31 days 63 games and the 8th nation to step up to the throne for World Domination is Spain.After 120 minutes,12 yellow cards,1 red card and 1 Goal Spain emphasised that the game can be played beautifully,technically and efficiently and at the same time successfully.Ironically Spain are the lowest scoring team to win a World cup yet one cannot ignore or dismiss the control,dominance and persistence in playing the beautiful game.Being often labelled “the greatest team never to have won the World Cup”has now evaporated.Unfortunately for Holland they still have to live up to reaching three World Cup finals and finish Runners up on all three times.1974,1978 and 2010 will be in the dutch shattered hearts for a very Long time until their next chance to compete for the Worlds most prestigious Trophy in which the team will be refurbished.The Dutch were bidding to be the only nation since Brazil in 1970 to to go through World Cup qualifying and the finals unbeaten.Barcelona have dominated the domestic charts in terms of style,elegance and total football and Spain emulated that not only in Europe but in the World.For many years Barcelona were based on Dutch philosophy adopting Johan Cruyffs class entertaining the World and passing over his legacy to the youth-approaching the big stage with no fear with an attitude if you are good enough age is not an issue.Today players such as Iniesta,Xavi,Puyol,Fabregas and Villa all appear as giants regardless of their age highlighting simplicity in the beautiful game is an art form and football is to be played with Passion,touch and finess stroking the football the way the Brazilians used to in the 70s.
Former South Africa president Nelson Mandela was present to observe arguably the sporting world’s most gargantuan event, the kick-off signalled by the whistle of English referee Howard Webb, who would play an active role in the first period.The Netherlands could not get a grip on the game but were helped by a spate of yellow cards from referee Webb that disturbed the rhythm of the match.Webb booked five players in the opening 28 minutes, although several crude challenges left him with little option.
Dutch enforcer Mark van Bommel was booked after going through the back of Iniesta, while Nigel de Jong was lucky to escape red after planting his foot in the chest of Xabi Alonso.Much was said bout the referees performance and I’m sure alot of criticism will be directed at him but i felt he handled the final in the only way he could in the earlier stages.Sure he made a few mistakes keeping Van Bommel on the pitch and not red carding De Jong but as players they should have more responsibility being on the World Stage.Football often evens itself out and it did as i felt Puyol could of been sent off for a “rugby like” desperate lunge on Robben as he was clear through on Goal and actually stayed on his feet to attempt to score and round the keeper.Pundits could argue that if Robben goes down and gets the decision Spain lose their inspirational defender and the game is turned forcing Spain to sacrifice an attacking option for a defender.As the tension rose, Sneijder made a crucial intervention when he slid to snatch the ball away from Iniesta.With four minutes remaining, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas entered the fray in place of Alonso. The alteration, however, failed to prevent the fixture reaching extra-time, with Robben and Ramos both left to reflect on what might have been following their respective clear-cut opportunities.Fabregas presence and energy influenced the final as he showed signs of class causing all sorts of problems for the Dutch defence.There has been alot of speculation where his future lies and his performance would certainly prove his value in such a big game.Andres Iniesta’s strike with four minutes left of extra-time fired Spain to World Cup glory for the first time in their history as they vanquished Holland in a fractious final at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium.Iniesta drilled his right-foot strike across goal – but the Dutch were incensed after referee Howard Webb had failed to award their side a corner moments earlier when a free-kick took a sizeable deflection off Cesc Fabregas.
However, Euro 2008 champions Spain, who conceded only two goals during the tournament, deserved their victory after gradually taking a grip on a tense and bad-tempered contest that produced 14 yellow cards with Johnny Heitinga sent off on 109 minutes after picking up a second yellow card.Fabregas slipped a pass to his right, and waiting was Iniesta. The Barcelona tactician took one touch before planting the ball past Stekelenburg with venom sparking delirium from the Spanish players as they completed their mission for world domination.Ilker Casillas could not contain himself as tears of joy and delight sparked of a wonderful campaign for the Captain as he witnessed a chapter of World domination come to a close.Having previously lifted the European Championship it was his time to lift the World cup 2010 As Spain became Legends and will be remembered for generations to come as the CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD.
