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The only way to describe the first round of the World Cup is blame, mistakes, surprises and disgrace.

Fans from Spain blame a loss on the girlfriend of the goalkeeper. Who can blame him for wanting to take a look at her in the middle of the game.

Sara Carbonero, the Spanish goalkeeper's girlfriend

Sara Carbonero, who was named FHM's sexiest sports reporter in the world, was on the sidelines of Spain's fateful game. Some fans are claiming that her presence was a distraction to boyfriend, Iker Casillas, Spain's captain and goalkeeper.

America could have been ousted by a referee mistake, dubbed 'the phantom foul', in the game against Slovenia where they tied two all. And the battle with England at the very beginning of the tournament had all the American fans wondering if they were going to make it to the next round. England scored within minutes of the opening of the match, but America battled back with a one all end. Their fight with Algeria was a match to be seen — balls going off goal post, shots off target, and then minutes before the end, American Landon Donovan scored with the only goal of the match.  

                     England's Shaun Wright-Phillips, left, is challenged by the United States' Steve Cherundolo.

Everyone was surprised that Italy, the '06 champs, were ousted from the first round. Their lack of ambition and spirit can account for their loss. They mustered up a little determination at the end of their last match in the first round to Slovakia to score an equalizer. Slovakia came back at the end, winning 3-2.

The multitudes in attendance here in South Africa have been more than surprised by the disgraceful behavior of the French team, with their protest and lack of respect for their coach and representatives. They refused to show up for practices and their lack of cooperation with their coach was attributed to their loss against South Africa. 

Have you been watching the World Cup? Who do you think will win?