The Greatest Team In The World - Day 31 Round-Up

So, the final day has arrived, and it is with great sadness that we don't see Argentina in the final. Still, it's going to be a top game tonight. I'm going to 'live' blog - post updates minute-by-minute on this section. My Twitter feed will be chocca with updates, so I will leave all of this on here until the final whistle, then post it live. Happy days.

Pre-Match: We're watching the BBC coverage tonight - mainly because its been the best the last four weeks. Discussing Howard Webb, tonight's ENGLISH referee. I've rated him as the world's best ref for the last 3 years, so great to see him finally earn that reward. Hansen and Shearer both slagging him off - but let's be honest, at least Howie has the balls to get out there and be at a World Cup final. More than they have.

Pre-Match: Now they're showing a small video about the impact on Africans. It just makes you realise how much of a difference the last month of football will make to the nation. Yes, we've enjoyed it for the last 31 days, but for the citizens of South Africa, it means so much more, and the fact that they now have the knowledge that they can do things like this - who knows just how much good this has done for them?!

Pre-Match: They're talking about Paul the Octopus. Forget Pauly. This morning, at cricket, the under-12's played the Spain vs. Holland game. Spain won, by a good 50 runs. So let's see how good a predictor this lot are.

Pre-Match: Someone has dropped orange paint bombs in Amsterdam. 250,000 people in the city centre. Its a stunning sight. And I really bloody wish I was there.

Pre-Match: We're now discussing what tonight's game actually means for the different countries involved. I think that, whoever wins, could very well be labelled as the greatest team of the 21st century. Bar Brazil at the turn of the millennium, of course.

Pre-Match: 15 minutes to go. We're getting a little excited back here. Imagine if we were in South Africa. Its an incredible place to look at on the telly, imagine what it'd be like to actually be there?!

Pre-Match: Teams exiting the tunnel now, and joining the cauldron that is Soccer City. Great to see old Webby lead them out - feel like a really creepy proud dad.

Pre-Match: I joined in for the Netherlands' national anthem. I feel like an honorary Dutchman tonight.

TEAMS: Netherlands: Maarten Stekelenburg; Gregory van der Wiel, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni van Bronckhorst; Dirk Kuyt, Mark van Bommel, Wesley Sneijder, Nigel de Jong, Arjen Robben; Robin van Persie 
Spain: Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila; Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets; Pedro, David Villa

Kick-Off: Here we go then. Holland kick us off.

1 min: And we see the first dive of the game. Robin van Persie slides in, Sergio Busquets goes down like a ton of bricks, before jumping up. Cheatin' bastard.

4mins: Netherlands in the classic orange strip, Spain in navy blue. Free kick for Spain leads to a great header from Sergio Ramos, who forces Stekelenburg into a great save.

6 mins: The thunderous drive of vuvuzelas starts creating a harmonious 'beat'. What a great sound.

9 mins: Spain certainly started the brighter team, but Holland gain their first shot, which calms them down a wee bit. Gonna be a top game, if this is anything to go by.

11 mins: Spain walk into the penalty box, and Sergio Ramos goes straight past Dirk Kuyt and makes John Heitinga make a 'goal line' clearance. David Villa then puts the ball into the side netting from the resulting corner. Shaky start from Holland.

15 mins: First booking of the game goes to van Persie. Absolutely clatters into Joan Capdevilla, and then moans that he gets a yellow.

16 mins: As Guy Mowbray says, 1-1. Carles Puyol gets a booking after chopping down Arjen Robben from behind. Robben certainly makes the most of it, but it definitely warranted Howard Webb stamping his authority on the game.

17 mins: From the free kick where that booking occurred, Wesley Sneijder fires in a free kick from 30 yards that falls straight into the arms of Iker Casillas. Should calm both the Spanish captain, and the Dutch team.

20 mins: Great fact there. Bert van Marwijk, the Dutch coach, has a 100% competitive game record since taking charge of the team two years ago. Played 14, won 14.

22 mins: Mark Van Bommel now goes into Webb's book after an absolutely horrific tackle on Andres Iniesta. That kinda thing can lead to the police getting involved for GBH over here.

23 mins: Okay Howard, book away now. Number four arrives thanks to Dirk Kuyt stepping in and getting Sergio Ramos booked for a nothing tackle. 3-1 I believe now.

28 mins: They've taken their time, but I think Holland have begun to settle into the game. Beginning to play the flowing football we know and love.

29 mins: A horrifically high boot from Nigel de Jong shoves into the chest of Xabi Alonso. Howard Webb gives him a yellow, but that's a straight red in my book. Awful tackle.

32 mins: I actually can't wait until this is my proper job. This kind of commentary is what I want to do for my life.

34 mins: Massive miscue from Iker Casillas leads to a Dutch corner, from absolutely nothing. Holland play it straight back to him. Now that's gamesmanship. I like that. Holland for the win.

37 mins: A cleverly worked corner kick comes straight to Joris Mathijsen in open space, who completely miskicksmiskicks it. He has his face in his hands. Rightfully so. I could have scored that.

40 mins: Apparently we had a pitch invader at the beginning of the game. Yes, Jimmy Jump returns. What a guy. But check this picture out. Now thats how to do your job.

