This year’s World Cup has gotten off to an interesting start. There are both positives and negatives about the tournament that we will discuss.

It’s unfortunate that the tournament has been a let down so far. You can’t tell me otherwise. Most games have been ties, usually 1 goal a piece, or a team has won 1-0. Call me old fashioned, but I want to see some goals! There are many possible reasons for this drought in scoring.

A new ball, called the Jabulani, was introduced for this year’s World Cup. It is supposed to bend more unpredictably than previous balls, however maybe its possible that its hurting the players goal scoring opportunities more than it is helping it.

Defensive effort. Are most teams stepping up on their defense this year? It is possible. This could explain a lack of scoring opportunities.

I don’t know if it’s an American thing, but every soccer fan I have spoken to cannot stand the noise makers. If we as viewers are constantly distracted by the sound, how can the players not be? Plus, I don’t see how it benefits either team, it’s a pretty constant noise flow.

Since it is technically winter in South Africa right now, temperatures have dropped. Certain star players have been seen wearing long sleeved shirts and you can visibly see people exhaling air. Maybe the conditions aren’t what most of the players are used to.

I don’t mean to be a pessimist because there have been some highlights. The first upset occurred when Switzerland beat the heavily favored Spaniards 1-0. The United States managed to tie England, which is better than losing to England.

South Africa, however, does not have much of a hope in getting out of the first round. After a bad loss to Uruguay, they will have to show up big time and beat France by a similar margin, which is highly unlikely.

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