For fans, like me, of the beautiful game!
First, some observations from Friday's opening games.
South Africa looked better, I think, than many expected them to, the one WTF goal they conceded not withstanding. With the whole group all even, and France and Uruguay unable to find the goal even if they use GPS, I think RSA has to be feeling good right now.
Speaking of France and Uruguay, that was the UGLIEST game I've seen in a very long time. And yes, Domenech is high. Govou stays in after 2 subs are made? They pull a forward for Henry? He's smoking some bad shit, there.
As for Uruguay - great defense, but unless they hope to go 0-0-3 with 0 goals allowed and somehow make it through the Group, they might want to think about scoring sometime soon.
Group B is is going to slaughter whoever gets out of Group A. If I told you that after 3 games, in which France and Mexico both played, South Fucking Korea would be the most impressive side so far, you'd have laughed at me. South Korea is for real, and I think they'll be a bigger threat this Cup than most expect. An Asian team has truly arrived on the world stage.
Argentina may have an attention whore on crack as a manager, and a bunch of egos that don't get along (welcome to sports!), but I have to say they are damn friendly and sporting. From the genuine smiles while shaking hands pre-game to the fact that an Argentinian is almost always the first person checking on a downed Nigerian player, they just exude sportsmanship. I find myself liking them more and more.
As for the game itself, it's great. This is what soccer should look like. The Nigerian keeper may be superhuman, and FIFA should test his blood to make sure he's not from Krypton. If their keeper were any less, Nigeria would be down 3-0 by now, easy.
Join in below! Updates coming a things develop!
[Update 7:45am PST] The first yellow of the game is given, and while he was clearly trying for the ball, he missed it by a mile and really was reckless on that tackle.
[Update 7:50am PST] Halftime. Nigeria are DAMN lucky they're only down by a single goal. I don't think they can dig their way out, but at least they still have a chance to try. By rights, this should be over already.
[Update 8:10am PST] Second half underway, and Argentina almost scores again. Nigeria needs to go for broke. They're losing, anyway.
[Update 8:30am PST] Argentina should be up about 5-0 by now. Nigeria NEEDS to score and count themselves INSANELY lucky for the draw.
[Update 8:55am PST] And it's over. Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0. South Korea is in first in Group B on goal differential. Argentina missed a TON of chances, and needs to get that under control. Nigeria should have been out at halftime, but still had a chance to draw until the very end.
[Update 9:20am PST] England finally takes the lead in the poll. As for those commenting on Diego's mellow attitude and not creating drama, I fully expected a camera to cut to him doing a line of coke off a hooker's ass at any moment.
Things will likely slow down in here for the next hour or two, until the USA game, so please Rec this so we can get it on the list where everyone can see it for later!
[Update 10:02am PST] Looks like I'll have to go out of the house to watch the US game - I don't see it listed on ESPN360 and don't have TV service at home.
Thank you all for participating, and enjoy the match!