FIFA World Cup: Uruguay vs. France

To end the inaugural day of this historic World Cup in South Africa, the goals were few, but the passion was there for both Uruguay and France. The two sides played strict, cohesive defense, making every opportunity all the more important in their 0-0 draw.

Les Bleues had the majority of scoring chances in this match, with the midfield play of Franck Ribéry, Jeremy Toulalan, and Abou Diaby displaying some nice one touch passing. The key to the game, though, was their inability to effectively use their strikers.

Nicolas Anelka was fighting for headers the whole match. That's not the type of game the French should be playing if they want to score goals. Anelka is effective when he's checking to and away from the ball and positioning himself for rebounds. The problem in this match was that France wasn't getting any shots on goal and resorted to crossing the ball. If he's standing around and the midfield are playing him balls in the air, don't expect to get world class results. Theirry Henry seemed to be caught behind his midfield the few times he touched the ball after coming on for Anelka in the 72nd minute. The French offense will need to sync up and keep the ball on the ground more often if they want to beat a tougher opponent like Mexico.

Uruguay has to be happy with the result considering Nicolás Lodeiro was shown the red card in the 81st minute after being on the pitch for only 18 minutes.

Diego Forlán had four of the team's seven shots, and two of the three that were on goal. Forlán is obviously the biggest scoring threat on the Uruguayan squad, but after him there didn't look to be any other players who seemed dangerous when they were on the attack.

The impressive thing about Uruguay was the hustle every player on the pitch showed. Throughout the match their midfielders and strikers pressured the French back line, making it difficult for the French midfielders to get the ball in dangerous positions. If their stout defense continues in their next two matches, expect the Uruguayans to be in the mix for a knockout round bid.

FIFA World Cup: South Africa vs. Mexico

I only caught the last thirty minutes (give me a break, I just finished up my third year of college and wanted to sleep in), but from what I saw, South Africa is no joke. Most host nations aren't (France '98, South Korea '02, Germany '06). I think their play was an indicator for what to expect in other matches involving African teams.

As for Mexico, they had some calls go against them, but I expected a lot more from them after their stellar play in the exhibitions leading up to today's match. One of the first things that caught my eye was the position they had Cuauhtemoc Blanco playing. I didn't like how they had him playing out wide on the right. I know his fitness isn't ideal for a World Cup center midfielder, but Mexico looked like they could have benefited from him getting more touches. His creative passing is too good to be on the flank, where his primary objective seemed to be crossing over the defense, which was difficult against South Africa's gigantic back line. In the middle of the field, Blanco can use his deft touch and precise ground passing skills, both short and long, to hit teammates in open position... Isn't that why he's a Mexican legend?

Overall, not a bad way to start the World Cup.

I'll be back with more after the France-Uruguay match.