeper's chest... how lucky for Bafana Bafana
Friday June 11, 2010 10:38 Zamundinho
10:39


Zamundinho:
Another great chance from Mexico
Friday June 11, 2010 10:39 Zamundinho
10:39


Darkseid:
gotta give credit to the keeper
Friday June 11, 2010 10:39 Darkseid
10:39


Zamundinho:
crossed on the ground in front of net, and went wide
Friday June 11, 2010 10:39 Zamundinho
10:40


Zamundinho:
I'll say it again, everyone is having a problem with rangefinding on the aerial ball... KO may have a point about the ball
Friday June 11, 2010 10:40 Zamundinho
10:42


Zamundinho:
Mexico penetrates into the box again, but five South African defenders were there to block the way... good defense
Friday June 11, 2010 10:42 Zamundinho
10:42


Zamundinho:
Goal for mexico!!! but it was offsides
Friday June 11, 2010 10:42 Zamundinho
10:42


Darkseid:
South Africans are cockblockers
Friday June 11, 2010 10:42 Darkseid
10:42


Zamundinho:
so no goal, I suppose
Friday June 11, 2010 10:42 Zamundinho
10:43


Zamundinho:
but this was a terrible call
Friday June 11, 2010 10:43 Zamundinho
10:43


Zamundinho:
not at all ofisdes, SA had a defender on the goal line when the corner was kicked, so it was certainly not offisides
Friday June 11, 2010 10:43 Zamundinho
10:43


Darkseid:
the worst decision ever!!!!!

the defender was on the goal line.
Friday June 11, 2010 10:43 Darkseid
10:44


Zamundinho:
not at all ofisdes, SA had a defender on the goal line when the corner was kicked, so it was certainly not offisides
Friday June 11, 2010 10:44 Zamundinho
10:45


Zamundinho:
Speedy free kick for Mexico, almost headed in, just a touch too high... Mexico is certainly finding their range
Friday June 11, 2010 10:45 Zamundinho
10:45


Zamundinho:
I see at least a couple of goals in Mexico's 2nd half future
Friday June 11, 2010 10:45 Zamundinho
10:46


Zamundinho:
Bafana Bafana penetrates down the wing, looks threatening, and then bobbles it out of play off of Mexico.... SOuth Africa's First corner of the day
Friday June 11, 2010 10:46 Zamundinho
10:47


Zamundinho:
woah!
Friday June 11, 2010 10:47 Zamundinho
10:47


Zamundinho:
The goalkeeper completely missed that cross
Friday June 11, 2010 10:47 Zamundinho
10:47


Zamundinho:
thankfully Franco got a nudge on it with his head, which diverted it from a diving stephen Pienaar
Friday June 11, 2010 10:47 Zamundinho
10:48


Zamundinho:
and Mexico survives the follow-up corner
Friday June 11, 2010 10:48 Zamundinho
10:48


Zamundinho:
Bafana Bafana is definitely running now
Friday June 11, 2010 10:48 Zamundinho
10:48


Zamundinho:
that was an excellent chance on a cross against Mexico
Friday June 11, 2010 10:48 Zamundinho
10:48


Zamundinho:
Bafana seems to have more pace
Friday June 11, 2010 10:48 Zamundinho
10:49


Zamundinho:
another SA corner
Friday June 11, 2010 10:49 Zamundinho
10:49


Darkseid:
they are outclassing Mexico in the last two runs
Friday June 11, 2010 10:49 Darkseid
10:49


Zamundinho:
and Mexico's keeper makes an ungraceful volleyball set out of play
another SA corner
Friday June 11, 2010 10:49 Zamundinho
10:49


Zamundinho:
Into the far corner, right on target, and headed back across the Goal, and out of play
Friday June 11, 2010 10:49 Zamundinho
10:49


Zamundinho:
very nearly in
Friday June 11, 2010 10:49 Zamundinho
10:50


Darkseid:
this is where clutch play comes in
Friday June 11, 2010 10:50 Darkseid
10:51


Zamundinho:
A good, if relatively uneventful first half, and now MExico is just playing around
Friday June 11, 2010 10:51 Zamundinho
10:51


