Yes- a Father Ted line. A classic.
Anyway… I have seen the future. 7:46pm at North Wembley on a London overground train.
ITV has been responsible for so much garbage over the past few years- they have even started branching out into football- (see The Premiership, Everton v Liverpool c.2009, England v USA).
The start of the 2010 World Cup (am I infringing rights by saying that but not being an ‘official blogger’?!) has not been a classic. It’s hard to argue against this. Despite the England match and possibly the Germany and Spain games, it is hard to recall too many high or lowlights.
However, yesterday will always be remembered fondly, as it was the moment I watched live football on my phone. On the train home. It was even good quality. Sure enough ITV can’t manage to broadcast football in HD but they can to an iPhone. Amazing.
Unfortunately though, they didn’t mute out the sound of the vuvuzelas. Sure, every World Cup has a theme or different culture to respect, this I appreciate…however, I am fully of the belief that South African culture isn’t reflected by mindless blowing of a one-pitch trumpet.
Where is the song? The dance? It’s a shame WC2010 will be remembered for the din of them rather than the true spirit of Africa.
Speaking of things that haven’t quite clicked so far; half empty stadiums, floating balls and boring games?
1- Half empty stadiums in my opinion reflect the poor pricing structure and coordination of ticketing. Here’s hoping 2012 is organised better. Albeit with an easier demographic to sell to.
2- The ball is possibly due to the altitude as much as the ball, in my opinion. Anyone who knows of the world record feats capable at altitude, will know that balls fly further, faster and in unpredictable manners. Players also will take time to adjust to this. Games will also be impacted by the altitude, with slower tempo matches.
3- It is only the first round of games. The World Cup in 2006 was slated in exactly the same way, with conservative play etc etc. The World Cup will truly kick off when there are matches to play for.
That starts tonight. For the good of the tournament let’s hope it does!
I’m off to watch it. On my phone. At Willesden Junction. The new home of football…?
Sponsorship 2.0 