Not the spectacle of football we were expecting in this final, thanks to the rather unsavoury tactics displayed by the Dutch team. Thankfully the Spanish were able to rise above it and fulfilled Paul the Octopus's prediction.
I'll be honest and say I didn't bother with the 3rd place play-off - a dinner party was a much more appealing alternative after a day of hard labour and a huge Strawberries and Cream frappucino! The fact that the Germans won doesn't mean a great deal in real terms, as for them, they still missed out on the final, and Uruguay were national heroes regardless of the result. Diego Forlan was later voted the best player in the tournament, and young Thomas Mueller won the Golden Boot thanks to 5 goals and his three assists (the assists were used as a tie breaker after about 4 players managed to notch 5 each throughout the tournament).
The final was bound to be a tense affair, with two teams, neither having tasted World success before (hell, the Spanish had never been past the Quarters and the Dutch were two time losers) facing off to be only the eighth different winners of the World Cup. The build up had seen the Dutch state that they had made plans to stop the Spanish passing game, and boy did they try it! Van Bommel, De Jong, Heitinga, the list of offenders goes on. In fact De Jong was extraordinarily fortunate to make it to half time after his chest high assault on Xabi Alonso.
The 2nd half saw much the same, except the Dutch started to come out of their shell, certainly for a while, with Robben having two good opportunities to score, thwarted by Casillas on both occasions, although the second time he was closely attended to by Puyol, which prompted Robben to sprint after English referee Webb to remonstrate. All he got was his name in the book. The ninety minutes ended with no break to the stalemate, and so another 30 minute war of attrition was waged by the tiring Dutch. Fabregas had been introduced and had a great chance, only to be stopped by Stekelenburg's leg. Then, as penalties loomed, Johnny Heitinga tried to swap shirts with Iniesta ten minutes early, and had his game cut short as he saw a second yellow card come his way. Gradually, Spain began to assert their dominance and finally, with a mere 5 minutes or so left, Iniesta lashed the ball into the corner of the net and sent Spain crazy. As the match ran down, there was more drama to come, with Fernando Torres pulling up sharply after coming on late on. There was nothing the Dutch could do, and when the whistle blew, the party started in Johannesburg, Madrid, and well, anywhere there were Spanish people!!!
Captain Iker Casillas managed to wipe the tears away long enough to receive the trophy from Sepp Blatter, raised it to the sky in triumph, passed it on to a team mate and then burst into tears again.
Rather harshly perhaps, the English officials were booed as they went up to receive their medals, but that's just sore losers for you. Even the greatest Dutchman, Johann Cruyff derided the Dutch approach and praised Spain as one of the few teams still playing a brand of 'Total Football'.
As for me, I've got no excuse now. Time to knuckle down and create more adventures for my legendary hero.... Dave!!!
Watch this space.
Monday, 12 July 2010
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
World Cup Semis
Dammit, the World Cup's nearly over. But at least we can now look forward to an exciting finale between the not-so-free-flowing Dutch and "let's try and pass the ball into the net" Spain. But nevermind that... yet.
Netherlands vs Uruguay: I don't think anyone would or could have predicted Uruguay to reach this stage. I get the feeling they knew that themselves, and thrived on the underdog/party pooper tag. The Dutch had won all their games without being spectacular, causing many to wonder if they had what it took to go all the way. So, the Dutch were seemingly favourites and started fairly confidently. And then there was possibly the best goal of the tournament so far from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (or as the annoying Clive Tyldesley kept calling him, 'Gio' - as if he's his best mate). But just before half-time, Forlan scored a screamer himself. The Uruguayans looked to be on top when half-time came. Then Van Der Vaart came on and the Dutch kicked up a notch. A suspiciously offside Van Persie wafted his shin at a Wesley Sneijder cross (the fact he missed it must have put off the keeper!), and then Robben nutted one in off his bald head to send the entire nation mental. The game was virtually secure until a late Uruguay goal set up a nervy finish, but the Oranje held on to book a first World final since 1978. But would fate hand them a chance to gain revenge on the Germans for 1974?