Zamundinho:
and advancing...
Friday June 11, 2010 10:51 Zamundinho
10:51


Zamundinho:
nope, offsides
Friday June 11, 2010 10:51 Zamundinho
10:51


Zamundinho:
and that's the half
Friday June 11, 2010 10:51 Zamundinho
10:52


Zamundinho:
we'll be back after a burrito-cerveza break
Friday June 11, 2010 10:52 Zamundinho
10:52
[Be Right Back Countdown] 10 minutes
Friday June 11, 2010 10:52
11:06


[Comment From pKpK: ]
SPIRITS CUP - first up from Mexico, Casa Noble Tequila VS. South African Pinotage. Stay tuned for the full report and remember, regardless of who wins, everyone ends up drunk! And I probably end up sick. P.S. it should be 1-0 Mexico.
Friday June 11, 2010 11:06 pK
11:06


Darkseid:
I expect Mexico to open up pandoras box of whoop ass this half
Friday June 11, 2010 11:06 Darkseid
11:06


Darkseid:
I am going to drink Mexican beer until Mexico wins
Friday June 11, 2010 11:06 Darkseid
11:07


Zamundinho:
Seconded
Friday June 11, 2010 11:07 Zamundinho
11:07


Zamundinho:
oh wait, I'm rooting for Bafana Bafana...
Friday June 11, 2010 11:07 Zamundinho
11:07


Zamundinho:
And it's back on
Friday June 11, 2010 11:07 Zamundinho
11:10


Darkseid:
way too close
Friday June 11, 2010 11:10 Darkseid
11:10


Darkseid:
i dont like how mexican isnt really punishing the SA possession mistakes
Friday June 11, 2010 11:10 Darkseid
11:15


Zamundinho:
Dos Santos just made a run, but was stopped by the 4th SA defender to face him
Friday June 11, 2010 11:15 Zamundinho
11:16


Zamundinho:
Mexico is having to resort to these runs because SA is heavy in defense, clustering around the ball.
Friday June 11, 2010 11:16 Zamundinho
11:16


Zamundinho:
I think Mexico should start taking shots from outside the box to threaten the keeper and force the defense outwards
Friday June 11, 2010 11:16 Zamundinho
11:16


Zamundinho:
but herecomes saa
goal
!!!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 11:16 Zamundinho
11:16


Zamundinho:
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 11:16 Zamundinho
11:16


Darkseid:
HOLY SHIT!!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 11:16 Darkseid
11:16


Zamundinho:
BAFANA BAFANA!!!!!
and they do a coordinated dance on the endline
Friday June 11, 2010 11:16 Zamundinho
11:16


Darkseid:
My predictions have just gone into the shitter.
Friday June 11, 2010 11:16 Darkseid
11:18


Zamundinho:
Siphiwe Tshabalala with the excellent shot from SA, across the face of goal and curving into the far corner
Friday June 11, 2010 11:18 Zamundinho
11:19


Zamundinho:
Granted, it should be 1-1 right now, but Mexico really needs to get it together
Friday June 11, 2010 11:19 Zamundinho
11:20


[Comment From CarltonPalmerCarltonPalmer: ]
That goal was sick. What a strike.
Friday June 11, 2010 11:20 CarltonPalmer
11:22


Zamundinho:
South Africa builds an attack which is easily deflected by a Mexican tackle... which leads to a counterattack, and Giovanni Dos Santos takes an excellent shot into the top near corner... excellent save by Khune
Friday June 11, 2010 11:22 Zamundinho
11:24


Darkseid:
I must not be drinking enough Mexican beer
Friday June 11, 2010 11:24 Darkseid
11:24


Zamundinho:
agreed
Friday June 11, 2010 11:24 Zamundinho
11:25


Zamundinho:
a non-threatening shot on the ground from outside the box by South Africa, very non-threatening
Friday June 11, 2010 11:25 Zamundinho
11:28


Darkseid:
Mexico is just being flat outplayed should have been a goal by South Africa
Friday June 11, 2010 11:28 Darkseid
11:29


Zamundinho:
God, Mexico looks lethargic on the attack
Friday June 11, 2010 11:29 Zamundinho
11:31


Darkseid:
Mexico deserves to lose this game
Friday June 11, 2010 11:31 Darkseid
11:31


Zamundinho:
and South Africa, almost with another chance
Friday June 11, 2010 11:31 Zamundinho
11:32


Zamundinho:
but a yellow card for SA
Friday June 11, 2010 11:32 Zamundinho
11:32


Zamundinho:
and a terrible free kick from Mexico, way off, and way over the bar
Friday June 11, 2010 11:32 Zamundinho
11:32


