AP Photo

Faces painted in their national colors and wearing brightly colored wigs, onlookers shout, wave flags, sing, and blow their vuvuzelas. Fans of the FIFA World Cup have traveled to South Africa to cheer on their countries’ teams.

The first game of the World Cup was on June 11, and the final is on July 11. Football, known as soccer in the United States, is one of the most popular sports in the world. At the last World Cup in 2006, more than 700 million people watched the final match between Italy and France on television, making it the most viewed sporting event in the world.

The most surprising match so far has been England versus the United States. England, the heavy favorite, nabbed an early goal and took the lead 1–0. Later in the game, what should have been a routine block for the English goalkeeper, Robert Green, turned out to be a lucky break for the United States. The ball was kicked by U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey from outside the penalty area. Slipping up, Green allowed the ball to slowly roll past him. The mistake lead to a draw and cost England the game.

England's Robert Green struggling to stop the ball before it rolls into the goal (AP Photo)

Be sure to catch the United States’ next match against Slovenia this Friday, June 18!

Follow along with official news and updates from the Fédération Internationale de Football (FIFA). 

The US team poses before their first round match (AFP/Getty Images)

Vuvuzela Controversy—You Decide!
Vuvuzelas are simple plastic horns. Very popular in South Africa, it has become part of the country’s soccer culture and tradition. The unmistakable buzzing sound, described by some as “a swarm of bees,” is hard to ignore. If you haven’t heard one, turn on the TV and watch a World Cup match to see and hear for yourself. Officials have considered banning the noisemakers inside stadiums, stating that they interfere with the game and make it difficult for players to communicate. People watching the games on TV have been tempted to lower or mute the volume.

South Africa fans blow Vuvuzelas inside the Soccer City Stadium propr to the Opening Ceremony (AP Photo)

Not everyone is against the vuvuzela, however. Some people say the instrument is just another part of the game, similar to how other crowds chant, wave streamers, or play music. To those who criticize and aim to ban the vuvuzela, the FIFA president has said, “Would you want to see a ban on the fan traditions in your country?”

What do you think?