 FIFA World Cup 2010 – A Look Back
South Africa proved as the most cordial host of FIFA World Cup 2010 which went on from 11th June to 11th July. Brilliant performances, competitive spirits, awesome sceneries of Africa, and last but not the least Shakira’s Waka Waka, evoking Ethiopic bizarre fantasies, created the ideal atmosphere for world Cup 2010.
Spain, the underdog finally emerged as the official winner (http://www.mysticboard.com/mb-free-zodiac-warrior-sign/) of the world’s largest tournament but their path to the victory was no bed of roses. The first twist appeared when Spain got defeated by Switzerland and compelled to play battle of survival in a whole series of tight matches. Coach Vincent Del Bosque and his trump cards David Villa, Fernando Torres and Carlos Puyol managed to beat Portugal in round 16 and Paraguay in the quarter final but always with a thin margin of 1-0 lead. The most astounding defeat of most rated team Germany in the hands of Spain, paved their golden path to the finals, leaving the whole world literary mesmerized. However we could always count upon the psychic octopus, and frog that killed the suspense beforehand by predicting the exact winners almost of every match.
The final was a neck to neck competition; but it was not a highly exiting one and we all missed Brazil and Argentina’s presence in the final. Spain was dominating the match from the very beginning and Villa started taking sure shot chances of goal within the first five minutes of the game. The Dutch put forward a hardnosed defense till Andres Iniesta scored the golden goal in the extra time with four minutes in hand. The scintillating Spanish speed, constant offence and endurance finally imported the championship trophy straight to the capital Madrid.
Netherlands was in a superb form this year and the defeat in final caused million heartbreaks as it also broke their 25 game winning streaks when they lost the match in final. In the final Arjen Robben’s goal miss, referee’s favoritism, and six yellow cards culminated Dutch’s all chances to win. It was there third World Cup final loss after 1974 and 1978. Nevertheless their marked stopping of David Villas in the final, wild semi final win over Uruguay with high scoring 3-2 lead and triumph over Brazil were remarkable.
Thomas Mueller of Germany with five goals, and three assists in his kitty finally won the Golden Boot for maximum goals leaving behind Dutch Sneider, Spanish David Villa and German striker Close who were also equally deserving. Diego Forlan was the winner of the Golden Ball, without whose stupendous performance, Uruguay’s historic journey to the semi finals would not have been possible. And Iker Casillas of Spain won the Golden Glove for Best Goalkeeper. He literally formed a Chinese wall in front of the Spanish goal post. Thomas Mueller also bagged the award for Best Young Player of the tournament.
Controversies like England’s thrashing out from the last sixteen and Argentina’s crashing out with four goals were pretty sad for FIFA World Cup 2010. Irrespective of these minor things, soccer always has a worldwide fan following this year and the whole world was mesmerized by the eloquent closing ceremony at the Soccer city Stadium. Former president Nelson Mandela’s presence raised it to a different level. Overall FIFA World Cup 2010 crossed a new milestone and added a new feather to the legacy of this legendary game of soccer.
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