2010 FIFA World Cup: Slow and Sloppy Play Defines Opening Matches

While there has been much talk of the constant "bzzzzzzzzz" sound emanating from South African soccer stadiums throughout the World Cup, what's less talked about is the sound coming from living rooms across America in response to the style of play displayed thus far in the group stage of the tournament: "Zzzzzzzzz."

This morning's match between Chile and Honduras was one of the few of the entire tournament thus far in which one of the sides employed an aggressive attacking style.

Chile defeated Honduras 1-0, but most observers would agree that the score was not indicative of the match as a whole, as Chile had several opportunities to add to their margin of victory.

This match was played by two squads who are unlikely to advance very far in the tournament. The teams that entered South Africa as the favorites to raise the World Cup trophy have, for the most part, been especially disappointing.

Yesterday's game between the Ivory Coast and Portugal was arguably the most highly anticipated of the group stage of the tournament, and despite touting two of the three best players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo and (an injured) Didier Drogba, neither side scored in what was a sloppy match, especially for the Portuguese.

Italy's opening match of Paraguay was hardly easy on the eyes, but in fairness to the Azzurri, the conditions the match was played in were hardly suitable for fast paced soccer. Regardless, fan's were hoping to see more from the defending World Cup champion against an outmatched Paraguay side.

The USA versus England match, touted by many (who work for ESPN, the network broadcasting the World Cup) as the most important match is the history of American soccer, was also marred by all-around poor play on both sides of the ball.

The U.S. squad was bereft of any semblance of attacking soccer, and seemed more than content to accept a tie following their fluke of a goal.

But none of these matches compare to France and Uruguay, which ended in a 0-0 draw and featured about as many chances as Steve Urkel would with Megan Fox.

The five man Uruguayan back line is partially to blame for the draw between the two teams ranked in the top 20 in the world, but more at fault was the slow and inept play of the French, who looked like they had better things to do that evening.

It's understandable, even advisable, that these sides play more conservatively in their opening matches so as to leave them with at least a point. But what's unfortunate is that this sloppy play has turned some of the excitement and anticipation that the world, including the United States, had built up prior to the World Cup into frustration.

Here's to hoping that as teams enter their second matches of the tournament, some of their nerves are exhausted and they are able to open up their style of play so as to show off the skills that have earned them the distinction of being the very best players at the most popular sport in the world.