42 mins: Jesus. Sneijder and Busquets go for the same ball, and it looks like a car crash. Busquets rolls a mile, Sneijder's momentum takes him a good 10 yards. He kicks his in the knodgers. That will be sore in the morning.

45 mins: Think the Netherlands are beginning to get a little frustrated at how broken up the play is. Can't seem to find that flow as they did a little earlier in the half. Spain beginning to up the tempo mind you.

45+1 mins: Holland play pinball in the Spanish box, and Robben forces a great save from Casillas. Great way to finish off the half, and make van Marwijk's half-time team talk a little easier.

HALF TIME: NETHERLANDS 0-0 SPAIN
Spain the brighter attacking team, but I'd say its very close to being 50:50 in terms of play. Both played extremely well, but it's been a bit tough for both to completely get into the game. Holland played quite dirty, but Spain begun to realise that if they roll around a bit, they might force Webby's hand into his pocket. Holland should certainly be down to 10 men, but Spain now have to use their attacking advantage to make them pay in the second half. 0-0 half time, but it won't be long before a goal. Time for a cuppa, see you in 15.

46 mins: And we're back. 0-0, all the players refreshed. Let's see what happens now.

47 mins: End to end in 30 seconds. Holland have a shot, Spain have a shot. Holland counter, Spain counter. Is this how it will all go now? Early corner for Spain thanks to all this play.

48 mins: Great corner flicked on by Puyol, and another air shot from Capdevilla leads to a Dutch throw. Puyol is just class in the air.

49 mins: Its all going on now. Spain have a penalty appeal turned down. Mainly from the fans, and it was a shoulder-to-shoulder type incident, but still proves how well they've turned out after the break.

52 mins: Robben creates the first proper Dutch chance of the half, but Casillas goes down to his left hand side to cover his post.

54 mins: Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the Dutch captain, gets booked for a very late challenge on Sergio Ramos. Now gives Spain a dangerous free kick, which Xavi puts just over the bar.

56 mins: David Villa goes down like a sack of spuds after a really horrible tackle from John Heitinga. Howard Webb didn't see it, but the linesman spotted it, and gives him the 5th Dutch yellow card of the game.

59 mins: Wesley Sneijder heads the ball across the Spanish net and at the same time, apparently hauls down Ramos. He goes down in a bundle, and Spain get a free kick. Bad decision that. Boos beginning to ring out towards Howie.

60 mins SUBSTITUTION: Spain bring off Pedro, and throw on Jesus Navas, the speedy winger. First throw of the dice.

62 mins: Arjen Robben played straight through and slices the Spanish defence straight open. One-on-one with Casillas, and the keeper saves with his feet. First real chance we've had.

65 mins: Holland have started to play man-to-man marking - and its working. The pressure they're putting on the Spanish when they attack is immense. Top stuff.

66 mins: And the pressure continues. Spain weave their way into the Dutch box, and somehow, the Netherlands manage to scramble it to Stekelenburg who gets rid. Its tense stuff.

67 mins: And as Robin van Persie breaks, Joan Capdevilla clips his heels and receives a booking for his troubles. 5-3 I believe now.

69 mins: How the hell did that stay out?! Navas crosses the ball to Villa, who is in a mile of space. He lashes it at goal, but John Heitinga throws a foot at it, and it fires over the ball. That's amazing defending.

70 mins SUBSTITUTION: Dirk Kuyt makes way for Eljero Elia, who will inject some pace into the team. Fresh legs on, so hopefully a bit of speed now.

73 mins: Howard Webb plays advantage to Spain, but Iniesta gives the ball away, and Howie pulls the play back. Spain have another free kick in another dangerous position. David Villa hangs over it, and from 26 metres, he puts it well wide of the far post.

76 mins: Another effort from David Villa that he puts well over the bar. A lot of Spanish passing leads to a great cross, and he puts it into the crowd.

77 mins: Wow. Corner from Spain, and Sergio Ramos leaps a good foot above anyone else, to rifle it right over the bar. That was THE chance.

81 mins: Spain continue this spell of possession, and Vicente del Bosque, the Spanish manager, is seen pointing to his eyes, telling the players to concentrate. His message got through to the Dutch, who stop Iniesta in the box with a great tackle from Sneijder. Player of the tournament.

83 mins: Arjen Robben again finds himself through into the box, but Casillas takes the ball from his feet. He appeals for a free kick from an earlier run, but Webb wants to hear none of it. Replays show Puyol was a bit rough, but his persistence gains him a yellow card for abusive language.

86 mins SUBSTITUTION: Cesc Fabregas finally makes it onto the pitch to replace Xabi Alonso. An attacking change that also adds some stability to the team.

89 mins: Robin van Persie shoulda been booked there. Plays on after the whistle blown plenty of times, and he still hits the post. Just not his day really.

90 mins: 3 minutes of added time. It's Hero O'Clock.

90+3 mins: Wesley Sneijder takes a 60-yard shot, but could have played Robben through. That will be that.

FULL TIME: NETHERLANDS 0-0 SPAIN
Well, that was a bit boring, if I'm honest. Certainly not what we expected. But, we still have half an hour to go, and its the first time a final has finished 0-0 since 1994. Been enjoyable, and I think the wingers for both teams will be the decider for whoever wins it. Loo break I think, seeing as we have 5 minutes till we start all over again!

