South Africa vs. Mexico

9:45 a.m. (all times EST) The match is set to begin at 10 a.m... right now, ESPN is showing a preview of USA-England (which Chris Fowler indicated was a "glitch"-- nice start).

Bafana Bafana has the weight of a nation on its shoulders today and I'm looking for them to attack early and often.

Here's to another brilliant call from Martin Tyler... Happy World Cup 2010! (insert first World Cup on Facebook promo). Stay tuned to this post for live updates.

9:56 a.m. Great scene with the FIFA brass, RSA President and clubs opening up the Cup with a prayer for Nelson Mandela (who lost his 13-year-old great granddaughter today).

10 a.m. South Africa's starters are made up of eight from their local premier league and three from England's... interesting. Mexico No. 9 Guillermo Franco is the man to look out for.

10:06 a.m. As Tyler just pointed out, watch for Mexico's No. 3 Carlos Salcido to make plenty of runs from the left back spot as he just did in the first possession.

10:08 a.m. A few sloppy touches in defense from Bafana Bafana early, including one that forced a clearance off the 6-yard box. I've been very impressed with the pace of Mexico's wings.

10:12 a.m. Mexico is certainly smaller in the back four. I think it's important for South Africa to get build up and force a couple set pieces (now Tyler mentions the game vs. England at Wembley). That's where Mexico is weak. All of the excitement has been on Mexico's offensive third so far.

10:14 a.m. Great stat after eight minutes... Mexico has a 2-nil lead in shots and 81 percent of the possession. WOW.

10:18 a.m. As much as Mexico has dominated in the early going, their outside backs are sliding way too far up the field. They will be extremely vulnerable to counter-attacks. If I'm South Africa, I play a little kick and run.

10:19 a.m. As I said, there's Franco to head a corner over the bar. He was unmarked eight yards out. That can't happen.

10:21 a.m. Phenomenal give and go from Bafana Bafana... free kick 35 yards out dead on.

10:22 a.m. As expected, Steve Pienaar takes the set piece and it's about 6 yards over the bar... blatant mis-strike.

10:23 a.m. Mexico's Efrain Juarez draws the first yellow card of the World Cup at 17 minutes in on a delay of game... interesting call. Somehow, it results in Giovani Dos Santos collecting a terrible pass and going all the way down the field with it to miss an opportunity from 30 yards out just wide.

10:26 a.m. Still 0-0 as we approach the midpoint of the first half. Mexico is starting to see South Africa get a pep in its step and is attempting to slow the pace down a bit. Mexico's Oscar Perez is tested between the pipes for the first time today at the 23rd minute. A cross through the mouth of the six is knocked down and collected.

10:30 a.m. Stats at the halfway mark... Mexico up 4-2 in shots, 2-0 in corner kicks and 65 percent of the possession. Seven fouls for the Mexican side to five for RSA.

10:32 a.m. South Africa's Kagisho Dikgacoi is booked in the 27th for pulling Dos Santos down from behind... one yellow per side and the subsequent free kick is well high (a theme so far).

10:35 a.m. Intriguing observation... about 14 of the 22 players on the pitch have been wandering within a 30-yard area (near midfield). A couple defenders are hanging back with a designated attacker for the most part... not a lot of structure on either side.

10:37 a.m. Phenomenal jumping save off the forearm by Itumeleng Khune... turning away Franco on an overlaping run in the 33rd... a legitimate opportunity there.

10:39 a.m. Mexico's forwards are trying to adjust Khune's hips to the wing on every run through. Each pass has been across the 6-yard box and forced him to dive to cut off the lanes. I'm waiting for one of them to have one at the top corners... nothing yet in the 35th.

10:43 a.m. Goal disallowed on a corner kick offsides for Mexico... replay shows there was a defender on the goalline... bad call.

10:45 a.m. Another good set piece results in a header for Franco from 10 yards out and again and he doesn't direct it downward. Mexico should be up 3-nil but it's 0-0 in the 41st.

10:47 a.m. South Africa gets a series of corners but cannot capitalize on Mexico's issues in back. This is the best offensive stretch for them yet. They're not clinging for life heading into half... they are on the attack.

