Sithole countries

Mexico - South Africa 2-0

When I saw the teams I was like, 'Oh, God, I hope this fellow with such an unfortunate name doesn't feature too proeminently!'. Little did I know...

Lost the ball in front of the keeper for the first goal, then got a red card as soon as second half started, and that's probably the end of his World Cup. Poor Sithole!

South Africa has a really poor showing, Mexico should've scored more, and they're as good as qualified with this victory. 

An overwhelming World Cup in many aspects, yes, not least the opening ceremony, but I can't fault the passion of Mexican fans, nor the beauty of the new Azteca Stadium. Always liked the Mexican teams over the years. I know very little about this one, Raul Jimenez and Guillermo Ochoa the only players I recognise, but who knows, i might know a few more once the tournament is over. I'm hoping for a strong display for them out of the groups, the only host team with a real chance of advancing into the late stages of the tournament.

South Korea - Czechia 2-1

I fell asleep at half time, so my assessment is solely based on the first half. I expected more from the Czechs, South Korea was all over them in the first half, though the few chances they had were dangerous enough. I did say at half time, South korea is playing well, but they need to be a lot more clinical in front of goal, otherwise this high tempo is taking its toll in the latter stages of the game. It didn't apparently, but also they scored before the Czechs and leave with the 3 points in the end.

They certainly played the better football, if they can sustain this and add some game management they might be a tough nut to crack. As in, they're playing South Africa next. Score one quickly, then lower the tempo, kill the game and hunt the counter attack, Even a draw gets you qualified, though 6 points in two games makes life easier in the knock-out stages.

The Czechs are a good team, but with ageing star players. They'll probably be happy to get out of the group stage and not much else, but they do need to get something out of the Mexico game, and it's easier said than done.

An ok first day, all in all, but what's the deal with just two games per day?