91 mins: Well, it was inevitable wasn't it? Spain kick us off for the next half hour - 6 Dutch yellow cards, and 3 Spanish. One for each should have been red. Hey ho.

92 mins: Xavi tries to claim a penalty, as does Fabregas and Iniesta - in separate incidents. Howard Webb waves them all away, and rightfully so. Great decision that.

95 mins: Top, top save. Fabregas played through, and decides to go alone. Takes a touch, then hits it, and Marten Stekelenburg gets big and kicks it away.

96 mins: Then, at the other end, Fabregas blocks off Casillas, and Mathijsen heads the ball backwards just over the bar. Madness. Total madness.

99 mins: Andres Iniesta goes through this time, but tries to shuffle it onto his right foot, and van Bronckhorst goes across to block him off.

100 mins SUBSTITUTION: Nigel de Jong goes off and Rafael van der Vaart comes on - they're going to attack now the Dutch.

101 mins: Completely end-to-end. The game is alive. Jesus Navas strikes it, and the defenders get a foot to it and deflect it into the side netting. Great stop.

104 mins: Fabregas redeems himself, and slices his way through five Dutch defenders before putting the ball just wide of Stekelenburg's left post.

105 mins SUBSTITUTION: Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who retires as of this evening, comes off to great applause, and is replaced by Edson Braafheid.

HALF TIME EXTRA TIME: NETHERLANDS 0-0 SPAIN
Not amazing, but the best spell of play we've seen. End to end, and become a lot more open, but seems like both managers are preparing for penalties. 

HALF TIME SUBSTITUTION: Of course, it had to happen. Fernando Torres comes on for the last 15 minutes, and replaces talisman David Villa.

108 mins: The Dutch spring into life, and pass the ball all the way down the pitch, until Elia just takes it out on his cross. That's good stuff.

109 mins RED CARD: John Heitinga gets sent off for a second bookable offence - last man, and he drags back Iniesta. Free kick right on the edge of the box, so now its even more dangerous than beforehand. He skies it again, and it looks as if Van Bommel has dropped into the centre back role.

111 mins: It's Gregory van der Wiel's turn for a yellow now, after a pull back on Iniesta. Seven cards to Holland now. Resulting free kick needs a big punch from the keeper.

113 mins: Webby's bottled it. Arjen Robben kicks the ball away, and Howard warns him. Not good.

115 mins: Holland now gain a free kick in quite a promising position - 6 in the Spanish wall. Absolutely shocking decision - two touches from Spanish players before going out, and its a goal kick....

116 mins GOAL: NETHERLANDS 0-1 SPAIN (ANDRES INIESTA)
A break from Spain after a foul that wasn't spotted in the Spanish box, and Fabregas is the key man. Plays a ball across to Iniesta, who takes one touch and smashes it into the bottom corner. Only takes a second to become a hero. 

116 mins: Joris Mathijsen is booked for more abusive language, and Iniesta gets booked for taking his shirt off in his celebration. This is madness.

120+1 mins: Just to keep his tally up, Xavi is booked for kicking the ball away. Idiot.

FULL TIME EXTRA TIME: NETHERLANDS 0-1 SPAIN
Oh dear. Well, top stuff from Spain. They are indeed the world champions, and will be the number one ranked team in the world come Wednesday. European Champions, and now World Champions. They do deserve it overall, but Holland had played better football. I guess now we just wait for the presentations. What a tournament.

It seemed that every attack, free kick or major incident involved Iniesta, so it was dangerous stuff, but it's Iker Casillas who will be splashed on the front of every paper tomorrow, as he will hold the trophy aloft. But it wouldn't be the Spanish if they weren't modest. They already have the star embroidered onto special kits to wear for the presentation.

Holland look completely deflated going up to collect the third runners up medals of the country's history - never won the tournament. Must be a horrible feeling, especially when you have to walk past the Spanish once they have collected their silver medals. Not nice.

But here come Spain. I really didn't want them to win - I mean, I predicted they'd be out come the semis. But they have only scored 8 goals this tournament, which shows actually how poor the attacks have been, or how good the defence has been - whichever floats your boat. But here comes Casillas to give the trophy. Happy days.

What an absolutely incredible tournament. It's hard to put into words and describe how truly mesmerising the last month has been. 31 days of the best football played. Maybe not the greatest World Cup ever in terms of football, but in terms of the way this tournament has touched and changed lives, made people smile, and give people a reason to want to be there, it really is.

We've seen tears of joy, tears of sadness. We've watched the African nations fall, one by one, and with a continent backing Ghana, they believed it was possible. No-one expected what we gained as a global community - we all now have realised how little can lead to how much difference we can make to so many.

We had incredible performances from teams, from players, from fans, and from the South African nation. Expectations led to the ideas of gun crime, rape, theft, and murder. But there has been nothing of the sort - all we gained was incredible experiences that will never be forgotten.

31 teams leave South Africa with memories and thoughts of how wonderful a tournament this has been. One receives a legacy - South Africa. And that legacy will be there for generations to come, and that legacy will always lead back to the same point - the 2010 World Cup, that changed the face of a nation.

But, Spain have that trophy for four years, until Brazil 2014. And hopefully, I'll be there. But I'll still be blogging - more than like on Day Dedication (which is back tomorrow, by the way. Just to get my plug in there). Just keep an eye out. Big thank you to the BBC and ITV for brilliant coverage, info and photos, all of which have ended up in the blog. Same goes to Infostrada and The Guardian, and Sky Sports for their breaking news. Top stuff.

