Lee Dixon's Blog by Lee_Dixon

Hey greetings from South Africa! Sorry it's been a little while, but it's been a bit manic here getting ready for the big kick-off. I’ve been in Cape Town for a week or so now and what an amazing city. With the added colour of the World Cup in town, it is certainly a place to visit if you ever get the chance. In terms of the footie, well, it all started with the hosts taking on Mexico.

Surely the weight of a nation’s expectations would be too much for Bafana Bafana (the South African team’s nickname, which actually means The Boys The Boys). Armed with around 40.000 vuvuzelas (that’s noisy trumpets to you and me), the supporters put on a real show and a half. They could have been 3 nil down at half-time as Mexico tried to spoil the party. But a Tshababala thunderbolt kept the dream alive. Defensive issues could be a problem for them later on though.

And so to England and their first game against the Yanks. No worries, they don't do footie do they? 3-0 game done – surely, then who's next? What really happened? Well we started well enough. A dream start in fact with a captain's goal from Steven Gerrard. Have that Mr Obama. We were cruising. Hah hah. But then that Dempsey shot. Feeble. Robert, throw it out to Johnson....... Whoops! The soccer ball has by-passed the goal stopper’s hand warmers and settled in the goalpost drapes!!!!!!! No!!!!!!! How does Robert Green feel about all of that? Well probably like all of us! Still it is only a game. We'll still beat Slovenia and Algeria and then win the group. I really don't know what all the fuss is about!

Now a word on vuvuzelas, which are attracting so much attention right now. You wouldn't think that a small piece of plastic costing a few Rand could cause so much fuss! To say they have caused a stir is like saying Robert Green is a bit down just now! They definitely bring a true African feel to the tournament. They also annoy the heck out of some people. I'm split on the subject. When you’re watching matches at the stadiums, they add to a special South African experience. Unless of course you are sitting In front of someone who is a good blower?

As a broadcaster they annoy a little too. But I have to say you do get used to them. I think as a player you would be aware of them, but concentrating on picking up Messi's runs would certainly focus my mind. But the time when the vuvuzela's really take centre stage is when people are blowing them on the way to work at 6-7 o'clock in the morning. I'm definitely not so keen then! Have a great week. Come on England!