Pop World Cup 2010: Group A – France 1 South Africa 1

On the same album he sampled Booka Shade, in the brief window when it seemed like he was turning into an interesting producer (the Fergie album, Ciara’s “Get In, Fit In”, Estelle’s “Wait A Minute” and “American Boy”, Flo Rida’s “In The Ayer”) (that window has pretty much slammed shut, I think – this is my deep hatred of “I Gotta Feeling” speaking here).

This is obviously the BEST MATCH EVAH but I am very pleased with the route I took for my selection :)

There’s much to enjoy from both sides. SA maintain a spirited performance but a lapse from the front line near half time exposes a fragile defence. Whether France can take advantage of this is unclear as they suffer a similar breakdown at the same time. Their forward players change style from moment to moment in attempt to mix things up but they risk confusing themselves as much as the opposition. Nevertheless the team has grown in confidence since their disappointing debut and I hope to see them win this and give them the chance to show even greater prowess in the next rounds.

I can’t help but wonder if the SA track choice is a personal appeal. I regret that I have but one vote to give for this, or any country..

Terrific game this. Both teams have copied the tactics of great Italian teams of yesteryear and have come out with something irresistable. At the moment France’s italo-disco is winning out over South Africa’s hands-in-the-air piano house but it’s fantastic stuff from both sides.

The jury’s out on this one – it could be a high-scoring draw, which would be enough for SA but send France out. And if they’re on the first plane home, it’ll be the 149 Dalston Airline that responsible for sending them back.

Would have to vote for South Africa here in any case to sustain my admittedly anaemic chances of actually going through, but it’s not hard when the French track is as shoddy as this. South Africa on the other hand, have got a bit of oomph behind them.

Stunning change of tactics from the French side at halftime here, and it turns out to mesh very nicely with the rest of their game. But that classic piano riff from SA is irrestistable. Very hard to choose but the silly playacting in the FR song nudge it just over the goal-line for me.

Like how both are playing, but France have got that extra bit of invention and variety to their tactics which takes them over the edge.

It was Peter Baran who said that, and it was a great point well made. Pete’s our senior pop football analyst for a reason, you know. And that reason is that I basically owe him a significant amount of money. Glad you’re liking the radio updates, Alberto!

A draw is a fair result. I think I marginally prefer the RSA track, but FRA had enough charm to hold its own in a tough game.

These were very closely matched, I’m not surprised by the draw in the slightest. That they were so closely matched probably made the difference for France in the end.

Excellent! Relieved that I’m through though frankly too hungover to understand how the percentages have worked.