Spain are the World Champions. What a way to finish the greatest show on Earth.

FIFA World Cup 2010 Review

The first ever World Cup to be held in Africa has taken over our lives for the last month, and South Africa had the honour of hosting it. Most websites will be covering the football, whereas tonight, we're reviewing what we remember about the World Cup.

Vuvuzelas

Come on, what else?! For the first week, people were moaning about the buzzing noise on the telly, but for South Africans, the vuvuzela is like an English football chant. It may be cheap, plastic and in horrific colours, but its going to be something that we will always recognise as something to do with this World Cup. And just for the record, I've LOVED the buzzing noise.

Poor Performers
Well, someone had to mention them. How many teams have we had this tournament whose players haven't shown up?! The 2006 finalists - France and Italy - both went out in the group stages; France having had a players revolt. England fell at the second round - a team who had been tipped for glory die a horrible death, after playing really badly in the group stages. Portugal also went down, after relying too heavily on Ronaldo. Even Brazil played really poorly - they were far too defensive and their players just weren't good enough.

Jabulani

For the first couple of weeks, all the talk was about the football - the adidas Jabulani. It was slagged off and ripped to shreds - apparently it was far too round to play football. Well, would you rather it was oval?! Get a life - the ball has been fine, unpredictable, and great to watch in the air. So everyone can stop moaning now, and enjoy the reason this World Cup has been the best ever.

Shock Teams
Did anyone expect Ghana to be seconds away from reaching the semi-finals? Did we expect to see Paraguay in the quarters? Uruguay coming 4th in the tournament?! There have been some top, top performances by each team, and it just goes to show that this World Cup has shown just how good Europe have been nurturing the players at these teams.

Individual Performances
Are many players going to be remembered as making their name at this tournament? Yes. Plenty. Player of the tournament for me has to be Wesley Sneijder, of Holland. Scored a load of crucial goals, held the team together, passed the ball to create attacks, defended for his life - he's been the full package. He's closely followed by David Villa, of Spain. Now this bloke has just been signed by Barcelona for £34.1m. His value has shot up thanks to his terrific displays. Mesut Ozil has stamped his name on the map for his attacking displays. Diego Forlan scored some stunners and put himself back on the radar. There have been some brilliant performances.

Cheating
I've never seen anything like it in terms of cheating. It's incredible. The one that sticks out in my mind is Gabriel Heinze. He goes down on the line to gain a free-kick - a brush of the chest and he clutches his face. The ball ends up in the net, he wriggles on the floor, the goal is disallowed, and he's up on his feet smiling. Its just been an absolute joke. Shocking.

Stadia

How can we do a review and not mention the 10 stadiums used at this spectacle?! Every one of them is stunning in its own way. From Soccer City's incredible terracotta colour, to the Moses Madibha arch, every stadium will stick in the memory for one reason or another.

Empty Seats
Well, that was FIFA Boo-Boo #1.  They made prices for the tickets too high for people to buy them. Then, just a month before the tournament begins, they slash them, and the South Africans begin to buy them in bulk. Apparently, according to Sepp Blatter, every game was 'sold out'. Well, how come for the South Korea vs. Greece game there were 17,0000 empty seats?! Why not just give the tickets away to underprivileged kids so they get to witness the greatest show on earth?

Goal-Line Technology
As I said the other day, goal-line technology is bound to become the standard in the game now, thanks to the incidents we've seen. Frank Lampard's goal that wasn't given; Carlos Tevez being a good three yards offside and it not being spotted. It has to happen now, so it helps keep the game in the manner it should be played.

The Support

I think the one thing that will be in my mind forever is the support shown at this World Cup. We all know that South Africans just wanted to watch beautiful football, but I never expected them to support other teams once their beloved Bafana Bafana went out. Its been incredible to watch on the telly, and I cannot put into words just how wonderful it is to see how big an effect one football on a pitch with 22 other men can change lives forever.

By a mile, the best World Cup ever. Bring on Brazil 2014.

What Has It All Brought Us?

Many of us have been glued to the TV the last month, but what does the World Cup actually mean for the face of sport?

Well, for one, I believe we will now gain goal-line technology and video replays. We have to. There were two incidents within 2 days displaying how poor FIFA's handling over everything has been. Why does Sepp Blatter find it inconceivable that we can't incorporate 21st century ideas into a 19th century game? He's an egotistical idiot who needs to realise that football is about the Beautiful Game, and not about him.

But has this World Cup taken things out of the game? Bernie Ecclestone said this morning that he would rather be involved in the World Cup than the Olympics, but would anyone else? Not with the way football is at the minute. Its a debt-ridden sport, and its a game where everything involves too much money. Wage caps need to come in, the 'Fit and Porper' Premier League owner tests need to be more strenuous, and we need to be nurturing our homegrown talent, not buying in foreign talent. Things need to change before most countries realise their full potential.

Still, the World Cup has been the best we've ever seen. By a living mile.

Bronze Bullies - Day 30 Round-Up

You always know you're nearly at the finish line when you see a team celebrating behind hoardings, but without a trophy. Today was the 3rd place play-off.

