I don’t know if anyone’s gonna believe me, but I had a feeling that the final of the world cup might get a tad slow...and boring. I was right! A 1-0 result between Spain and Netherlands is hardly a score any world cup buff would want to see. I’ve been following the world cup since USA’94 and although that was a stalemate at 0-0 as well, we had the treat and the nerve cracking tension of a penalty shootout in that final between Brazil and Italy. I still pity Roberto Baggio for missing that kick.
Coming back to present day, we finally have the champions! Spain! First time winners are always good to see but all of 8 goals in the tournament have been a bit disappointing. Especially the trail of 1-0 wins since the round of 16. However the good thing that can be taken away from the Spanish side is the way they played. It was football like poetry and everyone loves to see that. Football telepathic brothers Iniesta and Xavi displayed skill which made me want to stand up and clap. And it makes Spain only the third team to be the European as well as the world champs at a single time!
The performance of the Netherlands though has been another story. Halfway through the game I wanted Spain to win. Not because the Spaniards were extraordinarily cool or because Argentina 9my favourite team) lost to Holland in the 98 world cup but because the Dutch were playing like douche bags. They should have been 3 players short by the end of the match. It’s a lucky thing it was only one player that was sent off. Their play was rough, ill-spirited and they lacked the tactical prowess they displayed in earlier matches. I’m not blaming the referee for the 14 yellow cards.
It was great to know that Diego Forlan was awarded the Best player of the Tournament. I loved the way he played in this world cup, full of speed and attack. The goals he scored against the Dutch and the Germans were top class. Uruguay must have discovered a new sense of confidence after their performance in this tournament. I just hope they can carry that in the Copa America and later Brazil’14.
All in all...I wouldn’t say this was the best world cup I’ve seen. I’m disappointed with the boring draws and low scoring results. Let’s just hope the next addition brings the best of Joga Bonito to us.
A win well deserved!
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