Germany vs Spain: Did anyone want the Germans to win outside of Germany? A large proportion of the world must have been Spanish for the night. The Spanish passed their way through the game, always patient, and not committing too much thus preventing the Germans continuing their successful counter-attacking play. But no matter how many times Spain put one inches wide or just failed with the final pass, you sensed the Germans only needed one chance to score. Thankfully the referee missed a dead set free kick for a foul on Ozil just before half time. It was outside the area, but a penalty could so easily have been given. Normal service resumed in the 2nd half as Spain continued to pass their way around the pitch. Then came the goal from one of the ugliest (?) players at the World Cup, Carles Puyol! The Spanish had more chances to put the game beyond Germany, Pedro for one (why didn't he pass to Torres??!), but yet again we were subjected to a nervous, twitchy last five minutes before the referee put us all out of our misery and sent the Spanish delirious.
So, 62 games played, 2 more left to go. Who will finish 3rd? Who will be crowned the new World Champions? Because, after all, neither Spain nor the Netherlands have ever won the World Cup before.
Now, which was the best game of the tournament so far?
Best Goal?
Best Player?
Biggest Disappointment?
Answers on a comment please.
Netherlands vs Uruguay: I don't think anyone would or could have predicted Uruguay to reach this stage. I get the feeling they knew that themselves, and thrived on the underdog/party pooper tag. The Dutch had won all their games without being spectacular, causing many to wonder if they had what it took to go all the way. So, the Dutch were seemingly favourites and started fairly confidently. And then there was possibly the best goal of the tournament so far from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (or as the annoying Clive Tyldesley kept calling him, 'Gio' - as if he's his best mate). But just before half-time, Forlan scored a screamer himself. The Uruguayans looked to be on top when half-time came. Then Van Der Vaart came on and the Dutch kicked up a notch. A suspiciously offside Van Persie wafted his shin at a Wesley Sneijder cross (the fact he missed it must have put off the keeper!), and then Robben nutted one in off his bald head to send the entire nation mental. The game was virtually secure until a late Uruguay goal set up a nervy finish, but the Oranje held on to book a first World final since 1978. But would fate hand them a chance to gain revenge on the Germans for 1974?
Germany vs Spain: Did anyone want the Germans to win outside of Germany? A large proportion of the world must have been Spanish for the night. The Spanish passed their way through the game, always patient, and not committing too much thus preventing the Germans continuing their successful counter-attacking play. But no matter how many times Spain put one inches wide or just failed with the final pass, you sensed the Germans only needed one chance to score. Thankfully the referee missed a dead set free kick for a foul on Ozil just before half time. It was outside the area, but a penalty could so easily have been given. Normal service resumed in the 2nd half as Spain continued to pass their way around the pitch. Then came the goal from one of the ugliest (?) players at the World Cup, Carles Puyol! The Spanish had more chances to put the game beyond Germany, Pedro for one (why didn't he pass to Torres??!), but yet again we were subjected to a nervous, twitchy last five minutes before the referee put us all out of our misery and sent the Spanish delirious.
So, 62 games played, 2 more left to go. Who will finish 3rd? Who will be crowned the new World Champions? Because, after all, neither Spain nor the Netherlands have ever won the World Cup before.
Now, which was the best game of the tournament so far?
Best Goal?
Best Player?
Biggest Disappointment?
Answers on a comment please.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
World Cup Quarter-Final Report
Well, well, well, well, well etc, what a turn up for the books!!
Netherlands vs Brazil: Most people's favourites to win beaten by the orange dynamos. And I don't mean Dynorod! Despite being stuck at work until half-time and then not getting back until the score was already 1-1, I ran into the house, babbled something about ITV1, and sat down. Then I witnessed the winning goal and the stupid sending off of Felipe Melo. Silly boy!! To say it was a shock is totally unfair on the Dutch, because they are a pretty damn good team and let's not forget they have featured in two World Cup finals. They are now my hopes to win the tournament.