[Comment From KdubsKdubs: ]
just saw the replay of the SA goal - were they doing the macarena?
Friday June 11, 2010 11:32 Kdubs
11:33


Zamundinho:
The Goal Post does not believe that SA was doing the Macarena... maybe you were watching Mexico's dance of shame?
Friday June 11, 2010 11:33 Zamundinho
11:33


Darkseid:
Mexico has betrayed my faith in them, they do not even look like they are battling for the win.
Friday June 11, 2010 11:33 Darkseid
11:34


Zamundinho:
Agreed, Mexico is currently battling for the not-so-bad-loss
Their strategy appears to be that if one doesn't take the field, one can minimize casualties
Friday June 11, 2010 11:34 Zamundinho
11:34


Darkseid:
Plus SA looks legit, deflecting attacks and patiently waiting for opportunities
Friday June 11, 2010 11:34 Darkseid
11:35


Zamundinho:
Guillermo Franco comes off for Javier Hernandez, who is on my Fantasy team.... I hope he turns this game around
Friday June 11, 2010 11:35 Zamundinho
11:39


KO:
I turn away for thirty minutes and sa is winning
Friday June 11, 2010 11:39 KO
11:39


KO:
I'm the reverse Jessica Simpson
Friday June 11, 2010 11:39 KO
11:40


Zamundinho:
OK, I don't know who it was, yet, but one of the Mexican players was just shown close-up in all his HD glory, and the guy looks like a 40-something NYPD officer, eating a hot-dog outside a subway stop, not a world class footballer playing in the World Cup.
Friday June 11, 2010 11:40 Zamundinho
11:40


Zamundinho:
GOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!!!! MEXICO!!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 11:40 Zamundinho
11:41


KO:
Wow. That's some gryphons defense
Friday June 11, 2010 11:41 KO
11:41


Zamundinho:
Marquez puts it past South Africa right in front of the net... amazing that he was that open there
Friday June 11, 2010 11:41 Zamundinho
11:42


Darkseid:
I just want to put it out there that if Mexico scores again then my prediction was right, 3-1 Mexico
Friday June 11, 2010 11:42 Darkseid
11:43


Zamundinho:
For the record, the hot dog snarfing Mexican was Cuauhtémoc Blanco... a former golden boy and once-prolific goal-scorer
Friday June 11, 2010 11:43 Zamundinho
11:44


KO:
Speaking of whatever happened to old ronaldo
Friday June 11, 2010 11:44 KO
11:44


Zamundinho:
Joe Biden, sighted in the crowd
Friday June 11, 2010 11:44 Zamundinho
11:44


Zamundinho:
at least no one gave him a microphone
Friday June 11, 2010 11:44 Zamundinho
11:44


Zamundinho:
he looks cold, in a red scarf
Friday June 11, 2010 11:44 Zamundinho
11:44


Tommy:
Hey folks. Wanted to note that South Africa plays absolutely the most terrifying brand of defense imaginable. Their offsides traps don't look especially tight.
Friday June 11, 2010 11:44 Tommy
11:44


Zamundinho:
well spotted, Mr. T
Friday June 11, 2010 11:44 Zamundinho
11:45


[Comment From CarltonPalmerCarltonPalmer: ]
Agreed with KO. This defending is typical of African teams after 75 mins of play...which is why one won't win the world cup.
Friday June 11, 2010 11:45 CarltonPalmer
11:45


Zamundinho:
Also, another note about Biden, shouldn't he, too, be down in the gulf hoovering up oil with his enormous mouth, rather than looking concerned about Mexico's chances
Friday June 11, 2010 11:45 Zamundinho
11:45


Tommy:
If I'm RSA, I think the best strategy now is to pack the box and play for one point
Friday June 11, 2010 11:45 Tommy
11:46


Zamundinho:
\Which is what they were doing in the fist 30 minutes, so it shouldn't bee too far out of their way
Friday June 11, 2010 11:46 Zamundinho
11:46


Zamundinho:
oh my god
Friday June 11, 2010 11:46 Zamundinho
11:46


Zamundinho:
an excellent chance for mexico, chested down by hernandez in the box, but then he gets a questionable challenge, and loses the ball for goal kick
Friday June 11, 2010 11:46 Zamundinho
11:46