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Sami Khedira nodded in a late winner as Germany saw off the spirited challenge of Uruguay in Port Elizabeth to finish in third place for the second World Cup running.The two beaten semi-finalists played out an entertaining game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the penultimate match of the finals.Thomas Mueller became joint-top scorer as he opened the scoring on 18 minutes before Edinson Cavani levelled for Uruguay before the break.The South Americans took the lead for the first time early in the second half through the impressive Diego Forlan but Marcell Jansen equalised for Germany within five minutes.The open encounter seemed destined for extra-time before Stuttgart midfielder Khedira nodded Germany in front again with just eight minutes remaining to seal the bronze prize.The third-place play-off is often billed as a match that no team wants to play – but this encounter made a mockery of any such suggestion.
Uruguay exceeded all expectations in reaching the last four and, with a parade through the streets of Montevideo and a date with President Jose Mujica planned for Monday, they were desperate to finish their campaign on a high.
Germany, meanwhile, are a hugely talented young squad who will be together for some years and viewed the meeting with La Celeste as another stepping stone in their development.Diego Forlan almost took the game into extra-time as his injury-time free-kick struck the Germany crossbar with the last kick of the game in an exciting finale.It was a cruel end to Uruguay’s eventful tournament but they will leave South Africa with an enhanced reputation while the German’s have finished third for the second successive World Cup. Germany 3 Uruguay 2
As the final will be played tomorrow its only fitting I put a team of the Tournament as the Giants of Football haven’t impressed it has a slight different look than expected.
Iker Casillas
Thomas Muller
Philipp Lahm
Thomas Muller
Kevin-Prince Boateng
Mesut Ozil
Carles Puyol
David Villa
Sergio Ramos
Andres Iniesta
Diego Forlan
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Diego Lugano
Alexis Sanchez
Lucio
Arjen Robben
Wesley Sneijder
Manager : Joachim Low
Spain took the next step towards footballing immortality as they booked a place in their first World Cup final following a 1-0 semi-final victory over Germany in Durban.Flair, culture and aesthetics have underlined the rise to prominence of the European champions and the irony at the Moses Mabhida Stadium was therefore palpable as a no-nonsense Carles Puyol header settled the contest in the second half.Vicente del Bosque’s side won their fourth straight game 1-0 and will now play the Netherlands in Sunday’s final at Soccer City.Spain deserved their victory after controlling huge periods of the match, but once again it was far from a vintage performance.The Germans have been by far the stand out team this tournament overcoming the odds to combine a mixture of efficiency and explosive counter attacking .However ,tonight there was only one team that stepped up to the plate to fulfil their destiny and that was Del Bosques Spain side.I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the Germans master Class and that isn’t frequent, that a football student says that but they have displayed class.Performances all over the field from Bastian Schweinsteiger who has been my pick of the bunch to Mesut Ozil who has defined what a creative midfielders attributes are.Spain on the other side like Barcelona at Club Level are a team that football coaches all around the world show videos to the up and coming soccer stars on how to keep possession,pass the ball,attack the ball and defend as a unit from the furthest player up the field (David Villa) to the solid centre back (Carlos Puyol).Spain coach Del Bosque chose Wednesday’s tie to drop the out-of-form Torres, drafting in Barcelona’s lively young forward Pedro and deploying David Villa as a lone striker.And while Del Bosque’s team certainly looked comfortable as they worked the ball around midfield, Germany showed excellent shape and discipline, and were rarely dragged out of position.The Euro 2008 champions, who defeated Germany 1-0 in the final of that competition, should have scored a second after striking with the sort of counter-attack that had been a trademark of their opponents’ play in this competition, but Pedro failed to pick out a completely unmarked Fernando Torres.Torres had come under the spot light recently after having a frustrating time but looked eager to right his critics wrong and what a way to display that if he plays in the final against Netherlands.Torres scored in the final of the European Championship after receiving criticism and silenced the doubters with the winner against Germany.Vicente del Bosque’s pre-tournament favourites dominated possession and managed to quell the threat of Germany, surely making the group-stage defeat to Switzerland feel like a lifetime ago for those at home in Europe.
