The World Cup got underway this morning with a game between host country South Africa and Mexico.

****SPOILER ALERT***** If you do not want to hear the end result, come back later!

Mexico came out of the gate firing. They pushed their defense up and really hit it hard. The score should have been 2-0 in favor of Mexico at the end of the first half, but an off sidesc all and a few post hits kept the score 0-0 at the end of the first half. South Africa looked like they had a bit of nerves and who can blame them. They only have the eyes of the world on them, and the hope of a nation on them as the host country. No big deal, right?

During the second half, Siphiwe TSHABALALA hit a nice ball in the 55th minute off of his natural left foot that hit the far corner. Truly a beautiful shot. Only fitting the host country gets the first goal of the tourney and it is an awesome goal at that. But then Rafael MARQUEZ in the 79th minute took a cross from a teammate and tapped it in for the equalizer. The game would end in a 1-1 draw.

Personally, I think Mexico should have won 2-1 or even 3-1. They should have took advantage of the South Africa team in the first half. The South African team had nerves that could be expected. They didn’t play up to their potential and Mexico should have hit them when they were down. Instead, South Africa was able to battle back, calm the nerves and keep a 1-1 draw which is HUGE for the host country.

I also want to share the significance of the first goal of the tournament by host country South Africa. South Africa is a proud nation. Their team is the lowest rank FIFA team to ever host a World Cup. Most people don’t expect to get out of the first round, and some don’t even expect them to put up a W. People talked about South Africa not being able to host the World Cup. They aren’t ready. They can’t hold the people. They aren’t advanced enough. They can’t protect the people. With all this B.S. surrounding the country, the nation is still behind their team. They cheer, chant, dance and use whatever they can to show their support. And then in the ’55th minute of the first game. Siphiwe TSHABALALA shows the world that South Africa is here. They are ready. They can do it. They will do it or they will give everything they have trying. This was a significant moment in the tournament that I think a lot of people will over look. This is the reason I love sports. This is the reason I love World Cup. A little thing like putting a little ball into the back of the net can bring hope to a nation.

Sports are truly great. France/Uruguay next!

Let the world rejoice! Every 4 years, the world comes together to come behind their nation, and watch the battle of nations that will not result in world domination. Just world bragging rights for the next 4 years. The world cup, in my eyes, is the greatest sporting event right now. Soccer is an international sport and I don’t care who you are or what you think about soccer, during the world cup, you pull behind your country and cheer for them for a victory. You are elated with they win and devastated when they lose. Don’t even try to admit that you do not care for the world cup.

So nations get ready for all the ups and downs for the next month. World Cup 2010 is here!

In an article by MSN, Sports writer Kevin Hench talks about how professional sports should take a look at Soccer and steal some ideas.

The article states that player transfers, in season tournaments and regulations are three things that other sports should steal.

But there was another comment that irked me a bit in the article. Hench writes: “They can keep their 0-0 draws and constant offsides flags, but the transfer market, in-season tournaments and relegation are three ideas worth stealing.”

I am a huge soccer fan. And I like the article for the most part because Soccer is a well design sport. And I completely agree with taking the transfers, mid-season tourney and regulations into other sports. But the part of where “They can keep their 0-0 draws and constant offside flags” pissed me off.

Mr. Hench, are you trying to tell me that 11 guys battling 11 other guys for 90 minutes only to result in no points is a bad game? Some of the most exciting games I have ever seen have been 0-0 draws. Would you rather see cames that goes into the 100+ points like basebasketball? I would have like to been in that conversation:

Mr. Basketball: “Let’s start a sport, but just to have the players feel good about themselves, let’s give them 2 points per score!”

Mr. Football: “2? Ha! Let’s give them 7!”

And those offsides call? It is called pushing the envelope. It is called trying to see how far you can go without breaking the rules. It is called strategy. It is called technique. And other sports should look into.

Mr. Hench, I agree that other sports should follow Soccer. Soccer is a world wide sport in all aspects of the game. So next time you try to write an article about soccer, I recommend watching a game first before you try to write about it.

Is anyone better?

Manchester United clinched their 3rd consecutive Premier League title in a row. If you follow soccer, you know that is a huge feat. That ties them with LIverpool with 18 of all time. So now I ask you this question: Is anyone better than the Mighty Man U?

They have some of the hottest talent in C. Ronaldo and Teves (if Teves stays). Personally, I don’t think any team can come close. Liverpool may make a run, but I think Man U is the best team to play soccer. EVER. What do you think?

Cristiano Ronaldo, the quick moving forward for Manchester United, thought there was a “great” possibility he will move to Real Madrid and places to give more details about the “dream” move over the weekend.

Manchester United has other ideas though. They issued a statement saying that Ronaldo’s message was “defiant” and that “united are not listening to offers”

Ronaldo, who plays for the Portugal National Team as well, has 4 years remaining on his United contract and Alex Ferguson said that he would prefer to banish players like Ronaldo to the stands rather then sell him.

Portugal was knocked out the 2008 European Championship quarterfinals by Germany.