The Images of the Spanish Victory showered in Golden Confetti, Sunday night from Soccer City, are still splashing all over news channels. Spain has won the FIFA World Cup for the first time; it’s a moment for the pages of history.
With both Netherlands and Spain being the only teams to have won all their qualification matches and Netherlands having been undefeated all throughout the tournament, the stage was set for an exciting match on Sunday night. Added to that was the anticipation running around 5 key players, each vying for the Golden Ball.
All eyes were on Sneijder and Villa to battle it out and put up the best game of the tournament. But neither could create magic for their teams. The last game of the FIFA 2010 turned out to be quiet a drag through the 90 minutes of play, until Andres Iniesta swooped in during extra time, hitting a pass from mid-fielder Fábregas past through the Dutch defence to score the winning goal for his team, with only 4 minutes time left.
The game had its moments, including a record 14 Yellow cards (9 of which were issued to Dutch players) and 1 red card for the Netherland’s defender, John Heitinga which left the Dutch with only 10 men to battle out the last 11 minutes. A loss that cost them heavily in the 116th minute when Iniesta scored. Eight players were booked in little over an hour in Soccer City and the constant interruptions proved to be quiet frustrating, for those on field as well as for the spectators.
This is Netherland’s 3rd final defeat in the World Cup and the first time that a European nation has won the World Cup outside of Europe. For Spain, coming after their Euro Cup win in 2008 against Germany and a long struggle, it’s a case of Beauty winning over the Beast. The team has been lauded for their artistic style which won over the brute force of Netherlands. The Spanish media is calling it “Poetic Justice” while others call it the victory of football as the Spanish side stuck to its attacking philosophy and won the game “the right way”, without ugly tactics or physical force. It was truly the beautiful game, classic style.
Thomas Meuller, of Germany, won the Golden Boot with his 5 goals and 3 assists, while Uruguay’s Diego Forlan won the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s best player. Mueller also won the title of Best Young Player.
The 2010 World Cup cannot be termed the most breath-taking ever, but drama and excitement did come in dozes. There were several disappointments with individual players such as Ronaldo, Rooney and Kaka but in the end, team effort has shown its strength. Spain very splendidly proved till their last game that the best performers are teams.
This World Cup will also be remembered for some unconventional reasons including several referee blunders which lead to debates regarding the use of better technology during matches. For Shakira’s “Waka Waka”. For Paul, the octopus who achieved celebrity status through his predictions. For South Africa's unbreakable enthusiasm as first-time hosts and for the vuvuzela which, despite all debates, will forever be synonymous with the South African World Cup.
And for the official song which captured a million hearts with its unique style. When I get older, I will be stronger, They’ll call me freedom, Just like the waving flag......And Spain’s flags are waving away to glory.
So Goodbye FIFA 2010.
Next installation: Brazil, 2014
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