Spain World Cup Winners 2010

The greatest show on Earth came to a dramatic close with an outstanding goal from Spanish midfielder Iniesta that eluded the hands of the Netherlands goal keeper. The game was not one for the purist as the Dutch decided to take a physical approach to the game with the hope of stifling the movement of Spain's key playmaker, Xavi. I supported the Netherlands and experienced emotions after the loss. However Spain winning the World Cup for the first time was an outstanding achievement. The fact that they won playing the beautiful way throughout the tournament gives young superstars in the making across the globe an opportunity to witness how football should really be played and emulated. The Spanish team had an array of talent to choose from. There were no weaknesses across their line up.

An attacking force that consisted of lethal striker David Villa, Fernando Torres, Llorente and Pedro provided arsenal upfront. This line up boasts some of the most dangerous attackers in the game. David Villa was in deadly form and scored 5 goals in the tournament. Torres had just returned from an injury and was not in his best form. His presence on the pitch made defenders wary and opened up space for Villa to score. Pedro did not appear in the tournament until the last two matches but his contribution in the victory against Paraguay convinced Del Bosque to start him against the Netherlands where he gave defenders trouble with his swift runs.

If that was not enough, the Spanish midfield consisted of probably the world's greatest possessors and passers of the ball, Barcalona's midfield duo Xavi and Iniesta. This partnership controls midfield with such prowess that another great playmaker, Cesc Fabregas finds himself on the bench despite his great talent. Sevilla's winger Jesus Navas was also impressive when he was called upon. The little winger causes havoc to defenders with his darting runs and swift crosses.

Their defensive structure in midfield and at the back is also impressive. Real Madrid holding midfielder Xabi Alonso not only stops attacks but also passes the ball with quality and contributes to offense with long ranged shots and spot kicks. Spain also rely on Barcalona's young starlet Sergio Buesquets that has been so impressive that he has denied Spanish stalwart Senna from making a trip to the South Africa. He was a key figure in midfield shielding the back line and providing Xavi with space to execute passes.

In Central defense Spain's manager once again relies on a Barcalona partnership of veteran Carlos Puyol and young star Pique. The two have created a formidable partnership that has conceded few goals for both club and country. In right back position the attacked minded flamboyant wing back Sergio Ramos is given the freedom to push forward down the flank. Villareal Capdevila ensured that the left flank was secure from incoming attacks. Finally in goal, Real Madrid's legendary goal keeper Iker Casillas was placed in charge between the posts. If he was not available Spain could rely on talents of not one but two top ten keepers in the world, Barca's Victor Valdes and Liverpools Pepe Riena. The players mentioned above were those that recieved playing time during the campaign. However the Spanish reserves are filled with talent across the pitch. Players like David Silva, Marchena, Arbeola, and Javier Martinez all quality in their own light had only cameos or bench time during the tournament due to the quality of the starting line up.

The Spanish, were almost always full of talent and technique but seemed to always fail on the big stage. The change of tides occurred 2 years when they won the Euro Championship. After their win the pundits predicted that they would go on to dominate international football. A luke warm performance in the Confederations Cup led to the return of doubts and pundits began to right them off early in the World Cup after their opening defeat to Switzerland. Their manager Del Bosque did not falter or change tactics. The team went into their next match against Honduras with the intent to right their wrongs and came out victorious in a 2-0 result. They then went on to win against Chile, Portugal, Germany and Paraguay on their way to a final victory against The Netherlands.

Spain throughout the tournament stuck to one plan. This was to possess the ball and score. They started on a disappointing note with a shock loss to Switzerland, but quickly made up for their error thanks to the brilliance of Xavi controlling the midfield and the emerging form of David Villa. Villa had an outstanding tournament scoring 5 important goals that took Spain into the finals.The Spanish team were well balanced. Del Bosque choose a mixture of youth and experience that proved successful throughout the tournamen. Seasoned players like Puyol, Capdevila and Xavi were complimented with the emerging talent of Pedro, Busquets and Torres. The veterans were able to rise to the occasion when called upon such as the stunning headed goal from Puyol when Spain looked for an opening against Germany or Casillas impressive saves (Casillas may be young but he is a veteran for both club and country, since he started his career at a young age). The exuberance of youth was evident by the swift, relentless movements of Pedro and the willingness of Gerard Pique to sacrifice his body to ensure that his team would not concede.

Apart from choosing players based on their experience and talent Del Bosque also relied on the familiarity of his key players in the midfield and defense. The majority of players in the Spanish line up are from the winning Spanish club Barcalona. Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Pique and Puyol (David Villa was recently signed) all play for Barcalona. Del Bosque utilized the same 4-3-3 tactic used in Barcalona with a one striker in central position flanked by two forwards on either side. In midfield the supporting central player is flanked by two holding midfielders. The back four consisted of two Center backs and adventurous full backs flanking them. Del Bosque should be applauded for emulating this tactic because it allows the core players of the team to flawlessly move from club to country without much hassle. The fact that they are familiar with the playing styles and each other gives Spain an advantage over all other clubs in the World Cup. This reason alone could ensure that Spain dominates international football. Congratulations to Spain on their impressive World Cup display.

World Cup 2010 Rd 3 Review

The final group stage matches have concluded and there have been some surprises. We have witnessed the dominance of the South Americans, with Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina all advancing to the knockout rounds. In Africa, Ghana has emerged as the continent's representative in the knock outs. There were also surprises such as the exit of the defending champions Italy by new comers Slovakia in a dramatic 3-2 clash that saw the East European team control the defending champions for most of the match. The Asians also were impressive with S. Korea and Japan advancing in competitive groups to the final 16. New Zealand a team that was supposed to be a beating stick exited the competition with pride as they left the tournament with three pts from drawing three matches.