I always thought this kind of game was quite harsh. It just sorta rubbed in the fact that they didn't make the final. Hey ho. So today was Uruguay vs. Germany, and it was a really good game. All the pressure was off both teams, so they were able to play good football. Germany took the lead after 18 minutes after Muslera in the Uruguay goal spilled a shot, and he put it in the net. It didn't take long before Uruguay could equalise, with Edison Cavani scoring against the run of play after 28 minutes. It stayed like this till half time, and then Uruguay took the lead after 51 minutes, with, who else, Diego Forlan scoring a great goal to top off his tournament. But after 56 minutes, Marcell Jansen headed in brilliantly to give the Germans a much-needed equaliser. With 10 minutes to go, Sami Khedira scored for the Germans, to keep it 3-2, and for the second consecutive tournament, Germany were the 3rd placed team. A great tournament for both teams, and we'll see what the rankings are like come Monday. For the highlights, click here.

It's A Small World

Having spent most of yesterday evening chatting to a very drunk man, we got talking about the World Cup. He went.

He also blogged while he was there, as a 'memory for him to look at in years to come'. I thought it was apt seeing as that's exactly what I'm doing too. But I knew exactly where he was coming from - it just seems too good an opportunity to be missing out on, especially when such incredible football has been played.

David Villa. Mesut Ozil. Wesley Sneijder. Diego Forlan. The list of incredible players goes on. Ghana. Uruguay. Mexico. Paraguay. Shock teams who played for their lives. The World Cup has made a massive impact for people in Africa, and that's why I think it could very well be the greatest World Cup of all time.

Providing the final is any good......

The End of the Road - Day 27 Round-Up

What we thought would be one of the games of the tournament.... wasn't.

Today's semi-final between Germany and Spain was going to be one of the greatest sporting spectacles to have ever been seen. Two of the top teams in the world, coming head-to-head with their strong attacks. But, as we have found with this World Cup, the shocks only come with the 'lesser' teams...

It was a game like a relay - one team would take the attacking baton, before handing it to the other, and then do it all over again. It took a while for both teams to get into their stride, and the counter attacking was some of the best we've seen. Ozil and Villa played blinders for the teams, and it just clicked. Come half time though, and it was still half time, and no-one was sure which way it would go. I actually wanted Germany, seeing as they've played the better football.

It took till the 73rd minute before we found out what would happen. The corner came in, and Spanish captain Carlos Puyol bulleted the ball into the net with a great header, to make it 1-0. And that's just how it stayed. Spain reach their first ever World Cup final, and whoever wins the trophy come Sunday, there will be a new name on it, seeing as neither team have ever won the tournament before. To see the highlights, click here.

Goals Galore - Day 26 Round-Up

Is it physically possible for this to get better?!

Today's semi-final was Uruguay vs. Netherlands, and it was going to be an absolutely incredible game. And it was. It began with an absolute screamer from captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as he struck the ball straight into the top right corner from near enough the touchline. Just a beautiful strike of the ball. Diego Forlan then followed it up for Uruguay with 5 minutes to go in the first half with a beautifully struck shot from the edge of the box, to make it 1-1. And half time obviously worked better for Holland, as after the break, they came out the sharper, and on 70 minutes, Wesley Sneijder scored a somewhat-controversial goal, as he curled the ball round Robin van Persie, who was stood in an offside position. Arjen Robben then made it 3-1, after putting the ball in the net from a wonderful header. Maxi Perreira scored in injury time to make it 3-2, and make it a little bit more tense, but the Netherlands held on to become the first team to reach the World Cup final, for the first time since 1978. To watch the highlights, click here.

So Nearly There - This Time For Africa

As we edge ever closer to the end of what has been an incredible month of the highest quality football, I thought it was about time we had a quick reflect on what this has actually done for world football.

2004 saw the announcement of Africa receiving its first ever big sporting spectacle - the World Cup was heading to South Africa. I'll be honest, I was a little sceptical, but wow, what a ride they've given us since the beginning of June.

South Africa put themselves back on the map in terms of being a good footballing nation. As did Uruguay, Ghana, Paraguay, Chile and Mexico. We had some shock results - Brazil and Argentina out in the quarters, England, France and Italy out even earlier than that. And some incredible personal performances - look at Mesut Ozil, David Villa, and Wesley Sneijder.

It has really rejuvenated world football, and could lead FINALLY to the introduction of 21st century techniques into an aging game - goal-line technology should finally head on in to the game.

This World Cup has the potential to be the best ever in terms of the Beautiful Game. Will it? We'll just have to wait until Sunday to find out.

Whoopsy Daisy - Day 23 Round-Up

Well then. There goes that prediction.

The first game of the day was Argentina vs. Germany, in what was billed as the finest game to be played this World Cup. And it certainly looked like it was going to be - goals galore from either team should have given us a brilliant attacking lesson. But alas, as is with this World Cup, things don't go according to plan. An early header from Thomas Muller within 3 minutes put the Germans one up, and from there on in, it was difficult for Argentina to recover. Even with 6 of the best strikers in the world in their squad, the defence was poor, and by half time, they were a shambles. The weak link was Gabriel Heinze - a player I used to rate highly, but have realised he is an egotistical, cheating, diving scumbag who should be thrown off the plane home. The second half proved that. After 67 minutes, Miroslav Klose slid the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0, and within 3 minutes, Arne Friedrich put them 3 up as he pushed the ball into the net. With just seconds remaining, Germany made it an absolute riot by putting a fourth in the net, with Miroslav Klose now just one away from equalling the record for the highest number of goals scored at World Cups. 4-0 means the Germans go through, and sends the Argentinians home. To watch the highlights, click here.

