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I got back an hour ago from watching the first match of the FIFA World Cup. I caught the game at the Buffalo Wild Wings at Rice Village in Houston. I was glad that I reached few minutes before kickoff because the place was packed twenty minutes into the game. You would never have realized that you are watching football in the United States. Fans from both sides were present and cheered their team on. A vociferous band of Costa Ricans on the table next to me seemed to be enjoying themselves as they kissed their jerseys before the game started and erupted in joy each time Costa Rica scored. Unfortunately for them, the commentary was changed from Spanish to English (heck, I wasn’t complaining).
As for the game, this match was one of the best opening games of all the World Cups i have seen. Complaints about football being slow would have been drowned out in the hectic pace at which this game was played. First, there was a barrage of goals (six in all) and that itself must be some kind of record for the World Cup’s first game. The underdog, Costa Rica played well although I have serious doubts about both of their goals; at least one of them was clearly offside. The Germans surprised me with their attacking play especially since Ballack wasn’t playing. They kept up the pressure in spite of Costa Rica’s equalizer within minutes of their first goal. Miroslav Klose began the contest for the Golden Boot with two goals on his 28th birthday but the goal that impressed me was that of Torstern Frings. His ‘cracker of a goal’ from 40 yards was one powerful shot and thankfully no one dared to stop it from hitting the back of the net. That goal effectively silenced Costa Rican fans and even they clapped for Frings.
Overall, an enjoyable experience and I am looking forward to the rest of the games. Don’t worry, I won’t be blogging all 64 games because frankly I won’t be watching all the group stage games except the really important ones. If you hate football-related posts, feel free to take a month-long hiatus from reading this blog.
by Patrix | on Friday, June 9th, 2006 at 2:39 pm | 
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June 9th, 2006 at 7:19 pm reply
The game saw terrible defending but given the history of opening games, I would take this game any day. :)
Over all, a superb day of football.
June 9th, 2006 at 9:05 pm reply
Pratyush, I agree completely. But it is similar to the way when batsmen dominate an ODI…crowd pleaser. We should see more defensive games when big powers clash.
June 10th, 2006 at 1:05 am reply
nope buddy..dont agree. costa rica’s goals looked clean. the first one, he just beat the offside line.. second one was lot closer though..but still looked clean.
Great start to the world cup..germany’s first goal was such a beauty. Ecuador vs Poland was really good since all articles i read mentioned Poland as the favorites!
I am really looking forward to England vs Paraguay.
June 10th, 2006 at 5:54 am reply
it should be nice watching with a big jing-bang, that too, fans from the playing countries.
anyway for me the game was not as interesting as i expected. well, views are ersonal. anyway why not peep into: this post!
June 10th, 2006 at 10:15 am reply
I missed the game as I was travelling but I hope to catch future games.
I think it was a great exhibition of what Football is all about.
Srick to blogging about Football, let the naysayers watch American football.
June 10th, 2006 at 5:28 pm reply
I wished the the Germany Costa Rica game had been a bit more than just the expected. The Germans played well, but their defense was not great. But loved the number of goals that came of it. Too see it midst cheering fans like you did must be fun.