The final with Holland will now represent a clash between two of the continent’s historical underachievers on the world stage, with the Total Football of the Oranje famously failing to succeed in finals in 1974 and 1978.It will also mean that a new winner of the World Cup will be etched into the history books come the conclusion of events in Johannesburg’s Soccer City at the end of the weekend. Spain 1 Germany 0
Holland maintained their impressive winning streak to book their spot in the World Cup final with a 3-2 triumph over Uruguay,for the first time since 1978. Bert van Marwijk’s side, who are on course to raise their first World Cup trophy, were shown real fight by the South Americans, but eventually edged home to complete a 25-match unbeaten run.Giovanni van Bronckhorst was the hero for Holland in an enthralling first half as he powered home an unstoppable strike from long range that even Luis Suarez’s ‘Hand of God’ would have struggled to keep out.Uruguay were gifted an equaliser when goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg failed to deal with Diego Forlan’s long-range shot.Man-of-the-moment Diego Forlan unleashed his Midas-touch just before the break as he curled the equaliser past Maarten Stekelenburg.He has been a revelation for Uruguay and been humble about his business throughout the tournament which has earned him alot of respect and appraise.With huge complements echoing around the World Sir Alex Fergusons comments must of hit home when he regretted letting the Uruguay captain leave Manchester United,being one of two regrets in his career.
But Sneijder and Robben again made the difference for the two-time runners-up, who were left hanging on at the end following Maxi Pereira’s injury-time reply. However, the Dutch held firm to make sure of their progress.What promises to be an interesting final awaits as Germany and Spain meet tonight to earn the right to face Holland.The Spanish who can keep possession of the ball for large parts of the game against the elaborate counter attacking German Side who have produced the best football displays in the whole tournament scoring 12 goals in just 3 matches.Whoever wins will be a task for Holland ad will dictate whether this Dutch side is just a shadow of Cruyffs men in the 70s or a fine show of Dutch class! Holland 3 Uruguay 2
David Villa snatched a late winner to book Spain’s first appearance in a World Cup semi-final as they beat Paraguay in a largely disappointing quarter-final tie that didn’t live up to recent expectations.Spain have hurdled through recent challenges and seem to have just the right amount of resistance to cope with their opponents but will have to do more than that against Germanay.Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque name an unchanged starting XI, despite pressure to remove the mis-firing Fernando Torres. Chile, meanwhile, made six changes to the team which beat Japan on penalties. Among those alterations, forward trio Roque Santa Cruz, Lucas Barrios and Edgar Benitez all dropped to the bench.In truth, it was a brief flurry of excitement that was largely out of kilter during a game that saw relatively few other opportunities.
Spain may have reached a World Cup semi-final for the first time – their fourth place in 1950 was after a round-robin stage – but they will surely need to improve if they are to defeat in-form Germany in Durban on Wednesday.
Their famed passing game was largely absent, while the out-of-form Fernando Torres was withdrawn after 56 minutes.Paraguay won a penalty when Gerard Pique pulled down Cardozo in the area. The central defender was rightly booked for the misdemeanour before Cardozo dusted himself to take the spot-kick, only to see the strike saved by Casillas – although no re-take was awarded despite obvious encroachment from Spanish players.Almost immediately up the other end, referee Carlos Batres again pointed to the spot, this time for a foul committed by Alcaraz on Villa, with the former arguably lucky to only be booked and not dismissed for seemingly denying the latter a goalscoring opportunity. Xabi Alonso stepped up and slotted in, but, ironically, the official this time wanted a re-take for marginal encroachment.
Alonso trotted up once more but Villar denied him. The goalkeeper dove to his left to parry and the ball spilled in the penalty area. Fabregas aimed to fire in the rebound but he was wiped out by Villar before the ball finally was removed from danger. The referee, however, staggeringly saw nothing wrong with the challenge on Fabregas.
Villa’s goal after 82 minutes – his fifth of the tournament- struck one post, rolled across the goal-line and hit the other, before finally nestling in the net and came seconds after substitute Pedro had also hit the woodwork.Villa is really establishing himself especially having just switched to the Spanish Giants Barcelona with a big price tag. Spain 1 Paraguay 0
Germany tore Argentina apart to book their place in the semi-finals and, for now at least, end Diego Maradona’s dream of winning the World Cup as coach to go with his victory as captain in 1986.