The final quarter final was between Paraguay and Spain. It wasn't one for the faint-hearted, that's for sure. A dire first half came to a close with some great Spanish play, but all the action was in the second half. After 57 minutes, Paraguay were awarded a penalty, which Oscar Cardozo put straight into the arms of Iker Casillas, before just 2 minutes later, Spain were awarded one, which Xabi Alonso scored, then was told to retake, then was saved by Justo Villar. Strange stuff. David Villa got them out of trouble though, with a double-post bounce in the 83rd minute, and that's how the game finished. Heartbroken Paraguayans, and the Spanish were rather pleased.... It sets up a brilliant tie between Germany and themselves, so we have that to look forward to on Tuesday. For the highlights, click here.

Over And Out Africa - Day 22 Round-Up

After two days of emptiness without football, we're back with a bang. And what a bang it was.

The first quarter final of the day was between the Netherlands, and Brazil. Very nearly one of the best games of the tournament so far. After an absolutely incredible ball that sliced the Dutch team in half, Robinho got on the end and slid the ball into the net after 10 minutes. It began a lot of brilliant, flowing, Brazilian attacking play, and all throughout the first half, they played some beautiful stuff. But after half time, it became a Dutch revolution, and some amazingly poor defending allowed Wesley Sneijder's cross ended up in the corner of the net, after a very poor Felipe Melo brushed header. It continued all the way, and after 15 more minutes, Sneijder reaped his rewards, and scored a brilliant flick header to put the Oranje in the lead. Melo then decided it was alright to stamp on Arjen Robben, so with 17 minutes to go, Brazil were down to 10 minutes, and that was that. 5 times world champions Brazil are knocked out, and the Netherlands go through to the first semi-final. To watch the highlights, click here.

The next one of the day was Uruguay vs. Ghana, and it was Africa's last hope at their World Cup. It was quite a slow start, and the first half was a bit of kick-and-run football, but Sulley Muntari, the poster boy for Ghana, and making his first start for the team after a fallout with manager Milovan Rajevac, scored a curling stunner from about 40 yards in the first minute of added time. The half time break revitalised Uruguay, and a beasty free-kick from Diego Forlan curled through Richard Kingson's arms and put the game back to where we started. It stayed that way until the end of 90 minutes, and then the same until the 120th, but that's when it got interesting. In the added minute of extra time, a long throw started pinball for Ghana, and a bullet header forced Uruguay's Luis Suarez to shove his arms up and stop the ball going into the net. The striker then received a straight red, and the resulting penalty would be the last kick of the game. Asamoah Gyan stepped up for Ghana..... and missed. Hit the bar. Shocking. So we went to penalties, for the second time in the tournament. Gyan scored the shootout penalty, but obviously not the most important one! John Mensah didn't, nor did Dominic Adiyiah, but Uruguay scored all of theirs, leaving Sebsatian Abreu to chipped the ball very calmly over the keeper, win the shootout 4-2, and put Uruguay into the semi finals to face the Netherlands next Tuesday. To watch the highlights, click here.

Sharp Shooting - Day 19 Round-Up

The final day of the round of 16 was going to give us a little surprise here or there - it always does.

The penultimate game of the round was between Paraguay and Japan. It was bound to be interesting, but would you say its interesting at 0-0? I certainly would. It was a brilliant game of attacking, flowing football that showed two emerging powers in world football. It finished that way at full time, and then again at extra time, so it was time for the tournament's first penalty shoot-out. Time for someone to step up and become a hero. And it fell to Oscar Cardozo. After Yuichi Komano missed his penalty, Cardozo stepped up and smashed Paraguay into the quarter finals. To watch the highlights, click here.

So then, the final game was between Spain and Portugal. It looked to be the best game of the entire competition so far - an Iberian derby that was going to showcase the best teams in Europe. And how wrong we were. It was a very, very poor game, with the only piece of excitement occurring in the 63rd minute, when David Villa put the ball in the net after a rebound from the keeper. It meant that Spain finished off the quarter final draw, and now face Paraguay in the next round. To watch the highlights, click here.

Quarter-Final Draw
Netherlands vs. Brazil
Uruguay vs. Ghana
Argentina vs. Germany
Paraguay vs. Spain

Top Two Trump Tothers - Day 18 Round-Up

The good old fashioned drubbing. I love it.

First today were the Netherlands vs. Slovakia. Now Slovakia surprised many by getting to the position they were in anyway, but they didn't really stand a chance against Holland. A classy Dutch team got the best start possible, with Arjen Robben scoring a great goal built by himself thanks to a 10-second counter attack. Top top stuff. It stayed like that until there were only 5 minutes to play, and Dirk Kuyt played the ball across the box for Wesley Sneijder to slide the ball home, and earn me another 8 fantasy points. Good lad. Robert Vittek scored his fourth goal in four World Cup games with what ended up to be the last kick of the game, thanks to a penalty conceded by the keeper. It finished 2-1, and if you want to watch the highlights, click here.

