I must confess. There was nothing more heartening to see the German football team pushing and panting against the Spaniards in their semi-final clash. I was even more elated when I saw the mighty Germans fall to the ground at the blow of the final whistle. I’m no sadistic sports fan, it’s just that when people tend to place a team like Germany almost near the pedestal of undefeatable, it automatically spells doom.
Germany for most of the tournament had eliminated teams with clinical precision using their strength and technique in counter attack. Klose, Muller, Ouzil, Podolski were almost un-markable by oppositions. It would be fair to say that they performed way better than their counterparts at this edition of the world cup. They were getting used to thumping four goals against most of their rivals. It is sad though that a team with the most final and semi-final appearances in World cups can’t go the full hog.
Watching the Spain-Germany clash I found out how easily the Spaniards were holding the Germans at bay. By controlling ball possession. It’s not rocket science. In fact, it’s one of the simple basics of the game. Kudos to Spain for nailing down what “stronger” teams like England and Argentina could not. The Spanish play for the first time in the tournament had flair, fluency and class. Words which are usually used to describe South American style of football. But this was like almost watching Barcelona play! (7 of the 11 players on the pitch do play for Barcelona :p)
I always go rooting for the underdogs. And I was sad when Uruguay lost to the Netherlands. It was almost like a dream run after decades. For someone like Diego Forlan, this could have been the last chance at making history for his country. But the South Americans can go into the third place match with their heads held high! They performed over and above everyone’s expectations and that takes some doing! Especially at the world cup!
The Netherlands on the other hand gave a dominating performance which put all doubts to rest on their credibility to be in the finals. The team which nobody paid attention to before the competition has everyone’s eyes on them. If the win against Brazil left some doubts, then the win against Uruguay cleared em all. Sneijder and Robben are definitely going to be the key play makers. Dirk Kuyt will have to step up his game if he’s to make any kind of impression in the finals. Can they be third time lucky?
One player each from both teams, David Villa from Spain and Wesley Sniejder from Netherland are top scorers in the tournament. They are definitely the ones to watch in the final. Who will edge the other for the golden boot and the golden trophy?
One thing is certain though. Two teams who have never won the world cup before stand before us to make history. And we are going to watch it happen. It’s a win-win situation all the way!
Champions of the world this time?
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