We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Here we go! South Africa 2010 starts today with the opening ceremonies followed by the hosts taking on Mexico at 10 am. Later this afternoon, 2006 finalists France kick off against Uruguay at 2:30 pm. It can't get better than this. Enjoy the tournament, lads!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:40 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
343 Comments:
The coverage last night on ESPN was absolutely spectacular. Everything was live from SA with the likes of Ruud Gullit and Steve McManaman alongside Yanks like Alexi Lalas.
Unfortunately, they've decided to ignore the opening ceremonies this morning, so I'm looking for a link to the festivities.
Here's a good link for the opening ceremonies:
http://www.iraqgoals.tv/ch1.html
The ceremonies are about to begin now!
They've started with a short film that appears to be a travel advert for South Africa.
This has been followed by a drum corps and some colorful dancers. Yes, the first African World Cup has arrived.
There's a giant beetle attacking a massive mock-up of the notorious Jabulani ball now. What do the rest of you lot think of the new ball. I'm hoping that it means lots of flukey goals that fizz by the keepers. If I were Frankie Lampard, I'd shoot on sight.
Now there's a voice-over from the great Nelson Mandela. Surely, he's in the crowd too, no?
Nice! It's my boy Khaled from Algeria doing a tune now. This is a marvelous representation of Afro-pop so far. I'm really enjoying it.
Wow - now it's Hugh Masekela time. Fabulous!
Femi Kuti's in the house too. Too bad that his dad Fela couldn't last 'til this celebration.
The 32 nation's flags are represented now We're about an hour away from kick-off. Can't wait!
I lost my P2P link. I'm onto the ITV coverage on Atdhe now:
http://www.iraqgoals.tv/ch1.html
Interesting advert there for the 2022 World Cup bid from...Qatar. I hope not!
We're less than an hour away now. Wow!
The starting XI's are in for the opener:
South Africa Lineup: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo, Aaron Mokoena, Lucas Thwala, Teko Modise, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Steven Pienaar, Katlego Mphela
Mexico Lineup: Francisco Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Amoldo Salcido, Ricardo Osorio, Rafael Marquez Alvarez, Efrain Juarez, Jose Andres Guardado, Israel Castro, Gerardo Torrado, Giovani Dos Santos, Carlos Alberto Vela, Javier Hernandez
Here come the South African side in the tunnel. And they're doing a traditional Zulu dance as they come out. Marvelous stuff!
Interesting statistic. Every time an African side has played in the opening game, they've won. I hope that's true today too.
The Mexican side are out for an early touch of the pitch too now.
Good morning Blue Devil. I am ready for the games to commence. Based on my predictions, this match should influence the fate of this group. I predict a draw.
Morning, MUR! Great to have you on board. I'm at Chez Nocito but the family are all off at school/work. They'll be joining me later this afternoon for the France v. Uruguay match.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I could see a draw today. I think this is make or break for South Africa. They've got the home crowd behind them and if they can't get up for this match, they won't be able to at all. They must get at least a point.
It's Martin Tyler and Efan Ekoku doing the commentary this morning.
I'll say this once and then leave it at that. I hate the vuvuzuela. I think that it's mindless noise that doesn't punctuate the action of the match. As the South African radio guy on the ESPN preview show last night put it, "If you blow them after a goal, that's fine, but don't just make noise."
Okay, that's said. I won't mention them again. I'm just going to try to ignore them and enjoy the matches.
We will look forward to hearing from UWS this afternoon? When does his summer vacation begin? Next week I will not be able to join you for the early morning games Monday through Thursday, but will be at work for the later games.
I agree. I tried to ignore the vuvuzuelas during the Confederations Cup last year.
`oi mush! I made predictions and I'm not listed. Yellow card and a toot on me vuvuzela to all of you.
I have Mexico winning and Uruguay and France drawing today.
Just back from the offi and I've got the Williams Bros. amber and golden ales along with their IPA, the Joker chilling their way to correct temperature in time for Mexico v SA today.
Yes, he'll be on this afternoon, no doubt. And we'll be feasting on it from early tomorrow morning. He's got a late school year, unfortunately. He mentioned last night that the last day with kids is June 22 and then he has a couple of half-day end of year wrap-up days. Apparently he's got a TV and cable hook-up in the classroom, though and a strategic break around 10 am, so he'll be watching in the classroom this morning and the second match on weekdays starting on Monday. In fact, he may check in this morning, depending on events there.
