World Cup Log - Day 1

Today saw the start of the greatest football festival on the planet, World Cup 2010 was born. This is the first time the tournament has been hosted on the continent of Africa. The vibrancy, noise and colour of the continent should provide the perfect backdrop.
Two matches were held on Day 1, the first involving the hosts South Africa playing Mexico. The exuberance of the home support was plain to see and lifted those on the pitch to an effort greater than the sum of their parts. A largely average game saw the hosts take the lead with an emphatic strike from Tshabalala, only to be pegged back late on with a strike from Marquez. Having backed the 1-1 draw I was satisfied to kick things off with a profit.
The evening game saw Ireland's nemesis France take on Uruguay. Another average game was played out in a 0-0 draw. I fancied Uruguay as a dark horse in this tournament but they didn't show a lot in this opener. They should improve from this game and have enough to dispose of South Africa and Mexico. There was a certain schadenfreude seeing Henry appeal a handball late in the game.
The biggest talking point on Day 1 surrounded the vuvuzela. These plastic horn like instruments are a tradition amongst South African supporters. Truth be told they are nothing short of an annoyance for the tv viewer. Their droning consistency makes it hard to appreciate anything of the atmosphere at the games. I don't think it's as easy as a case of getting used to them either. Blatter should have shown the conviction to ban them.
Onwards to Day 2.