The best and worst of the 2010 World Cup so far…

We have entered the knock-out stages of the greatest tournament (arguably) on earth. The halfway mark is disappearing in the distance, so here are some of the best, and worst, things that have been a part of this World Cup so far:

The best:

Lionel Messi – World class and the engine that drives Argentina, who deserve an honourable mention for their attacking football. Has Maradona fooled us all?
Ghana – Wonderful achievement in making the quarters and a side brimming with youth, passion, skill and exhuburence. They have done Africa proud.
Germany – Derided before the tournament began, they are playing a style of football which combines their traditional organisation with speed and precision. Their match against Argentina is going to be a classic.
Travelling fans -Mazeltov to all the foreign fans who have come to our country and had a good time. Dig it!
South America – All five of their teams progressed to the knock-outs.
South African hospitality – We host a damn fine party, and after chatting to many visitors, all they hear is “Come back with your friends”. That is ayoba (which is a slang word for cool that reportedly originates from Johannesburg)! MTN must be laughing all the way to the bank.
South Africa as hosts – We did it. Not everything is perfect, but we knew that coming into it.
Vuvuzela – It’s our World Cup, and the foreign fans are loving it. Poo-poo to the international press.
Class goals – That’s why we watch football. Tshabalala, Suarez, Forlan, Tevez, Japanese free kicks (Honda and Endo), Maicon and much more.
New Zealand – Earned respect for their never say die attitude.
Gautrain and MyCiti – JHB’s first high-speed rail link is quick-fast, while CT’s airport link for R50 is rather convenient. They also have buses doing loops of the city.
Holland’s fans – An organised march to matches? That is bringing the gees.

The organisers (belatedly) – Not too much has gone wrong (apart from the Coke dome collapsing at the Grand Parade Fan Park…someone pawned it there) and seeing the police and city refuse workers everywhere makes for a nice change.
The gees – Digging it!
All matches being available on SABC – Best thing ever!
South African slang – Just when you need a word when surrounded by opposing fans.
Goalkeeping – There have been some insane saves this year.

The worst:

Diving – Have soccer players ever looked so feeble and unable to take a tackle? They get lightly touched on the chest and then clutch their thigh. It’s cheating and frankly pitiful to watch. Grow a pair gentleme.
FIFA – A draconian organisation in all but name. Refusal to use goal-line technology? Do they realise the Iron Age has already passed. Their marketing practises are also ri-donk-cu-lous, with the likes of Kulula and Nandos are easily winning the publicity battle gladly. Reportedly the North Korean fans seen at the Brazil match were hired actors…I wouldn’t be at all surprised.
Sepp Blatter – The man isn’t a head of state as he clearly thinks he is.
Ticketing – They should’ve sold them over the counter right in the beginning.
Scummy entrepreneurs – This is anyone who feels R20 is an appropriate price to charge for a can of beer, or any mark up looking to take advantage (and probably unsuccessfully) of foreign tourists. It’s a recession you fools. Get with the programme.
Striking unions – Deciding to strike now or just before the tournament began was and is opportunism at its worst. Watch for Eskom…
Italy – Fell behind in every game and just didn’t look like getting over the line.
France – A national disgrace taking meltdown to a whole new level. First time ever both the winners and runners up at the previous World Cup have finished bottom of their respective groups before the knock-out stages.
Africa – 1 in 6 teams progressed to the next stage. Something is clearly wrong.
World Cup advertising and Zakumi – Won’t miss all the soccer orientated adverts…got them coming out my ears. And Zakumi? Green hair was a very poor choice…
SABC’s match coverage – Getting people into studio who can barely speak English is just plain idiotic.
Thomas Mlambo – His inability to read the tele-promopter has lead to him speaking. like. this. with. fullstops. after. every. word = ball ache.
The English press – For tricking us and anyone who would listen that England were contenders for the title.
Goalkeeping – There has been some comical stuff in front of goal. As soon as Rob Green saw the ball cross the line all ‘keepers in this tournament were cursed.