10:50 a.m. Clean first half... just one added minute. Mexico is content to hold onto it at midfield despite the fact that they should be up. And we have reached the half... 0-0. Back in a few minutes.

11:06 a.m. Dog is walked. Back for the 2nd half... South Africa is lowest ranked host nation in World Cup history. And we're underway again... one sub for RSA Tsepo Masilela (plays in Israel into one of the back positions). The stadium is packed, great atmosphere.

11:13 a.m. The first six minutes of the second half has been filled with a lack of control, the ball being thrown around via headers and one or two solid counters. Otherwise, not much in it. 0-0 in the 52nd.

11:15 a.m. I'm impressed by South Africa's use of the back-heel. It has allowed them to get off the bogged-up wings and into some dangerous territory for the Mexican defense just outside the 18. And as we say that, a brilliant strike off a thru ball to Siphiwe Tshabalala makes it 1-0 RSA. Lefty shot into the top-right corner... unstoppable. And Martin Tyler goes nuts with the name. Bafana Bafana up 1-nil in the 55th!

11:19 a.m. 83rd-ranked nation leads a Top 20 one... wow. First goal on African soil in the World Cup and another Mexican caution to show the frustration. I'm still in awe of that shot.

11:22 a.m. Great diving save by Khune to preserve the clean sheet in the 60th. There is electricity in the building.

11:26 a.m. 65th minute here. Promo for Group C match between USA and England tomorrow at 2:30 EST. Mexico is stunned... outshooting South Africa 10-4 with 63 percent of the possession. One great pass and a better shot are the only difference.

11:31 a.m. This isn't the Mexican soccer that has troubled the U.S. so much over the years. Perez makes a great sliding save, but this defense is so flimsy right now. It usually starts in the back for them, but not today. 0-0 as we hit the 70th with a caution on the RSA sub Masilela.

11:34 a.m. Not sure I agree with Mexico's sub in the 73rd... Javier Hernandez inserted for Franco. Taking away the man who created the only chances.

11:37 a.m. South Africa is dictating the game now. Tshabalala has forced Mexico to take risks now and it's playing right into Bafana Bafana's needs. 1-nil in the 77th, crunch time for Mexico in such an even group.

11:40 a.m. Crushing for South Africa... Rafael Marquez wide open on a cross in the 79th. Basically waited with the ball and picked a corner to tie it at 1-1.

11:43 a.m. Both goals in the second half... not surprising considering the nerves of the first 45 minutes of a World Cup. Another 10 or so minutes to go or we're looking at a draw in the initial match.

11:48 a.m. Mexico wastes a few chances off set pieces outside the box. At this point, South Africa is playing kick and run to try to get a result out of this. One point would be a disappointment after taking the lead, but they would have taken that this morning.

11:51 a.m. Katlego Mphela hits the post on a break-out in the 89th minute... what a chance. 3 minutes of extra time. Came off his shin and spun out on him.

11:54 a.m. South Africa was deep in Mexico's half but now the ball is being knocked around in the middle of the pitch. I think we're bound for a draw here in game #1. And there's the whistle. 1-1 is the final score between Mexico and South Africa. Khune looks devastated but they should be happy and go on to taking on France and Uruguay. 13 games unbeaten for Bafana Bafana.

Enjoy the rest of the games! GO USA tomorrow!

The World Cup

We're going to try to get this blog active again.

The 2010 World Cup starts tomorrow and some sort of posting is in order.

Talk to you in the A.M.

Not Done Yet...

Despite the fact that our Multimedia Sports Reporting class ended on Monday and I'm graduating in two weeks, this blog will try to stay afloat. As I attempt to enter the field of sports broadcasting, I'll post my thoughts on various topics right here.

Hope all is well in blog-land. Rutgers University '10!

The 2010 NFL Draft

In past years, my NFL Draft weekend has been a two-day event (the three-day format started this spring), including over 250 picks and a trip to New York City with friends to enjoy Radio City Music Hall. 2010's version turned out to be one of the most memorable sports experiences of my life-- and one I felt obligated to share on this blog.

With the school year winding down and my time at Rutgers just weeks away from being over, it's hard not to think about the family and friends you've shared moments with throughout the course of your life. That's why Thursday night and the first round of the NFL Draft was so unbelievably emotional.

Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson graduated from Piscataway High School in central New Jersey in 2005. He won two Fiesta Bowls in Idaho and was slated to be a top 30 pick based on some astonishing results at the Senior Bowl and his Pro Day. But, before all that, Kyle and I had attended the same household (that of the nephew of civil rights activist Percy Sutton) for the holidays since we were six years old.

About an hour before the selection show, Kyle and I were in his room preparing for what was going to be a crazy night among family and friends. He broke the ice by asking what my "post-college plans" were (in all likelihood, he's going to make over $10 million and I'll be freelancing for $10), which got a big laugh out of me. It was then I realized how important following your dream truly is.

When mayhem ensued in the Wilson household after the New York Jets selected him with the No. 29 pick, I interviewed him on a live webcam feed on Justin.tv so all those who couldn't fit in the house could watch. It was hard for me not to shake my head thinking that just a few years before, we were sharing dinner on Christmas.

While Thursday was unreal and I have already ordered my green Wilson jersey, a four-year tradition was continued on Saturday-- a Rutgers crew excursion to the final day of the NFL Draft at Radio City. A group of about eight to 10 of us has made this trek at 6 a.m. every year since 2007 and it never gets old.

We sat through picks 99-255 and yelled at ESPN personalities throughout the afternoon. Trey Wingo was great in the back-and-forth as always and Ron Jaworski opened up more this year too. Our group even got Mel Kiper Jr. to laugh at a few wisecracks and Todd McShay was a good sport in dealing with our heckling.

Since the emergence of Rutgers football as a respected program, the Scarlet Knights have produced a bunch of draft picks. Thursday night was the first time two RU players were selected in the first round (Anthony Davis and Devin McCourty) and when pick No. 237 came around on Saturday, we were getting nervous that no Scarlet Knights would be selected on Day No. 3.

After Minnesota took linebacker Ryan D'Imperio as a fullback in that spot, we treated the networks with a rousing rendition of the RU fight song and a few cheers. Wingo made mention of this and the tradition of a Rutgers presence at the NFL Draft lives on.

It was an exhausting weekend, but one I will never forget. If I'm not living in the New York City area next April, draft weekend will always hold a special place in my post-graduation life.

Greater Middlesex Conference Note:

With the selection of Davis and Wilson, Piscataway High School has produced three first-round picks in the last two seasons (Malcolm Jenkins was selected No. 14 in 2009). Dan Higgins has a powerhouse in Middlesex County and deserves a ton of respect.

Here's to future Rutgers students making the trip to midtown Manhattan and to enormous amounts of success for Kyle Wilson as a member of Gang Green.

Millennium for Moose

When Rutgers third baseman D.J. Anderson threw across his body to complete a 5-4 fielder's choice to end Saturday's RU-USF baseball game, Fred Hill became the 46th Division I head coach to win 1,000 games.

Before diving into the exciting yet awkward aspects of being a part of the moment, let me first say that having the game-ending call is something I'll never forget. "A Millennium for Moose" was my (slightly) preconceived call for the event that was more a hurdle for Rutgers (21-13, 10-2 in the BIG EAST) to clear than anything else.

Moose (Hill's nickname) is a New Jersey baseball legend. His entire 2010 roster is from the Garden State and his players all relate to his intensity.

It has been a tough few weeks for Hill. He has watched his son go through one of nastiest coaching divorces college basketball has seen recently. The fairy tale arrangement of a father-son duo leading programs at the same University is going to have a less than storybook ending.

But, for one day, everyone's attention was on the baseball diamond at Bainton Field for a good reason. The younger Hill, Bob Mulcahy and Tim Pernetti were all on hand to watch the amazing feat. While it wasn't exactly the most comfortable situation, everyone was finally "happy."

Thinking back to some of Hill's best teams, names such as Todd Frazier, Jason Bergmann, David DeJesus and Darren Fenster come to mind. RU was the class of Northeast baseball, while Atlantic 10, BIG EAST championships, NCAA appearances were the norm.

Whether or not the 75-year-old Hill has lost touch with the recruiting scene is irrelevant. He has coaches to deal with that and has earned the respect of a lineup lined with MLB talent. Hopefully, before Hill is gone, RU has a new facility to help him out.

