2010 FIFA World Cup Bytes I: Vuvuzelas, Jabulanis and the Selecao

What’s the overall reaction to the World Cup now that it’s finally under way? Here are some thoughts to ponder:

1) There are some who continue to complain about that plastic mass-murder weapon called the vuvuzela. Last I heard, Patrice Evra clearly stated that the constant blowing was causing him to lose sleep. Other players claimed that they couldn’t hear each other on the field.

The most magnanimous and munificent Cristiano Ronaldo, his Royal Iberian Highness, seems to have adopted the high road and said that though it might be a problem, everyone would have to learn to live with it.

Just like tackling Ron-Ron—live with it.

2) In other news, Mexico really needs to do more with its talent. A draw against South Africa is simply unacceptable with France and Uruguay in the same group. On second thought, the insipidness of the French team might actually make Mexico feel more relaxed.

Ribéry aside, it seems as if the entire French team (along with Domenech) has aged like bad wine! Oui?

3) Group B is shaping up according to convention, although Greece played as if they didn’t believe that they belonged there. More tellingly, they played as if they were still basking in their European glory. Last I checked, that was six years ago!

And what of La Seleccion , those fabulous blue and white-striped magicians who boast the greatest player of his generation? They could have done better, but I’m not criticizing them because perhaps they’re simply warming up. Nigeria looked relatively comfortable which means that a tight battle for second place just kicked off.

4) While the Algeria-Slovenia game was a contender for the most-insignificant title, England created mayhem with their continued history of goalkeeping blunders—this time courtesy a howler by Robert Greene. The American press was so overjoyed that one paper claimed, “USA WINS 1-1: Greatest Tie against the British since Bunker Hill!” Yes America , you're playing the British while the Scots, Irish and Welsh are cheering on from the sidelines. Sure!

5) The Serbs looked disinterested against a passionate Ghanaian side as it lost by the solitary goal, while the Germans surprisingly managed to light up the tournament with a fabulous attacking display that saw them net four goals against a hapless Aussie outfit.

The Germans look as good as they always do—like perennial late stage World Cup residents. This seems to be a tight group, but expect Australia to do well against a defensively-oriented team such as Serbia.  

6) In Group D, the Oranje got the win but somehow failed to excite your average football fan as they should have. Backed by some rustiness, an own goal and an undisciplined Danish side, the Netherlands got their three points and can rest assured that neither Japan nor Cameroon will cause them much trouble.

7) If the World Cup needs excitement, it will happen after Italy’s group finishes their openers. Wait for the expected brilliance of the Selecao , the frustrating talent of the Portuguese and the African-special passion of Cote D’Ivore.

8) If this fails, then wait for Spain, this edition’s unanimous winner of the best-on-paper team. When Francesc Fabrgregas can likely be benched and Xavi, along with Iniesta and Silva, feed Torres and Villa up front, there’s always the strong likelihood of a goal riot. Maybe the tournament needs some of that.

9) And since Adidas’s scientific researchers seem to have gone wrong with the Jabulani, we should remind ourselves that the ball is the same for everyone. If it causes goal keepers more problems then sit back and watch football for what it’s worth—goals.

Wave your flag and stick around for more World Cup bytes. This is just getting started.