Morning, Gooner! My apologies - I've deleted that previous errant message and here is the predictions update:
Just a quick check-in on the predictions:
Those who think SA will advance:
Jonathan
West Ham Rising
Yellows
Those who think Mexico will advance:
AZ Kicker
Blue Devil
gooner71
Kathy
Simon Burke
Someone Said
Thomas
Tony
Those who think both will advance:
Blubber Boy
Man Utd Rules
United We Stand
Those who think neither will advance:
Matthew
As you can see there, most are predicting Mexico and France wins today, but the fun thing is that among the 14 of us (wow!), there is a lot of variety. How about those three (Blubber, MUR and UWS) who are predicting a French exit in the group stage. Well, it did happen in 2002.
Wish I were there to share an ale with you, Gooner. It's a wee bit early for a tipple here.
Glad to see that you made it in safely. Hope you got some rest.
Good morning Gooner.
Unfortunately, Nelson Mandela suffered a death in his family so isn't in attendance today. They had a recorded message from the great man earlier during the opening ceremonies.
SA President Jacob Zuma and FIFA president Sepp Blatter on the pitch for an opening address now. And now greeting the players. We're moments away now...
I suspect that this tournament could be similar to the 2002 tournament. The French have failed to live up to their potential in the past and I see history repeating itself.
I am watching the opening address. It is a shame that Nelson Mandela is not present, but it is important that he be with his family at this time.
Agreed. Anthems now.
Good afternoon, you mean.
Dad and I'll be here at half-time.
Enjoy the first half, Gooner and Dad!
A lot of pressure on Pienaar in that line-up. Marvelous scenes here. I'm hoping for a South Africa win but I don't expect it.
That was interesting. Two huddles in the same half. The SA team all touching Pienaar's head in the middle.
Okay, Mexico get us underway!
I think a draw is a realistic result. The match has kicked off.
Mexican pressure from the off. SA are dropping deep.
Oh dear - the SA keeper made a balls-up of that cross and Dos Santos was nearly on to it.
Nearly 1-0 to Mexico. The goalie fumbles and Dos Santos' rebound is blocked. The header from the corner is blocked and eventually cleared. Mexico is making their intentions clear from the start.
SA need to get their feet on the ball here. It's been a very nervy start for them.
Mexico are getting a lot of joy down the right side. Several tasty crosses in already and I don't fancy this SA keeper one bit.
More of the same as the Mexicans seem to be taking advantage of the South African left back. This team can definitely beat the French. Mexico is a solid team without any real weaknesses. Their on weakness might be finishing.
I agree - Mexico do look a bit tasty right now.
South Africa with a move down the right, but the cross is wasted.
Better from South Africa as they are more decisive in the tackle.They seem to sense joy down the right side.
Oscar Perez with an unorthodox clearance.
A bit more possession for SA now but Mexico do look dangerous on the break.
Mexico is not intimidated by the crowd. They are use to this in CONCACAF qualifying and they are experienced campaigners.
Pienaar went in late there but there's no card yet.
Good tackle there. Aguilar went down but it was clean. Corner to Mexico.
Franco had a free head there but knocked it over. Should have done better from the corner.
Corner to Mexico after a great move. Franco's header is high and wide as the Hammer is off target. Aguilar is having an excellent match on the right wing.
A South African free kick after minimal contact. A host nation call?
Pienaar gets his first sighting of goal but puts the free kick well over.
And Juarez talks his way into the referee's book. First yellow card of the tournament.
Dos Santos blazes one over after a nice run.
Pienaar's free kick is high and wide from about thirty yards out. Aguilar down the right yet again. His cross is straight at the goalie. Juarez with a yellow for a hand ball that never happened. Mexico dangerous on the break and Dos Santos shoots just over.
Nasty sliding challenge there by Modise on Vela. Should have been another card.
Vela fouled by Modise. That should have been a yellow. Aguilar's teasing cross taken well by the goalie. Better by the South African goalie. Where is the consistency from the referee. He is off to a bad start.
South Africa with their best move of the match down the right wing, but the final pass is straight at Oscar Perez.
I've just heard from UWS. He's just switched on the telly in his classroom after his second period class. We might get a comment or two from him shortly.