Uruguay vs Ghana: Poor, poor Ghana. I'll bet Mr Gyan wished he'd taken a bit more care in the 120th minute of extra time. Muntari's goal was tasty right on half-time. Forlan took probably the best free kick in the tournament, considering the ball is utter pants, to draw level and that's how it stayed until Suarez's attempt to play volleyball at the death. His reaction at the tunnel entrance when the penalty walloped against the bar said it all: "Thank God for that!" But the winning penalty by Sebastien Abreu was calm and cheeky, just the sort of thing South American's are famed for. Next stop Netherlands for the biggest surprises of this World Cup. And to think they were the first team I completed in my Panini World Cup sticker album!
Argentina vs Germany: What can you say about the bloody Germans?! Clinical, organised, quick, commitake ted. Another big name team taken apart at the seams, Argentina were a shadow of their early-tournament selves. Messi, Tevez and Higuain hardly got a chance. Miroslav Klose is now tied with Gerd Muller with 14 goals in World Cup finals games. The only slightly positive thing about the Germans continuing is the pronounciation of Bastien Schweinsteiger by our English commentators totally pissing of my girlfriend!! They knocked out the genius that is Diego Maradona, and for that I don't think I can ever forgive them.
Paraguay vs Spain: The European Champions move into the last 4 for the first time. After a fairly average first half, the game exploded into life with a mad 5 minutes. First, Paraguay missed a penalty. Moments later, Spain got themselves a penalty. Xabi Alonso calmly despatched the spot kick only for the referee to curtail the celebrations for encroachment. Cue the re-take and drama unbound as the penalty was saved. Finally, 7 minutes from extra time, the man of the tournament, David Villa popped up to spare Spanish blushes and send them through to (hopefully) thrash the Germans!!
Roll on Tuesday and Wednesday for the Semi-finals!!!
Netherlands vs Brazil: Most people's favourites to win beaten by the orange dynamos. And I don't mean Dynorod! Despite being stuck at work until half-time and then not getting back until the score was already 1-1, I ran into the house, babbled something about ITV1, and sat down. Then I witnessed the winning goal and the stupid sending off of Felipe Melo. Silly boy!! To say it was a shock is totally unfair on the Dutch, because they are a pretty damn good team and let's not forget they have featured in two World Cup finals. They are now my hopes to win the tournament.
Uruguay vs Ghana: Poor, poor Ghana. I'll bet Mr Gyan wished he'd taken a bit more care in the 120th minute of extra time. Muntari's goal was tasty right on half-time. Forlan took probably the best free kick in the tournament, considering the ball is utter pants, to draw level and that's how it stayed until Suarez's attempt to play volleyball at the death. His reaction at the tunnel entrance when the penalty walloped against the bar said it all: "Thank God for that!" But the winning penalty by Sebastien Abreu was calm and cheeky, just the sort of thing South American's are famed for. Next stop Netherlands for the biggest surprises of this World Cup. And to think they were the first team I completed in my Panini World Cup sticker album!
Argentina vs Germany: What can you say about the bloody Germans?! Clinical, organised, quick, commitake ted. Another big name team taken apart at the seams, Argentina were a shadow of their early-tournament selves. Messi, Tevez and Higuain hardly got a chance. Miroslav Klose is now tied with Gerd Muller with 14 goals in World Cup finals games. The only slightly positive thing about the Germans continuing is the pronounciation of Bastien Schweinsteiger by our English commentators totally pissing of my girlfriend!! They knocked out the genius that is Diego Maradona, and for that I don't think I can ever forgive them.
Paraguay vs Spain: The European Champions move into the last 4 for the first time. After a fairly average first half, the game exploded into life with a mad 5 minutes. First, Paraguay missed a penalty. Moments later, Spain got themselves a penalty. Xabi Alonso calmly despatched the spot kick only for the referee to curtail the celebrations for encroachment. Cue the re-take and drama unbound as the penalty was saved. Finally, 7 minutes from extra time, the man of the tournament, David Villa popped up to spare Spanish blushes and send them through to (hopefully) thrash the Germans!!
Roll on Tuesday and Wednesday for the Semi-finals!!!
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