Tommy:
Yeah Zammy, I think they let the goal change up their game plan
Friday June 11, 2010 11:46 Tommy
11:47


Zamundinho:
a foul on South Africa outside the box, free kick to Mexico
Friday June 11, 2010 11:47 Zamundinho
11:47


Tommy:
A foul from 35 yards is pretty much exactly the wrong thing to do in the 85th minute of a tie game
Friday June 11, 2010 11:47 Tommy
11:47


Zamundinho:
this is a pivotal kick
Friday June 11, 2010 11:47 Zamundinho
11:47


Zamundinho:
my thoughts exactly
Friday June 11, 2010 11:47 Zamundinho
11:48


Zamundinho:
but it was wasted
Friday June 11, 2010 11:48 Zamundinho
11:48


Tommy:
There should be ample injury time, this could end up in most exciting fashion...
Friday June 11, 2010 11:48 Tommy
11:49


Zamundinho:
let's hope so... i realy hope the opener doesn't end in a tie
Friday June 11, 2010 11:49 Zamundinho
11:50


Zamundinho:
crossed into the box, and Hernandez heads it up, up and awaaaay
Friday June 11, 2010 11:50 Zamundinho
11:50


Tommy:
Blanco still has great touch
Friday June 11, 2010 11:50 Tommy
11:50


Zamundinho:
true, it was a great cross
just a poor header
Friday June 11, 2010 11:50 Zamundinho
11:51


Zamundinho:
shot, mexico, saved outside the box
Friday June 11, 2010 11:51 Zamundinho
11:51


Tommy:
I have no idea why RSA is trying to hold them offsides at the 18 yard box
Friday June 11, 2010 11:51 Tommy
11:51


Zamundinho:
Mexico loses the ball into 3 South African defenders
and now a chance fo SA
Friday June 11, 2010 11:51 Zamundinho
11:51


Zamundinho:
OFF THE POST!!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 11:51 Zamundinho
11:51


KO:
!!
Friday June 11, 2010 11:51 KO
11:51


Zamundinho:
wow
Friday June 11, 2010 11:51 Zamundinho
11:51


Zamundinho:
Mexico is embarrassing themselves now
Friday June 11, 2010 11:51 Zamundinho
11:52


Darkseid:
He has to be so pissed right now for not winning that for SA
Friday June 11, 2010 11:52 Darkseid
11:52


Zamundinho:
but playing it up th ewing
Friday June 11, 2010 11:52 Zamundinho
11:52


Tommy:
One on one opportunities have clearly been RSA's best chances this match
Friday June 11, 2010 11:52 Tommy
11:52


Zamundinho:
and Mexico keeps tripping themselves up in front of the box
Friday June 11, 2010 11:52 Zamundinho
11:52


Darkseid:
3 minutes
Friday June 11, 2010 11:52 Darkseid
11:52


Zamundinho:
and SA almost gets another chance with 2 open men in front of the net
Friday June 11, 2010 11:52 Zamundinho
11:52


Tommy:
Less than I would have expected
Friday June 11, 2010 11:52 Tommy
11:53


Zamundinho:
Mexico outside the box
blanco to the middle
passed across
Friday June 11, 2010 11:53 Zamundinho
11:54


Zamundinho:
And Mexico trips on their way into the box, and botches another opportunity
Friday June 11, 2010 11:54 Zamundinho
11:54


Zamundinho:
only 1 minute left in stoppage
Friday June 11, 2010 11:54 Zamundinho
11:54


Darkseid:
This is the Mexico I was afraid would show up and make me look foolish for thinking they might make a run this tourney
Friday June 11, 2010 11:54 Darkseid
11:54


Tommy:
Perez came out of the box flailing on that through ball. He's afraid of another one on one
Friday June 11, 2010 11:54 Tommy
11:55


Zamundinho:
Game over
Friday June 11, 2010 11:55 Zamundinho
11:55


Zamundinho:
an anticlimactic 1-1 tie to open the 2010 World Cup
Friday June 11, 2010 11:55 Zamundinho
11:55


Darkseid:
Mexico failed to show they could play up to their potential
Friday June 11, 2010 11:55 Darkseid
11:55


Zamundinho:
But this was clearly a South African Victory and Mexican Defeat
Friday June 11, 2010 11:55 Zamundinho
11:56