Inspired by Bastian Schweinsteiger and two-goal hero Miroslav Klose, Joachim Loew’s side scored four times for the third game at this tournament in what was a devastating attacking display.For once in the tournament it wasnt just a case of Argentina being exposed but the Germans destroying a nation that were favourites to win the Whole competition.The Germans are often renoun for the organisation and “safe” way of playing yet no one can argue they deserve to be where they are at this stage and are know actually looking like favourites with their style of play.An organised Spine in the team,players in the attacking third with flair,1 unit in how they coordinate with each player knowing where and how to play and a real team spirit.An great example was after Muller had put the Germans infront Argentina attacked and threatened to equalise when Four Argentinians were caught Offside.The Offside rule has been under scrutiny for years ,yet the manner that the Germans came out was like synchronised swimmers frustrating Messi and Co and Tevez squared the ball to Higuain to see his goal Disallowed.At times this win was reminiscent of the way Germany had ripped through England’s backline in the second round a week ago, with Argentina caught out by their speed and incisiveness on the counter-attack as they chased the game.
The only cloud on Germany’s horizon is that the impressive Mueller picked up a booking that means he will miss the last-four clash with Paraguay or Spain, but Loew still has much to savour from this match.Frustration began to kick in as it was illustrated on the animated Maradona and it began to show on his players too.Nicolas Otamendi picked up the first booking on 11 minutes for fouling Friedrich, while Javier Mascherano clattered Schweinsteiger three minutes later and was lucky to get away without a caution which would have caused him to miss the semi-finals.
We talked about the Argentinians defence being shaky and the Germans exposed it in particular Sebastian Schweinsteiger limiting any opportunities for Lionel Messi yet still managing to carve out passes,like a quarter back to a wide receiver.Otamendi had one of the worst displays defensively and will want to put this game behind him as Podolski and Co were just too strong for them.Friedrich managed to add to his tally and Klose continued his record for the national team scoring two in a game that could of been more.Fittingly, the final word went to Klose, who volleyed home Germany’s fourth from Mesut Oezil’s cross in the last minute – his 14th World Cup goal – after the imperious Schweinsteiger had brought the ball forward again. Germany 4 Argentina 0
The Netherlands produced a stunning second-half comeback as Brazil’s World Cup imploded in a dramatic game in Port Elizabeth.Holland showed great fighting spirit to come from a goal down against five-time champions Brazil and advance to the semi-finals after a stunning 2-1 victory.The contest in Port Elizabeth did not disappoint its pre-match billing and both sides gave everything they could in a tie that ebbed and flowed from kick-off to the final whistle.Brazil dominated the first half and took the lead in the 10th minute after Felipe Melo punished the Dutch for going to sleep in central defence, sliding a ball through to Robinho who finished coolly.With a flawless competition and being undefeated in 8 games Brazil looked to take the game to Holland forcing the dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg to make two outstanding saves .The first especially was outstanding as Kaka saw him 6 yards of his line and attempted to curl the ball around the keeper only to see Stekelenburg glide to prevent Brazil doubling their lead.The outstanding Maicon nearly replicated a goal scored in the 1970 World Cup by Carlos Alberto, as he ran down the right side to hit the ball first time to see his attempt go on the wrong side of the post.Dunga’s men were on top and in control, until a disastrous error from Julio Cesar gifted Holland an equaliser eight minutes after the restart. Wesley Sneijder whipped a cross in from the right and the keeper missed his punch – the ball deflecting off Melo and into his own net.The Dutch, however, sensed a weakness at the heart of the South Americans’ defence and they took full advantage after 68 minutes when another cross caused chaos in the Brazil back-line.Kuyt flicked on Robben’s corner at the near post and Sneijder headed in, sending the army of Oranje fans at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium wild with elation.From being well on top, Dunga’s side were now chasing the game and their hopes of rescuing their World Cup were dealt a huge blow when Felipe Melo inexplicably stamped on Robben after conceding a free-kick five minutes later. Brazils Samba beat is over in South Africa and the sound of the vuvuzelas will continue to hamper the stadiums.Some may argue that Brazil haven’t lost the World Cup but the World Cup has lost Brazil.I guess we will find out starting with tonight’s game between Ghana and Uruguay.I’m sure there is alot more Drama and golden moments to come and i hope Ghana progress as it would really set up a mouthwatering tie between them and the Dutch.
Just a quick message after a two day break from the World Cup-Reporting to you today from Wimbledon LONDON England and wanted to shed a bit of information after having a great Chat with some football Fanatics yesterday!Much was said and the enthusiasm was there discussing who will win it?who stands out?and who has the strongest weapon in World Football.Over an hour later of just discussing football opinions were divided and shared amongst 10 Football fans and as organic as it was it was also refreshing to be around people that are just as passionate about the GAME As i am!