Hey Guys
I am here in my classroom
I have a break until 12:30 so I have here for the duration
Just talked to some strange bloke hanging around in my house. I hope he isn't stealing the family silver!
I hope Kathy gets home soon to keep an eye on him
It will be great to hear from him.
There's not enough edge for SA up front. Pienaar's fine for an attacking midfielder but what's happened to Benni McCarthy?
Good morning MUR. I hope everything is okay at your house.
Fulham reserve Dikgacoi picks up a yellow for a nasty one on Dos Santos.
And Marquez blazes over. The players don't seem to have got the feel for the Jabulani ball yet.
Benni McCarthy is not part of the twenty three man squad. I believe he retired from international footie due to disputes with various coaches and team mates.
LOL, UWS. I guess I should be casing the joint, shouldn't it? Welcome!
Good Morning MUR.
Stop saying hello to yourself!
COME ON ENGLAND!!
I am walking around my school with my England shirt and Bob's England scarf. I keep waving it around and holding it up in the hallways
Thanks for the heads-up, MUR. I do think SA will miss the fire-power of McCarthy. He's still quite young, isn't he?
This match needs a goal for the Amercian viewers sake. I know that some of the people are going to come in to my classroom and ask what the score is and I will hate to say nil nil
I can imagine you in your element, UWS. How can your colleagues stand you?
Half an hour in and I still fancy Mexico, but their efforts have dropped off since the breathless beginning.
Did Dikgacoi get sent off in his Fulham debut for a nasty elbow on Scott Parker. If I am thinking of the correct player, he was on the field for only ten minutes.
I agree - not that I would have liked to have seen a bobbled in first goal at the expense of SA's keeper, but it would have opened the match up and kept the eyeballs glued.
Franco nearly in there after a nice run. Keeper did well.
Agreed. A superb pass from Vela finds Franco who is weak effort is blocked by the goalie. That should have been 1-0.
You might be right, MUR. Tyler mentioned that he hasn't featured for the Cottagers. I don't know him, to be honest.
Good chance for the Mexicans
Well saved
Good morning UWS.
Oh - Vela should have done better there. It was neither a cross nor a shot.
Another dangerous attack after some sloppy midfield play from SA. Ends with a Mexico corner.
Ball in the net... offside!!
Not sure about that
GOAL! no - Vela's been flagged offside. I'll have to look at that again. It looked as if he was onside. Mexico robbed there.
Yes, it was offside.
I don't know what Effan is talking about
The man was on the line but he was behind the keeper. It was only one defender!
Why don't they know the rules
All Mexico possession again. SA seem rattled by that near thing.
I know that, Dave. But wasn't Vela level with the keeper? I would have given him the benefit of the doubt.
A corner to Mexico after a wicked deflection. Nearly 1-0. Torrado with the corner and the referee has disallowed a goal by Vela who was on-side. The referee is having a horrible. I am sure there are more capable referees who could have taken charge of the match.
I think you're wrong!!!
The rule is two defenders and one of them is normally the keeper. There was only one defender and no keeper. Has the rule changed?
I thought Vela was level with the keeper. Another host nation call?
Franco again has a free header that he blows it over the bar. I don't think that SA's defenders have won a single header from a set piece yet.
These guys don't seem to think so!
Pakistani referee. Why do FIFA keep doing that?
Have SA had a shot on goal?
Not since I have been watching
Oh - Perez was all over the place on that corner. Another corner now.
A corner to South Africa aftera great move down the right side. Oscar Perez misses the cross . Another corner.
Pienaar had a free kick that he hit well over. I think that's it.
Best chance yet for SA but the striker somehow contrived to miss the header from a tasty cross. How did he miss?
South Africa is currently in control. This is their best spell of the match.
Perez again seems unconvincing from the corner. Are crosses his Kryptonite?
From the Beeb
37 mins Commentary
The World Cup gods are smiling on South Africa. After Giovani's shot is deflected behind, Guillermo Franco's header from the corner is diverted home by Carlos Vela. The offside flag goes up straight away, and Vela was indeed marginally in front of the keeper when he made contact with the ball, making the man on the line the last man.
Nearly half time now. Still a chance for either side to take a lead into the interval.
Another corner. The header is high and wide. Oscar Perez is really struggling in goal. He is having a horrible first half.
Well, if Auntee Beeb says it, it must be so. Thanks for the post, UWS.
