Goal-line technology: Blatter late than never 29/06/2010

So, Fifa is to consider using goal line technology after all, Blatter late then never, I suppose.

After steadfastly refusing to countenance such measures for years, the High Wizards of world football are suddenly open to persuasion. In the end it's taken two high-profile refereeing howlers right under their noses to convince them, and that makes the turnaround all the more galling.

We all saw Blatter squirm in his seat as the video replays showed the ball clearly bouncing south of the line, confirming what he and 80,000 people (bar the three match officials) inside the stadium instinctively knew. The giant screens played the moment over and over again, and each replay tore a strip off Fifa's high-handed and ludicrous argument that video technology would be too difficult to implement.

Luckily (from an Irish perspective - we would never have heard the end of it otherwise) England made the debate academic with some jaw-droppingly shocking defending.

Vuvu what? Speak up I can't hear you!! 13/06/2010

As it turned out the United States did have enough in their fast-paced arsenal to threaten England and the Stars and Stripes came away with a deserved draw...I am eating humble pie as I write this by the way.

But so far not one of the England players is using the deafening noise of the vuvuzelas as an excuse - they have plenty of other excuses for that performance.

It's not quite the case for France captain Patrice Evra though, who recently said the incessant noise of the vuvuzela was a factor in his side's poor display in their draw with Uruguay.

"We can't sleep at night because of the vuvuzelas. People start playing them from 6 a.m. We can't hear one another out on the pitch because of them," said les Blues skipper and Manchester United defender.

It's not quite the case for France captain Patrice Evra though, who recently said the incessant noise of the vuvuzela was a factor in his side's poor display in their draw with Uruguay.

In a funny kind of way I can understand Evra and his trumpet attack.

We have a vuvuzela here in the offices of Euronews, with only one of us able to properly produce the noise you hear at the stadium. I can safely say one is enough.

Quite frankly it has become irritating - commercial breaks at half time are almost a welcome pause from the relentless monotonous racket.

World Cup organising committee head Danny Jordaan on Sunday did not rule out banning the noisy plastic trumpets which have proved a hit with fans in South Africa.

Broadcasting companies are even complaining the din is almost drowning out their commentary of the matches.

"We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or during stadium announcements. I know it's a difficult question," said Jordaan, adding "we're trying to manage the best we can.

"We heard from the broadcasters and individuals and it's something we are evaluating on an on-going base.

Jordaan told the BBC in an interview that he had to consider the option of banning the trumpets.

"If there are grounds to do so, yes," he said, asked if a ban was an option.

Jordaan also called on fans to chant instead and admitted: "I would prefer singing. In the days of the struggle (against apartheid) we were singing, all through our history. It's our ability to sing that inspired and drove the emotions."

I tend to agree with Mr. Jordaan. I also prefer singing and chanting at matches. Not to say there isn't any going on at the games in South Africa but it's just a pitty we can't hear them over the defeaning noise of the vuvuzelas.

Ok, moan over. My next blog will be more cheerful I promise.

The Stars and Stripes: Can they really threaten England? 12/06/2010

The United States, England's first World Cup opposition. Should Fabio Capello's men be as afraid of their opening group C opposition as most people say they should? Or is it a pre-match excuse if things go horribly wrong for one of the tournament favourites.

Ok, the US did halt European Champions Spain's record unbeaten run at last year's Confederations Cup and, oh yes, they did beat us in the 1950 World Cup, a result Wayne Rooney and Company won't be paying too much attention too. But have they got enough quality players amongst their ranks to threaten the Three Lions?

No World Cup team should be underestimated, but if we are as good as we think, or rather hope, we are the United States should not pose a problem. Come on England!!