With monstrous series coming up against Connecticut and Louisville, RU has an outside shot at the BIG EAST title. But, for the next few weeks, it'll be all about relishing the moment that Moose got No. 1,000.

The Jury is Out on Doc

It's so hard to get into a NBA game because the pace is watered down in comparison to the college game. You rarely find a superstar on every team who's committed to each play.

However, if there is one figure on the pro side of things that I've enjoyed following, it has been Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers. First of all, I repent for liking anything related to Boston sports. Secondly, please don't kill me Bill Simmons (read any of his Tweets or columns for an explanation).

The majority of NBA coaches are self-serving, condescending and bland. They refuse to say anything substantive with regard to basketball philosophy in talking with the media. Cue Doc Rivers.

The Chicago native lesser-known as Glenn Anton Rivers treats his job like he ran the point at Marquette and alongside the human dunk show, Dominique Wilkins, in Atlanta.

His playing accomplishments include a 10 assists per game average in 1987-- something we don't see enough in today's 1-on-1 dominated game. Also, anyone whose nickname was given to them by Rick Majerus is good in my book.

Now, I have to ask two questions. How does a coach only two years removed from a dominating title run draw so much criticism from his fan base? And, can basketball people understand if a man simply wants to spend more time with his family?

The Boston Herald is reporting that the 48-year-old cousin of Yankees broadcaster Ken Singleton is seriously considering stepping down as Celtics head coach at the end of the season.

If the reason is to watch his sons Jeremiah and Austin hoop it up at Indiana and in high school respectively, and his daughter Callie show off her volleyball skills, then more power to him. Having a father around at this point in their careers is very important to his kids.

But, if he's backing down because of the Boston media and fans or the potential breakup of the duo of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, then his priorities are misplaced.

The coach of any championship winner has one major obligation-- to attempt to build a dynasty. Once you bring a title home, it is important to stave off the tendency to slide back to mediocrity. Despite what some think, Doc is still on pace to make lasting waves in the Eastern Conference.

Say what you want about Doc's suave attitude and laid-back mentality, but he has three division titles in his time in Beantown. The problem is the momentum from the '08 run is slowly fading away.

If it's for the family, Doc, go enjoy yourself in Florida. If not, you owe it to your team to help them achieve the ultimate form of sports success.

Love for Lefty

I don't have the patience to play golf at any respectable level. It is a sport that takes unbelievable concentration, situational precision and a combination of strength and grace.

So, when I see Phil Mickelson win The Masters after having an extremely emotional and trying year, I have to admire the feat.

When Lefty walked up to the 18th green at Augusta National, he had to be in awe of himself. After going through an exhausting stretch of helping his wife and mother battle breast cancer, he had put together one of the best four-day periods on the par-fives of one of the most challenging courses in the country. Try getting yourself mentally prepared for that.

It's a pretty impressive accomplishment to shoot a 5-under 67 on Sunday at a major with Tiger Woods on your heels, an accomplished Lee Westwood leading the way and your ailing wife waiting with your kids at the clubhouse. Lefty's 13th hole summed up his determination-- not surprisingly, on a par-five monster.

After an unruly hook (albeit a bomb) took his tee shot into the pines, Mickelson took a risk only he would at that stage. Up two shots and a conservative back-nine away from a third Green Jacket, he sent a 6-iron from 207 yards within eight feet of the pin-- between the trees no less.

You could tell all of the emotion was building up when he had a wry smile in talking about the shot and his exchange with his wife after a birdie on the 18th. The celebration was much tamer than six years ago when he jumped in jubilation on that same green following his first major win. Excuse Phil if he's used up his quota for emotion this year.

I still can't believe any human who has gone through what he has this year could step up and go bogey free in the last round of The Masters. Phil's personality allows for it.

I guess it makes sense that a guy who has watched the two most important women in his life never give up hope would find a way to see the light at the end of the tunnel no matter what.

There's not much else to say about how cool this weekend was to watch, but I'll leave you with this.

When golf serves you an impossible shot between two trees, go for the green. Because, in the end, there are more important things in life.

Thanks for the life lesson, Lefty. We owe you one.