The next game was between Brazil and Chile, a game that was sure to show some brilliant attacking, and be a very quick game. Obviously, Brazil came in as favourites, but Chile had already shocked us with how well they were playing, so why not? They didn't really look at their best, and after 34 minutes, Juan headed home a bit of a bullet to put Brazil 1-0 up. It only took 4 more before Luis Fabiano scored a great goal into an open net, and all looked over. And it indeed was. Robinho's curled effort put an end to everything with half an hour to go, and it gave Brazil an excuse to show just how good they can be. With the game finished 3-0, it sets up a brilliant tie with the Netherlands in the quarters. To watch the match highlights, click here.

The Pointless Farewell - Day 17 Round-Up

Ah, the inevitable goodbye follows slightly earlier than we're used to.

Again, two games today, and we got a bit of a belter to start with. Germany, Group D winners, against England, Group C runners-up. It was always going to be a good game, but I didn't expect the first half to be as good as it was. Now, as I'm English, I shall be referring to them as 'we', so apologies Germans... Germany did, however, start as the much brighter team, and exposed John Terry and Matthew Upson as two of the number of weak links in the team today. They began to run rings round them, and eventually, Miroslav Klose managed to squeeze the ball into the net after 20 minutes. It was the beginning of the end, because England were now deflated, and the ball just stayed at German feet, and the English really couldn't be bothered to go and get the ball. They expected it to come to them. And it was almost karma that Germany stuck another one in, with Lukas Podolski finding the net after just half an hour. It was a sucker punch, but Capello got the team back up on its feet, and Matthew Upson scored from a corner, and things looked a little brighter. It only took a minute for us to score again, with Frank Lampard putting the ball well over the line, but alas, karma struck back, and the Uruguayan linesman didn't spot a thing. A good two foot over the line, and didn't see it. Idiot. But that was that for England, and they near enough shut up shop before half time. The second half was a lot of possession play, and Germany always looked the more likely to score, and after 67 minutes, Thomas Muller did exactly that. And again, in the 70th minute. Steven Gerrard proved how poor a captain and a team player he is by taking a shot every time he received the ball, so as he could write the headlines and become the hero. Nob. They are a top team, and I really do hope that the quarter lives up to all expectations. To watch the match highlights, click here.

The next game of the day was between Group B winners, Argentina, and Group A runners up, Mexico. The South American derby had a lot to go to to beat the other game, but it sure as hell was going to try. Mexico did in fact start the brighter team, but it took 25 minutes for the Argentinians to break them down, with a highly controversial goal from Carlos Tevez. Having been nearly 3 yards offside, the assistant referee allowed for the goal to stand, before all the Mexican players saw a replay on the big screen. The ref then looked to have cancelled out the goal, but then allowed for the goal to stand! Very, very bizarre. It only took 8 minute for Gonzalo Higuain to score a perfectly legitimate goal, but the game was dead thanks to that stupid decision. After the restart, Tevez scored an absolute stunner, and then Javier Hernandez pulled a goal back with 20 minutes to go, but it certainly was too little, too late, and Argentina progress to play Germany thanks to the 3-1 victory. To watch the highlights of the game, click here.

I have to say, after today, I have become a big advocate of goal-line technology. I always thought it should be in the game - it works for other sports - but Sepp Blatter is far too ignorant and too absorbed in his own ego to allow for it to happen. Today just proves it certainly should be involved in football, before the Beautiful Game dies a horrible death.

Adam Misses All - Day 4 Round-Up

Now school began again today. Couldn't have been a worse day, but we had to go back. And that means I missed all the football. So what you'll be reading below will be exactly what you can watch if you want to, by clicking on the highlight links. Simple, really.

The first game was the lunchtime kick-off - Netherlands vs. Denmark. What a freaky game! Sat down to watch the highlights, and there were only 3 minutes of them, so I assumed it would be crap, but I was very wrong. Nicklas Bendtner missed some sitters in the first half, and the freakiest own goal this season gave Holland the lead, after Simon Poulsen headed the ball against Daniel Agger's back for it to trickle in. The second goal, late in the second half, was good, as Dirk Kuyt follows up the ball and slides it home. Damian and I discussed the game before kick off, and we disagreed with the choice of playing Kuyt from the start, but we were proved wrong, which is always a good thing! Wesley Sneijder seemed to be everywhere as well, and I think he could be key. Still, 2-0 will set them up well. For the highlights, click here.

Next up was Japan vs. Cameroon. Now it was the story of two of the best teams of the tournament - kit wise of course. Cameroon in yellow with red pinstripes, and Japan in blue with white trim. That's about as good as it gets. The odd bit of flair and skill from Cameroon was nice to see, and broke up a dire game between the two. Japan took the lead towards the end of the first half thanks to a defensive error and a brilliant bit of instinct from Keisuke Honda, and then decided the best way to win the game was to put 10 men behind the ball. Everything from then onwards was Cameroon, but it wasn't enough, and the game finished 1-0. To watch the highlights, click here.

That finished off Group E, and that meant the last game of the day was the start of Group F - Italy vs. Paraguay. Now normally, this would have 'drubbing' written all over it, but with the selection within the squads, people thought a little differently. Paraguay took a shock lead thanks to a header from a corner by Antolin Alcarez, but this was cancelled out in the second half thanks to a bit of stupid goalkeeping, and Daniele De Rossi slots the ball home. From there, it was all Italy, but their old squad couldn't do anything more, and the game finished 1-1. To see the highlights (I wouldn't bother...), click here.