Tommy:
I'd say it was a fun game despite the tie, and certainly mixes up the group a bit
Friday June 11, 2010 11:56 Tommy
11:56


Zamundinho:
(except, of course, for that first disallowed Mexican Goal)
Friday June 11, 2010 11:56 Zamundinho
11:56


Zamundinho:
I agree with Mr. T
Friday June 11, 2010 11:56 Zamundinho
11:57


Zamundinho:
Here's to France getting an always-well-deserved whooping this afternoon
Be sure to tune back in to the Goal Post
Friday June 11, 2010 11:57 Zamundinho
11:57


[Comment From CarltonPalmerCarltonPalmer: ]
Well, I feel comfortable saying France and Uruguay will go through
Friday June 11, 2010 11:57 CarltonPalmer
11:57


[Comment From CarltonPalmerCarltonPalmer: ]
Agreed, Zamunda

read more...

SPIRITS CUP RSA VS MEX

SPIRITS CUP - Regardless of who wins, everyone ends up drunk! And I probably end up sick.

Mexico's Casa Noble Blanco Tequila VS. South Africa's Pinotage

Started the match off by pairing the Casa Noble blanco tequila with a fair trade Ethiopian coffee, a must this early in the morning. This Tequila is as cool as Mexico's jerseys. The Mexican dark blue jerseys must be for the Blue Agave used in this fine spirit. (I don't care if the jerseys are actually black.)

Many ESPNspirits analysts predicted that the Pinotage would upset the mighty Tequila. But there will be no mystery off-sides granted in this spirits competition. Pinotage will have to find a way to keep the ball out of the net.

Nederburg Pinotage, a red wine from South Africa is a cross between Pino Noir and Hermitage. This wine is smooth, crisp and much like South Africa's offense - light. This wine is also flavorful with a sharp Tshabalala finish. Too bad the rest of the South African club could not finish as well.

The outcome: There will be no draw in the Spirits Cup today. Pinotage couldn't settle in during this early morning match. Tequila had an unlikely assist by an African rival of its opponent - Ethiopia. The coffe/tequila combination was killer, but the game winner came when Zamundinho brought out the lunch: burritos. Pinotage didn't stand a chance. Casa Noble was a perfect complement to lunch and put the cork back in the Pinotage.

During the post game celebration a Negra Modelo stormed the field. Upset that they didn't make the Mexican Spirits Cup squad, I was lucky that only one of these dark beers made it out of the fridge or things could have been ugly.

FINAL: Casa Noble Blanco Tequila 2 - Pinotage 1

read more...

Bold Predictions: Weekend

Since I am fond of predictions, no matter how wrong I am, I am going to predict not just thewinners, but the scores as well.

Highlighted Matchups

MEXICO- 3

SOUTH AFRICA- 1

I don't see the Bafana Bafana triumphing in this one, to the chagrin of the home crowd.  They will be the African team with the least success thistournament.  Plus, Mexico better show good form this match as I have picked them as my dark horse of the tournament. [Actual Score Mex 1  SA 1 (EPIC FAIL, although the real score was 2-1 Mexico)]

FRANCE- 2

URUGUAY- 1

While I predict France to be a huge disappointment, they will be too much for a capable Uruguay.  Look for Henry to score 0 goals and look underwhelming.  Uruguay will strike first.

[Actual Score Fr 0  Ury 0]

The Rest

South Korea-1

Greece- 0 

[Actual Score SK 2 Gr 0]

UPSET PICK OF THE FIRST GAMES 

Nigeria- 2

Argentina- 1 

[Actual Score Ni 0 Arg 1]

England- 1

U.S.A- 1

[Actual Score En 1 US 1]

Algeria- 2

Slovenia- 0

[Actual Score Al 0 Sl 1]

Germany- 3

Australia- 0

[Actual Score Ger___ Aus___]

read more...

Group A - Is this the first time a host nation does not make it past the Group Stage?

It is strange to think that only 16 years ago, apartheid was ended in South Africa. It is also strange to think that this happened in my lifetime, when I was 6 years old, with the impression that the world was a harmonious place where people of all nationalities just got together and celebrated their similarities and differences.

Well, it is about that time folks, once every four years in June-July, where this occurs. Political bickering goes out the window (for the true football fanatic), and the spectacle unfolds right in front of us (I must make the exception for the unfortunate Andres Escobar Saldarriaga in the 1994 USA-Colombia game as that is the one time I have detested the effects of the sport). Otherwise, you hear stories of people living completely different lives hand-in-hand as their nation's hopes rest on 23 individuals.