Franco well offside on this occasion.It is halftime and still 0-0.
Half time
Nil Nil
Shame
Still think he is offside
Half-time: 0-0. That dreaded scoreline. I reckon that the ref might have been kind to Mexico and allowed Vela's goal but so be it.
I think that Mexico have edged it but SA are still in this one. A point would be a good result for them.
What do you think, Gooner?
I had a chance to watch the replay and Vela was about a foot offside. The referee made the correct decision. Now I agree with UWS after having the benefit of a replay.
Thank you MUR!
That's it... I kicking BD out of my house!
I am just surprised the that Effan didn't seem to know the rule! He just focused on the man on the line
From 365: "Mexico have the ball in the net - but it's disallowed! Ball flicked on at the back post and Vela turns it home from close range. But as he wheels away the flag is up and it's no goal. South Africa only had one defender on the line and the goalkeeper had come in an attempt to punch so wasn't playing Vela onside. Great call from the assistant referee there."
You're surprised that Efan Ekoku doesn't know the rules of footie? He did play for Wimbledon after all. Enough said.
Hi from England. Vela was definitely off-side. He was not level at all.
Dad's cross about the SA fouling. My criticism of SA is that they don't commit enough of their players forward on set pieces, despite the trouble that the Mexican midget in goal is having. I'd also like to see Tshabalala and Modise occupy some of the more dangerous areas of the pitch.
If I'm Aguirre, I'd throw a holiday brochure at Franco and tell him to get in or get out. Does his forehead have facets? Hopeless technique from him. Vela's displaying poor judgement too. Aguilar, Salcedo, Dos Santos, all have been magnificent.
Like to see Hernandez come on for Franco right away. I think he'd be more direct in his approach and would score before Mexico turned to the despicable Blanco.
I originally thought that Vela was level with the goalie, but then realized he was offside. I am not sure why Efan Ekoku doesn't know the rule. It is a really basic rule. I will go with BD's explanation.
UWS, sorry to hear about the pest problem at your house. Have you thought of putting all the food away?
Thank you Steve... at least there is one smart Dahlgren!
Do the commentators say it was offside?
Martin Tyler ws non-commital!
SA are the lowest ranked host!
Korea? Japan?
See you at the end, lads.
Fair comment, Gooner. I'm willing to accept at this point that my first hunch was wrong that Vela was onside.
Agreed on Franco. Tyler mentioned that he's in the shop window after having been released by the Hammers. I'm not sure there will be any takers.
South Africa is making a change at left back. No surprise as Masilela was having a nightmare against Aguilar.
Teams are back out for the second half and SA get us underway again. We want goals!
Decent cross over there but Modise couldn't really get an advantage on Salcido.
Good start here from the hosts in the second half.
I noticed that Perez stayed on his line. He was hesitant to come out for the next cross as well.
Are Mexico satisfied with a point? They really don't seem to be arsed at the moment. Tyler is mentioning that Mexico wilted in the friendly with England.
When did it change?
The opening match used to be the holders versus someone. Now it is the hosts?
I know Germany started 06. Not sure about 02
You're right, MUR. Perez definitely has a problem with crosses.
I am sure that Carlos Alberto Perreira had plenty to say at the half. South Africa have responded really well.
The French opened disastrously against Senegal in '02, UWS. Of course there were two hosts that year. So the trend must have started in '06.
The opening match in 02 was one of the major upsets in World Cup history as Senegal defeated the holders France 1-0.
The change was in '06. I am not sure why that was the case.
GOAL! Shabalala opens the scoring in SA 2010!
1-0 SA!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT A GOAL!!!
Great celebration!!
GOAL 1-0!!! SHABALALA WITH A MAGNIFICENT FINISH. a FANTASTIC THROUGH BALL.
Upper 90!!!
Terrific finish there after a nice outlet ball. Well done, Bafana Bafana - it's a nice narrative to have the hosts score first.
Mexico will have to roll the dice now. There's no way that they can afford a loss today.
This goal will definitely help South Africa's confidence. Torrado, the skipper, with a yellow card.
Torrado picks up a yellow now. It's all going wrong for Mexico now.
Btw, it was Modise with that delicious killer ball to the goalscorer.
Thanks for the answers to my questions. I do remember Argentina losing in '82 to some no hoper
Not much of a tradition if this is only the second time!
