Let's Get Yesterday Out of the Way

In the first of the alternating four days between Jo'burg's Soccer City and Ellis Park, Thursday found me at the first, shooting Argentina-South Korea in a big match in Group B. With both teams having won their first match, the stakes were high, as a winner would likely win the group.

South Korea found themselves chasing the match early, as a 17th-minute shot by Argentina deflected in for an own goal. The lead would extended to 2-0 in the 33rd minute, as forward Gonzalo Hinguain would score the first of his eventual hat trick on the day.

In the waning minutes of the first half, in stoppage time, South Korean midfielder Chung Yong Lee poached a loose ball and broke through the Argentinian defense, eluding the oncharging goalkeeper, and getting his team back in the match, 2-1, at half.

As the second half got underway, the early pressure was all on Argentina, and it really looked like South Korea would rally to equalize. One shot at a virtually open net was pushed wide, and the pressure continued until the 76th minute, when Lionel Messi broke the the left flank and the ball found its way across the face of the goal by virtue of a goalkeeper save, and ball off the post, ultimately finding Higuain on the backside, who slotted the ball into the open net.

Since this was the only match I'll be able to see Argentina in the Group Stage, the real prioritry was to get good action images of both Messi, and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez. A couple more samples of those.....

Also snagged some other good action images and I particularly like the following, as well.

I also have to take just a minute to address another of Will's random questions, this one, as those questions often are, are about where we're eating. In the SMC at Soccer City is a McCafe, since McDonald's is a worldwide World Cup sponsor. Not exactly a regular McDonald's, though edible (and pricey).

But now, it is time to put yesterday away, because today the U.S. hits the pitch in their second match in Group C play. The Slovenia team the U.S. faces is very solid defensively, allowing only four goals in 10 qualifying matches. The U.S. must win this match to have a realistic opportunity to advance out of group, and into the knockout rounds. Summing it all up: U! S! A!

I'm sitting nearest midfield on the left side as the television views the field. One of the best seats in the house. Hope it's a great show!

P.S. Quick update from field at Ellis Park. This is the view from my seat for US-Slovenia.....

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