World Cup Group A: Please let France lose...ABF (Anybody but France)

Group A...Mexico, France, South Africa and Uruguay.

Pregame
It is not a group I am really invested in, except for one.  France.  Oh I am definitely invested in this team.  They are my little hated enemy.  Let's just say I am not a France fan.  Although rationally I expect France to make it through the group, I not-so-secretly want them to lose.

French Me No Likey List...

Thierry Henry...I never liked you.  I know I am supposed to appreciate you.  You are skilled.  You have won accolades.  You are apparently one of the game's greats.  One word: Ireland.  Henry, what does handball mean to you?

Nicolas Anelka...the ultimate whiner...For years, he bounced around, or was bounced around from club to club.  Why?  Why would such a talented striker exist in such a nomadic, whirlwind of change?   It's simple; he is a diva.  In fact, he has been nicknamed, Le Sulk.  However, he has spent the last two years at the same club.  Where does such a shiny, happy person end up?  Chelsea.

French Saving Graces Past and Present

Franck Ribery-Cara calls him the French Gary Neville.  Ok.  I can see it I suppose.  To me, his style is more like that of Italian Gattuso, Irish Stephen Hunt, or even English Wayne Rooney.  All heart.

Fabien Barthez-He is no longer on the national team, but I did enjoy watching him play.

Eric Cantona-Eric the King...Despite the pervasive arrogance, I liked him, as well as much of the ridiculous things he said.

Zinedane Zidane-I still view you as a wholesome player, like America's Michael Jordan. You get that racist jerk.  If I was there and in that position, I may have done worse.   

Predictions:
1.  France
2.  Mexico


Postgame
Mexico vs. Underdogs South Africa.

In World Cup history, there has never been a host nation that did not make it out of the group stages.  Being the first time that an African nation has hosted the World Cup and that South Africa are ranked quite low on the FIFA rankings, I hope that fate holds their hands and walks them through these first games straight to the Round of 16.  I am a sucker for an underdog, so South Africa have my best wishes in this group.

They played against Mexico today.  The opening game of the competition  lacked the grace and confidence I am accustomed to seeing in professional soccer.  However, they defied the odds.  They tied with Mexico.

Opening of the World Cup was an emotional event, especially considering the fact that Nelson Mandela was absent from his planned appearance.  His great-granddaughter was killed in an accident coming home from the concert.  Both national anthems were played and everyone rejoiced.  Then, the first half began.

The first half was quite uneventful.  Chances were given; chances were wasted.   There was a disallowed goal for Mexico in the 37th.  Another close call occurred, this time in favor of Mexico, in the 44th, when a ball could've been headed in.  Then in the 53rd, Tshabalala led the 83rd ranked nation in the world to a 1-0 lead and had the first beautiful goal of the tournament.  Then in the 78th Marquez (mmmphfff) equalized. Both team had opportunites to win the 3 points for this game, but they both had to accept the one they both got.  Good job South Africa.  Good job.

France (Boo Hiss...etc.) vs. Uruguay

Ok Henry...we need to have a conversation.  Define handball.  It occurs when a soccer player idiotically touches the ball with his hand. You know, that thing at the end of your arm.  Remember your last game in Ireland.  I know the Irish do.  That's right Henry...you need to be begging for forgiveness, not for someone else to receive the penalty for the mistake you got away with.  Keep your head down, repair that reputation.

I could stop here, saying all I need to say about France.