Disappointing free kick there from Dos Santos. The youngsters for Mexico are losing their control of this match.
Nice save!
I believe Argentina's lost 0-1 to Belgium in the opening match in'82.
Good save there from Dos Santos. Mexico have perked up a bit since the goal. They'd gone to sleep.
Dos Santos' shot was well saved by the South African goalie.
I think you're right
'goalie'??? Are we watching Hockey??
I remember Cameroon beating the Argies 1-0 in the '90 opener. Apparently no African side has ever lost when involved in the opening match.
Perez is well out of his goal, but did well this time.
An hour gone now. Still plenty of time for Mexico, but they've got to get some more bite up front. Time for a change from Aguirre?
Franco's limping now. Perfect opportunity to give him an early bath. They need a change.
Horrible miss there from Modise - how did he do it?
What a chance@
Was he offside?
That was nearly 2-0 as the shot was deflected just wide.
If Mexico should have been 2-0 up in the first half, SA should be 2-0 now.
That's it for Vela and here comes Mr. Bunny Hop - Cauhtemoc Blanco. Tyler claims that he's the heaviest player in the tournament. lovely!
Carlos Vela is replaced by Blanco. A change had to be made, but I am not so sure about this one.
Almost in again!
Perez did well there one on one with Modise. That should have been 3-0! Mexico are committing more up field and there are some gaps.
Perez saves well from Modise. That could have been 3-0
Second half sub Masilele booked for a pretty ropey challenge on Juarez.
Franco's off (as Tyler rightly says) "not before time." He was rotten today. And it's new ManYoo boy Javier Hernandez on. It'll be interesting to get a peek at him.
Franco replaced By new Man United signing Javier Hernandez. I would have put Hernandez in the starting lineup. Franco has had a poor match today.
Really poor stuff from Mexico now, Salcido ballooning a cross out of play.
Modise would be my shout for MOTM. He hasn't done everything right and missed one of the chances of the match, but he's looked very lively and laid on the ball for the goal.
Hey all. I saw the first half at home. Now I am at work without a TV. Will check to see if I can watch on the web.
Will particiapte a bit here and ther.
Anyone in Europe? I leave on Sunday for a week. Hope to see most of the game while there.
AZ Kicker.
South Africa is dominating the match. A promising move down the right ended with a poor cross .
Welcome, AZ! The Gooner is in West Hampstead visiting our parents. Glad that you'll be watching.
Goal!!
1-1
Again, not offside!
Linesman have done well so far
GOAL! Just when it looked to be SA's day, wily veteran Marquez knocks one home from close in at the back post.
1-1! Game on!
GOAL!!1 1-1 Mexico with a short corner that surprises South Africa and Rafa Marquez with the final touch.
Marquez was clearly offside!!!!!!
(Just kidding - I just wanted to get your blood pressure up, UWS!)
This could be a good score for my prediction... both going through
Carlos Salcido put in a magnificent cross from the left.
Marvelous stuff now, all end to end. Can't be any complaints from the US haters about this entertainment. Both sides are going for the win.
Get out of my house!
You can sit on the front or back porch but get out!
I predicted a draw and have predicted both teams to through as well
Wait a minute - How did Biden get a ticket!?
Inside the last ten minutes of this enthralling tie.
UWS have you called the exterminator?I understand you have a pest control problem.
Blanco finds Hernandez with a delicious ball but Doctor Khumalo did well there.
Haha! I'm not going anywhere!
Blanco with a great pass,but Hernandez completely misses his kick. Hernandez must start the next match.
Blanco lining up a free kick now....
Somehow Mexico have looked better since he came on. How does he do it at his age?
Agreed El Tri get nothing from old man Franco. Play the kids, why not?
I was about to state that Blanco should not have been included in the squad. I agree. Mexico have improved since Blanco's introduction.
2 minutes to go
Not much time to added surely
ooh off the post!
OOOOHHHH - off the post!
3 added minutes
I don't rate Blanco at all, especially at his current heft. But he clearly has a psychological effect on the kids.
That should have been the winning goal as Mpela hits the post when just Perez to beat. Three minutes of extra time. That should have been three points for South Africa.
Should have done better... off his shin! That is Dahgrenlike finishing
What are the match ups on the last round of games in this group?
That was an interesting clearance from Perez.
Post a Comment
<< Home