By now, all las jefas and viejas (wives, girlfriends, et al.) have dug their heels in for the long haul. By now, we’ve learned to despise the vuvusella’s drone and to question the engineering behind the Jabulani. By now, we’ve witnessed: Germany pummel Australia; Nigeria’s goalie ascend to saint status; the Asian teams best overconfident African teams. By now, you have realized resistance is futile.
According to FIFA, the 2006 World Cup had a cumulative television audience of 26.29 Billion people (there are only 6 and a half billion people on the Earth) making it the most-viewed Television phenomenon in History. This means that there are several hype machines behind the matches in the Cup; this means there is a lot of talk. Most of the talk has centered around the lameness of a “tie” situation, (i.e. U.S vs. U.K. or the Mexico vs Republic of South Africa match, etc.) and how true American sports go into overtime to decide unequivocally who is the victor and who just got bested. Some of the talk tries to understand why World Cup scores are so low. Ah, the impetuousness of youth!
America, the World Cup is not a longer, drawn-out Super Bowl. The World Cup is a month-long conference of competition. America, the name of the game is endurance, not domination. So, don’t worry about the World Cup, it’s fine as it is; or, in the immortal words of Eddie Murphy: have a smile, and a Coke and shut the Eff up!
WORLD CUP 2010: FIRST WEEK HIGHLIGHT REEL
The Germans bum-rushed the Australians for four goals that seemed to be constructed with Quartz bullets. Their first goal was so devious and cunning that by the time Australia’s defense figured out what was happening, Germany’s Podolski capped the goalie with a stunning Death Ray shot. For a split second, I thought Podolski had debrained the goalie. Obviously, Germany, again, has positioned itself as the leader and forerunner to play in the quarter finals (at least they have the most points of any team).
Courtesy of nytimes.com
South Korea unexpectedly bests Greece. You heard me…I said unexpectedly because my money was on the Greeks. I did not catch this game but I hear that South Korea played their hearts out and that they played a very physical game with a lot of “toque” and sprinting. And their goals were pretty amazing; the first one by Lee Jung Soo came off a corner kick; but, the second one by Park Ji-Sung was a banger because Ji-Sung ran it all the way into the goalie box by himself.
Courtesy of nytimes.com
Argentina played well against Nigeria; I think most people were a little underwhelmed. But, the Argentinians controlled the ball for most of the game and allowed Nigeria to lull itself into a feeling of false relief. Nigeria played as if they were the ones up by one and came very close on numerous shots to tie the score. Argentina had more attempts for sure and they set the tenor. But, the real hero of the match was Nigeria’s goalie, a super lithe monster, that mucked up at least four attempts by Argentina to shut out the Nigerians with a 2-0.
However, we have to give it up to Heinze. His goal is one of the best headers I have ever seen. I mean, to see it, Heinze rushes into the goalie box and imparts this kamikaze momentum on the ball that the keeper and defensive player can’t keep their eyes on. The goal was masterful and it gives you a fuzzy feeling that it was Heinze because who can’t use the positive publicity, right. But, really, Argentina needs to buy an Easter Island Totem head from Chile and dedicate it to Heinze for the goal that he juked from the Nigerians.
by Yago Cura
About Being Latino Contributors
Hi, great post you have! I like reading it.
Thanks for sharing.
Keep up the good work!
Certainly the best game I have seen thus far was the match between Germany and Australia. Germany scored in the first 7 minutes something no other team had done in the first week of the world cup. The rules and calls by the referees sometimes can be pretty unfair and no wonder the players get fired up after the referees give a red or yellow card. The match between S. Africa and Mexico..oh dear the referees were sending red and yellow cards when S. Africa kept attacking. Though it was a pretty good game and I still believe Mexico deserved the last kick. Overall, the first week of fifa was pretty awesome and I can’t wait for the last week and see who takes the cup. I’m rooting for Germany.
I must agree with all of the above. Certainly, the match between Germany and Australia has been the best game thus far. They scored their goal in the first 7 minutes. And how beautiful and perfect it was. It has been to the advantage of my national teams to buy players from Arsenal, tottenham, and Manchester United, because we must be realistic and admit that the games have been better with European players this year. Certainly, the first week of the world cup has been exciting to watch. I can’t wait for the last week and see who takes home the cup. I’m rooting for USA, Germany, or Mexico!
Yago, Today was the best day!! First Argentina, then Mexico. With Mexico beating the French 2-0 is like a new Cinco de Mayo- “Mexico defeats the French at the battle of….”
Thanks for your insights except- that this vieja is enjoying the beautiful games way more than my viejo. El le va a Uruguay. And my answer to him was, “Of course you do because -You’re a Büey!”