My Prediction for this tournament is starting to look very familiar to many friends,journalists and football fans out there starting of with Ghana who were my underdog team to progress further than any of the African Giants and they have.As crazy as it sounds i feel they will take it one more step and beat Uruguay and one person who picked me up from the airport the other day was disappointed that he didnt follow my advice before the World Cup started and back Ghana.Brazil are the favourites and the way they are setup and defensively assured puts them as favourites along with Argentina who face a real organised German side who humiliated England .I do feel that Holland may surprise a few people because they have got on with their job quietly and haven’t peaked yet being overshadowed by Argentina and Brazil’s Convincing results.Their best bet are set pieces where technically are talented with specialists like Sneider,Robben,Van Persie and even Van Dervaart.Holland will have to remain disciplined and keep all their players on the field avoiding altercation with the Brazilians who have displayed signs of temperament in the last two games,especially if things don’t go to plan.However,if they turn up the tempo an spread the ball around to Robinho,Kaka and Fabiano with Gilberto and Melo providing adequate cover it will be a great game.
Final 4 prediction
HOLLAND GHANA
ARGENTINA SPAIN
Paraguay won the first penalty shoot-out of the 2010 World Cup to reach the last eight for the first time and clinch a quarter-final place against either Spain.After a cagey affair in Pretoria, Yuichi Komano missed the third Japan spot-kick to ensure the South Americans progressed 5-3 on penalties .Coach Gerardo Martino’s men scored all five of their penalties after a disappointing match had finished goalless at the end of extra-time.
But Paraguay’s joy was Japan’s agony as Yuichi Komano’s spot-kick brushed the crossbar and flew over as the Blue Samurai’s tournament came to an agonising end.As throughout the tournament, Japan coach Takeshi Okada named an unchanged line up for the clash, while the South Americans made five changes from the side which drew 0-0 with New Zealand last time.Their defeat ended Asia’s participation in the tournament, but Tuesday’s result in Pretoria ensured that there will be four South American sides in the last eight.
Martin’s Paraguay have conceded only once in their four games in South Africa and were defensively solid against a Japan team that had previously looked dangerous on the counter attack.That should benefit them psychologically approaching the exciting tie against Spain yet if they sit back and play defensively they will get punished and it all depends on the coaches approach entering the game.Spain will keep the ball for large periods of the game so Paraguay will have to pressure their opponents for 90 minutes and maintain discipline otherwise they will lose players and commit alot of fouls.Roque Santa Cruz played on the right side against Japan which is not a role he has been familiar with domestically.Few days break for the remaining 8 teams in the Competition with the Big Nations still favourites to take it and step up to the plate.
Paraguay win on penalties 5-3 against Japan
Spain advanced into the next round with a solid display against Portugal without even excelling.Some may argue that Portugals depleted team produced a lacklustre performance overshadowing their 7 goal battering earlier in the tournament.There was a half-hour spell during the second half of Spain’s victory over Portugal that ought to have set the alarm bells ringing for the seven other nations left in this World Cup – particularly those from South America.Portugal were the only team left in the competition yet to concede a goal and were frustrating Spain in the much-anticipated second-round showdown between the Iberian neighbours.Shortly before David Villa scored the goal that put the Spanish into the quarter-finals, something visibly clicked for Vincent del Bosque’s side and they began to look like their old selves for the first time since arriving in South Africa.
It is not that the European champions were misfiring badly until then, well not in the manner of the likes of England, Italy or France at any rate. I still saw more pretty passing patterns from Spain in the first 45 minutes at Cape Town Stadium than Fabio Capello’s men managed in two weeks, it is just that they seemed unable to make their dominance in possession count. Later in the dying seconds of the game Portugal’s hopes were over when referee Hector Baldassi gave Costa his marching orders for apparently lashing out at Capdevila.The difference between the two was Spain’s Patience, precision and confidence to play the game the way they know how to, in spreading the play and keeping possession frustrating the Portuguese and playing that killer ball when desired to finish their chance. Spain 1 Portugal 0
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Abdullah Bin Zayed participates in the Desert Clean-up Campaign