Unfortunately, this year's host nation's hopes may be prematurely dashed. It is not that I don't have faith in the Bafana Bafana. Disregarding the fact that the country's highest goalscorer, Benni McCarthy, was cut because of his fitness problems, world cup winning tactician Carlos Alberto Parreira has made the right choice of trusting local players in favor of foreign-based players. English Premier League stars like Steven Pienaar (Everton) and Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth) will definitely start but the foundation of the team is built from players playing in the South African Premier League in teams as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs. South Africa's friendly wins over Thailand and Denmark are a solid foundation to build upon.

However, it is the quality of the opponents in their group I am worried about most. I don't need to say anything about France. They have been playing poorly as a team but at any moment, they have individuals who can take control of the game by themselves. Mexico have been surprising many with their level of play. The 3-1 loss against England does not do their game play justice as they had numerous opportunities to score. The 2-1 win against Italy also did not do Mexico any favors; they should have scored 5 or 6 against a lethargic Italy. Uruguay, two-time winners of the World Cup, have a world class attack. Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlan leads the line alongside the rising startlet of Palermo, Edinson Cavani. They also have Luis Suarez, who was the Eredivisie's top scorer and is being linked to a host of top clubs around Europe.

My point is that South Africa are, without a doubt, the worst team in their group. It will be a surprise if they finish third, a miracle if they advance from their group.

This year history is being made as the world's most followed sports tournament is being held in Africa for the first time. Unfortunately, history will also be made for the wrong reasons, as the host nation will not progress this year.

read more...

Which group is hardest to predict?

As I'm filling out my bracket, there are a number of tough decisions to be made. Some, however, are tougher than others. Which group is the most difficult to predict 1st place/2nd place? This is also, I suppose, an estimation of which group has the most parity. Some possible candidates:

Group A: France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay

France have a stunning team on paper but can't seem to make anything click. Mexico have some young stars and expect to make a good run of it this year. South Africa have the home advantage and expectations are surely high. Uruguay haven't advanced to the knockout round since 1990 but they have a good side now with Europa league winner Forlan in front.

Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

With Essien missing, Ghana may struggle to gain points, but this seems like a close race for 2nd.

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Group C has the smallest range of FIFA rankings (England (8) and Algeria (30)) but it has two strong favorites as well.

Any thoughts?

read more...

Why you should not sleep on Mexico

First and foremost, they showed that they are capable of playing at the highest level yesterday, beating defending World Cup Champs Italy, 2-1.  Well to be honest, Mexico has shown they can play with the best in the past, but the troubling side of Mexico is how inconsistent they are.  I think that it all changes this World Cup.

First, you have the fact that Mexican league soccer (Primera Division) is surprisingly strong, most certainly sporting tougher competition than the MLS.  The Primera Division is now consistently creating players, while not at the same levels as Premier or La Liga, that can play high level international soccer.  While the U.S. sends their players to Europe so they can improve with stronger competition, La Primera Division is providing a ripe training ground for talented young Mexican players.  For example, of the 25 players that were on the roster when Mexico trounced the U.S. in the Gold Cup, 14 of them played in the Primera Division.  This means that we will most likely not see an awestruck Mexico team in South Africa, despite their young age.

Next, France is the most overrated team is the 2010 World Cup.  The high expectations for the French in this World Cup are predicated solely on what this team has done in the previous World Cups rather than the poor International play they have been exhibiting recently.  It's like catching your wife in bed with another man and saying it didn't happen because she's been good to you in the past.  The current French team is not what they used to be, Henry is no longer Henry and they do not have the supporting tools to be considered a sure shot for winner of the group.  To illustrate, their most recent friendly matches were a loss to China, a tie with Tunisia, and then a narrow win against a weak Costa Rican team.  Overall, we are looking at a French team that is no powerhouse and in my opinion will have to fight to advance.

Mexico is a great team to watch because they provide intrigue as well.  Their opening game match-up is the most compelling first game of the tournament.  Mexico badly needs to get all 3 points from South Africa in order to ensure that they back up their claim of the best team in the group.  A loss to South Africa not only makes that claim hard to argue, but it will most likely prevent them from finishing on top in the standings.  On the other side, South Africa, at the very least has to tie in order to not be considered an over-hyped host country from the outset.  Basically, South Africa's only hope of riding their home country wave to the second round is if they show the world that they can defeat teams like Mexico.  This game is a must watch.

