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The wasp-like buzzing of the vuvuzelas was spoken about before the World Cup – the atmosphere they create would be unlike anything the players had experienced before. And as the first game of the South African World Cup kicked off yesterday, that couldn’t be argued with. The incredible and incessant humming is becoming a soundtrack to the World cup - even with just two games played – and one that’s stuck on repeat. Whilst it may get on the nerves of some spectators at home, barely able to comprehend what’s being said by the commentator as the South African players celebrate scoring the opening goal of the tournament, it’s undoubtable that the host country are generating unforgettable atmospheres within the impressive tournament stadia.
The lively and entertaining opening match of the 2010 World Cup, a 1-1 draw between South Africa and Mexico which produced a stunning goal from the Bafana Bafana’s Tshabalala, was followed by an uneventful stalemate between Uruguay and France. The first European representatives were decidedly poor, even when Uruguay received the first red card of the tournament: they were a fraction of the team which reached the final four years ago, and were somewhat unconvincing then.
The passion of the South African crowd and of the players, added to the ability that they clearly possess, are suggestive of the home team being able to cause a surprise and reach the tournament’s knockout stage. For France, however, though they will still be expected to qualify from their group, they will struggle against the better teams which lie ahead with the utterly bemusing tactics of Raymond Domenech unable to get the best out of some very talented players.
Regardless of the fate of the hosts or 2006′s beaten finalists, this World Cup has the ingredients to be a fantastic tournament – the noisy and passionate fans, the best players on the planet and an impeccable setting.
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