That was Day 4, and I think this may now be the trend for the next few days......

Tale of Two Halves - Day 3 Round-Up

And it really was. We went from one extreme to another in just a few hours. And it was well worth the wait.

First up today was Algeria vs. Slovenia, to finish off the first round of games in Group B. It was like watching paint dry. The game was boring, slow and repetitive, and it looked like no-one would score until Robert Koren popped up with little over 10 minutes to go. Dull. Dull. Dull. If you really, really want to waste 5 minutes of your life, and watch just how dull this game was, then click here.

Then we had Serbia vs. Ghana to launch Group C, and that was just like a party. Having an African nation actually play well, unlike Algeria earlier, made the whole continent go mad. And that was before the goal. Asamoah Gyan converted a penalty with 5 minutes to go to give Ghana an opening game win, and they now set themselves up for a big tournament. To watch highlights of this one, and I advise you at least watch the brilliant goal, click here.

And the final game of Day 3 was that between Germany and Australia, and what an absolutely stunning game. The first half was the best half of football I've watched in the last year. Ozil is the best player seen so far, and with Australia playing very poorly, they conceded two very classy goals. Second half was a little more open, and with a correct piece of refereeing, sending Tim Cahill off killed the game with it. The third goal was a one-man effort, and then Cacau slotted one in with 20 minutes to go. It just seamed effortless for them to walk this game. With the game finishing 4-0, Germany now look like the team to beat. To watch the highlights, and please do, because it was just brilliant, click here.

And today was the first time ever that every game of the day involved a red card. Weird how things like that go, int it? Let's hope that's the lot for now though.

One To Watch - Mesut Ozil

I've just sat and watched the first half of the Germany vs. Australia game, and watched in awe at the passing maestro in midfield. And guess who said he was one to watch?! (you can even check!)

Mesut Ozil has just ripped the Australians apart. His passing has been precise and perfect; his skill has shown why he is one of the most talented kids in the tournament; his finesse just makes everyone sit back and watch him come to life.

He's led every attack for Germany, and is behind every move for his nation. I'm just hoping that the rumours of Fergie looking into signing him from Werder Bremen for Man United this summer are true, because in a couple of years, he is gonna be even better than he currently is, and thats a scary proposition.

Outstanding Attacking - Day 2 Round-Up

Having now watched 5 out of the 64 games, we're beginning to get a bit of a feel for how its all going. And how attacking was today?!

First game of today was the Korea Republic against Greece,and it was a brilliant display by the Asian team. They showed that they really have recovered the form of the 2002 semi-finalists, and it was actually a very enjoyable game to watch - makes a change when it involves Greece. Highlights are found here.


Next up on the roster was Argentina vs. Nigeria, and it was the best game so far. First half was absolutely stunning - haven't seen a game of football like that in a while. Messi's jinking runs and Tevez's brute force matched perfectly, and the lack of defence for both teams were only uncovered fully in the last 10 minutes. The passing was brilliant too, and it bodes well for the next month. You can watch the highlights here.

Finally, we had England vs. USA. What a really poor game. When Gerrard put the ball in the net within 10 minutes, I thought we were on our way. But no, however we did it, we let the USA come back, and eventually ended up drawing 1-1, thanks to an absolute blunder from Robert Green. If I were Capello, I'd have pulled him off at half time, and let him know it wasn't acceptable. Second half was a little better, but we brought on slower players and brought the pace of the game right down, making Wayne Rooney a very unhappy bunny. Still, if you want to watch the highlights, click here.

Argentina Still On For The Big One

As those of you who have read the previous posts will know, I'm backing Argentina. I genuinely think they have enough attacking options, and enough of a team to win the competition.

Their performance against Nigeria earlier on was absolutely world class. I haven't seen a game like that in a very long time. So one sided, but only 1-0. Was just a wonderful spectacle to watch.

But is that it already? Will that really be enough to be world beaters and become the best team in the world? We'll just have to wait and see.

Bore Draws - Day 1 Round-Up

Well, that was an interesting day! Having watched both games, I think we can safely say we know which was the better.

We started off with South Africa vs. Mexico - a game that even Isobel enjoyed, even though she won't admit it. Siphiwe Tshabalala put SA ahead, with ex-captain Rafael Marquez striking back 12 minutes from time, to finish the game 1-1. It was a fast-paced, equally-attacking game, and it was a really good one to kick off the whole tournament. For highlights of the game, click here.


Then we had Uruguay vs. France this evening, and wow it couldn't have been more boring if it tried. What a seriously dull game. It was just 50:50 the whole way, until France actually started to try with 10 minutes to go, but it was far too late. If you're that way inclined, and want to waste a few minutes of your life that you'll never get back again, check out the highlights here.

It all bodes well for Day 2 though!

Opening Ceremony

Quite good weren't it?! Isobel and I came in late to watch it, but what we saw was brilliant. Loved the little trumpet man, and the dung beetle.

And all that work with the stadium-flag combo in the middle, and the logo stuff - very smart. They obviously haven't been working on this for a while....

Anyway, that means everything is now underway. Goodbye summer, hello World Cup.