Plus, the road through the World Cup might be relatively smooth for Mexico.  If Mexico can somehow fight its way past both South Africa and France in their first two matches, they will most likely win the group.   A number one seed in the group will mean that they will most likely face a Greece/Nigeria in the second round, two highly beatable teams for Mexico.  If Mexico can manufacture a victory against their second round opponents they will most likely face either Serbia/Ghana or U.S./England in the Quarterfinals.  One could envision, without too much dreaming, that Mexico could make it into the semifinals with their toughest competition being the U.S., a team that Mexico has shown they can beat.  This is clearly not a sure win situation given El Tri's inconsistency, however given the high levels that we have seen Mexico play this year I think that Mexico could be one of the most exciting dark horses of the tournament.

read more...

African Teams - Who will be The Continent's Standard Bearer?

This is the first of a series of posts about African teams at the first African World Cup. Every 4 years, an African team--seemingly at random--bursts through unexpectedly to the later stages of the competition, reminding everyone that, like South Americans, uber-talented African players are everywhere on the pro teams in Europe.

A brief history of Africa's flirtation with World Cup power: last time around, at the 2006 WC, Ghana made it out of the group of death against eventual champions Italy, a strong USA team and a Czech team that had made the semis of the Euro tournament only two year prior. Had they not faced Brazil in their first knockout game, the Michael Essien-powered Ghana looked like they had a deepish run in them.

Going back another 4 years, Africa gave the world a spectacle with the Djembe drumming crowds, the dancing players and the bright yellow colors of Senegal's surprising run to the Quarter Finals. In the very first match of the World Cup, Senegal played the reigning World Cup and European Champions France and beat their former colonial masters. The game proved disastrous for France, breaking their resolve early despite fielding a team of legends in their prime (Patrick Vieira, Claude Makelele, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Lillian Thuram). France crashed out bottom of their opening group and Senegal advanced to the Quarter Finals, beating Sweden along the way.

Just to round out our review, let us not forget the 1994 and 1998 Super Eagles of Nigeria, who made it to the knockout rounds both times. Finally, just because 20 years have passed, we mustn't overlook the original African powerhouse team of Cameroon in 1990. They beat the defending world champs and eventual runners up Argentina before advancing to the quarter finals.

The big question then for 2010, the first World Cup held on African soil is who will it be this year, and how far can they go?

Up Next: Assessing the African teams and their chances...

read more...

A welcome, and thoughts on South Africa

Welcome to the new and improved Goal Post, where we will be bringing you unparalleled content throughout the World Cup.

Here are some preliminary, half-baked musings on Group A, which will shortly be found on the soon-to-be-remade group pages of the Goal Post:
Our generous hosts, South Africa have either graciously laid out an enormously expensive welcome, or displayed lavish indifference to the impoverished populations living and working around the new stadiums, for our quadrennial tournament. There is no denying, however, that South Africa is hungry to win, and fearful of embarrassment. South Africa's team draws on relatively few players playing without their national borders. One of the mid-tier clubs in South Africa's Premier Soccer League, Ajax Cape Town, is a feeder club to Ajax Amsterdam, a formative club for much of the Dutch artillery, but that's more of an interesting tidbit than an ace up their sleeve.

Steven Pienaar is the man with all the pressure on his shoulders to bring home the Cup. On a recent BBC interview he sounded upbeat about making it out of the group stage, but he sounded much less confident when evading the question about winning the cup itself. It seems that History is not lost on Pienaar, however, who cited Nelson Mandela when expressing the power of sports to bring people together. Speaking of history, is it coincidental that the last time South Africa was captained by a Pienaar, they won a World Cup that transformed their nation, and left the world looking on with our mouths agape and tears in our eyes. Granted that was in rugby, and that Pienaar (Francois) was an Afrikaaner, but maybe there'll be magic again for South Africa.

It should also be noted that host nations have historically enjoyed highly favorable outcomes in the World Cup, particularly in the group stages. Therefore, I'd give South Africa a fighting chance to beat out Mexico, and my wishful blessing towards whupping France. It should be a very telling match when South Africa faces Uruguay. Whichever team loses that battle will probably not make it out of Group A.

read more...