FIFA 2010 World Cup: Weekend in Review

It is the football spectacle that has the attention of the entire world.

And though only a small fraction of the fixtures have been played, there is more than enough to chew on.

The first of four World Cup weekends are over, and there is much to digest from a healthy serving of matches, results, and competition. There is just cause for praise, but there are also instances that merit harsh criticism.

The Good

The World Cup could have asked for a better opening match, but the fans and the world will take the 1-1 draw between South Africa and Mexico with open arms. A tantalizing strike from Siphiwe Tshabalala and a disciplined equalizer by Rafael Marquez concluded in a draw, maintaining the unbeaten streak for host nations in opening games.

Despite what often is a popular context for criticism, the refereeing has been superb and warrants proper commendations, at least for now. It may only take one or two questionable decisions at key moments before the support turns into scorn. Nevertheless, other than the red card shown to Australia’s Tim Cahill, the referees have been solid.

Germany. The Germans showing up sans Michael Ballack and embarrassing the Aussie’s 4-nil is a good thing. Already, a scoring machine is pumping out production very efficiently and sets the stage for the next set of group play fixtures.

The Bad

Uruguay and France. Two teams boasting potent offenses shut down in a nil-nil draw—definitely not the showing either squad was expecting or desired.

Zdravko Kuzmanovic is ultimately responsible for digging the grave in the 1-nil defeat to Ghana, but Serbia’s inability to finish its chances leaves them at the bottom of the group looking up.

The Ugly

Fabio Capello is sick to his stomach after giving Robert Green his World Cup debut, as the English keeper’s fatal mistake cost his team with a three-point outcome. Capello’s decision to give Green the starting slot over veteran David James could make the end results more close-cut than originally anticipated.

What’s Up Next?

An early morning Group E thriller with the Netherlands taking on Denmark at 7:30 A.M. EST on Monday puts the potent Dutch offense in the spotlight. They are a trendy pick to hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament, and their offense can carry them, so expect a fluid performance and a couple of goals to go with it.

Tuesday’s two Group G matches will gauge which two squads will take its first steps towards the knockout rounds. Ivory Coast will take on Portugal as many eyes will be on Didier Drogba—will he be fit to see time on the pitch? The other fixture pits Brazil and North Korea. Let’s face it, any game featuring the Brazilians is worth watching.

Which Players to Watch?

Eljero Elia, FW, Netherlands

Samuel Eto’o, FW, Cameroon

Salomon Kalou, FW, Ivory Coast

Cristiano Ronaldo, FW, Portugal

Maicon/Dani Alves, DF, Brazil

Fabio Cannavaro, DF, Italy