1 Day away on the big countdown board to South Africa 2010's first game - South Africa vs. Mexico. This is what everyone here has been waiting for...Yes I am giddy like 7-year-old school girl. Yes this will be first World Cup that I can say I officially covered. Yes this is going to be ridiculous. Yes we will an infinite number of live blogs running for the next month. Yes I am going to be running around like a chicken with its head cut-off. Yes if you think I am not writing about something important comment or email us, and yes continue to comment anyway always love the feedback.
What are you doing for the big U.S. opener vs. England? The House of Blues by Fenway Park is hosting a giant viewing party starting earlier in the day when Nigeria takes on Argentina - a rematch of one of the best games during the 1994 USA World Cup. If you don't have plans I suggest you get down there early as this should be a giant shit-show of amazing proportions. Surely there will be English hooligans, plenty of ugly Americans, and just a tremendous atmosphere to watch the game.
I hate to say this is the game of the Cup for the U.S. because it's their first game, but this should certainly be one of the best matches of any group in the opening round.
In case you've missed the friendlies leading up to Saturday's 2:30 p.m. start - the U.S. can score goals against anyone in the world, and they can score a lot - by a lot I mean 2-3 goals. Clint Dempsey is a bona fide star, Altidore should be healthy and I have liked how he has looked. Donovan looks like he circa 2002 World Cup form, Buddle came out of nowhere and looked incredible, Bradley does well at pulling the strings, and anyone of a number of guys including Gomez, Findley, Beasley and Stuart Holden can all come off the bench and make a dramatic impact on the game should they need fresh legs.
The bad news, the defense can also let up a couple goals or four (as they did vs. Czech Republic) at any given time. Not good news when you consider the first opponent and a little red-haired forward named Wayne Rooney. However, the Manchester United man should not be the only concern for the MNT - Frank Lampard scored over 20 goals for Chelsea in the midfield for like the 5th straight year, an absurd stat. Crouch or Defoe are both dangerous forwards for different reasons. Steven Gerrard has been known to put a few in the net himself. And perhaps the aspect the U.S. will most have have look out for is the quick counter-attacking or over-lapping of the English outside backs. Both Ben Johnson and Ashley Cole love to get forward in the attack and can score or provide great service across the face of goal with their incredible pace.
Well that's my short preview pitch. Love to hear where some of you folks are going to catch the game as I will be trying to hit up as many pubs as possible throughout the course of this World Cup. Let me know about any you hear of, what's good and where to skip. Atmosphere is the No. 1 priority then food then beer, but if you can combine all three you got me hooked.