Player of the Rd: Argentina's Lionel Messi: Messi showed us why he is the most dangerous player on Earth and is virtually unstoppable. Greece after winning their match against Nigeria felt that they had an inkling of a chance to get into the knockout stages if they could hold on to a draw with the Argentinians. Their game plan was simple. Place one forward up the pitch and keep the remaining players behind the ball at all costs. They tried to stifle Argentina's attacks with a defensive wall. They man marked Lionel Messi throughout the whole game, bringing him down with hard tackles as soon as he touched the ball.

This did not stop the maestro much though. Throughout the game Messi playing more as a playmaker than a forward went on his mesmerizing diagonal runs taking the ball from the flanks in towards the middle of the pitch. He shot and passed the ball with Greek defenders scrambling to gain possession of the ball. In the end Messi was too much for them, even though he did not score a goal, he was an integral figure in both goals scored. It was a corner taken by Messi that led to confusion in the box that resulted in the opening goal scored by Demechellis in the 13th minute. Messi then ran havoc on the Greek defense in the dying minutes of the game and struck a shot that was parried by the keeper into the path of veteran Palermo who slotted in a low shot into the goal. The outcome, the Greeks were devastated after they realized that their plan failed miserably and there was no chance of them going through into the knock out stages. Runners up: Slovakia's Roman Vittek, Japan's Keisuke Honda.

Goal of the round, Japan's Keisuke Honda vs Denmark: There were some amazing goals in this round, which included a long range kick from David Villa, A beautiful right footed shot by Van Persie and Germany's Ozil's longe range screamer against Ghana but the goal of the round goes to none other than Japan's flamboyant forward Kiesuke Honda's free kick against Denmark. With all the talk about players not being able to effectively control the Jabalani ball during free kick chances, this was a refreshing sight. There was no excuses about the lightness of the ball this time. Honda proved to the world that he had the technical ability to pull of a free kick that would make Cristiano Ronaldo jealous. Japan won a free kick from the right side just about 30 yrds from the goal. The Japanese forward struck the ball superbly. The ball rose high over the defensive wall and then dipped sharply into the left side of the goal, fooling Danish goal keeper Sorenson. Runners up: David Villa vs Chile.

Game of the Rd: Slovakia VS Italy 3-2, Slovakia: This was a shocking result. No one felt that Italy would fail to advance to the knockout groups despite drawing their first two matches. We all have got used to slow starts by the defending champions and expected that the real team would show up to claim all three points in the closing group game against Slovakia. This was not to be, the complacent Italians were taken by surprise by the determination of the Slovakians in their will to advance. Their coach, Weiss decided to bench his son and replace him with another attacking player Stoch. Weiss is a quick, nimble player that caused trouble against New Zealand and Paraguay but had lacked the finishing product in the final third. Stoch seemed more direct in his approach and made some quality runs and passes. The Italians lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with emerging star Montolivo providing the creativity backed by holding midfielders, aging Gattusso and De Rossi. Up front they started with Pepe, Di Natale and Laquinta all dangerous in their own light but were no match for the amazing Slovakian back line of Skrtel and company. Even more evident was the failure of Italy's central defensive partnership of Cannavaro and Chiellini failure to stop Slovakians powerful forward Vittek from scoring a brace. Young captain Hamsik controlled the Slovakians play with his passes and runs. In the 25 min a mistake by De Rossi leads the Slovakians to an attack which led to Vittek kicking a low shot that enters the left side of the goal passing the Italian keeper, Marchetti.

The score remains at 1-0 entering the second half. Italian coach Lippi, decides to ignite fresh legs into the game and brings on Maggio and the ever dangerous attacker, Quagliarella. The introduction of the latter causes the Slovakians problems as he provided trickery and attack prowess for the Italians. In the 59 minute Lippi, still searching for some creativity replaces Montolivo with aging playmaker Pirlo. There was drama in the Slovakian half in the 63 min when Quagliarella hits a volley towards the goal that is saved by the quick reflexes of Skrtel who was on the line and pushed the ball away with his right foot.

This does not stop the young Slovakians from controlling the match and in the 73rd minute Vitteck latches on to a pass from Hamsik and scores. Lippi is reduced to tears and there is silence from the Italian fans. Heads are down but substitue Quagliarella refuses to give up and continues to pounce on the Slovakians penalty box. His hard work pays off in the 81st minute after he successfully executes a series of one touch passes with Di Natale before shooting on goal. His shot is parried into Di Natale's path and he successfully scores Italy's opening goal. Quagliarella then proceeded to snatch the ball from Slovakians keeper, Mucha, because he felt he was wasting time. Mucha is not amused punches at Quagliarella while rising from the back of the goal. Quagliarella feints in hope to get the Slovakian carded but the referee would have none of it.

Hope is once again on Italy's side and they feel that they can go on to take over the match. Slovakia's manager had other plans, he decided to take off his warrior like holding midfielder Strba and replaced him with Kopunek. Kopunek, virtually unknown set his name in World Cup history almost immediately. Italy conceded a throw on the right flank. Kopunek timed his run perfectly to latch on to the ball and chipped it over the keeper's head to sink the Italians into even more misery. The game entered into stoppage time and Quagliarella still refused to give up hope. He decides to take a curling shot through a crowd of defenders that escapes Mucha and scores. Italy once more are overcome with belief and press on. The Italians have on more chance as the ball meets and Pepe who is left unguarded on the far post. His shot goes wide and with it went the Italians out of the tournament. Quagliarella burst into tears and was consoled by his captain as he was led away from the pitch. Lippi could be seen pushing his way through the crowd angrily. Their was a contrast in emotions on the other side as the Slovakians realized that they were through to the final 16, elated smiles and cheers were all around. This was indeed a match to remember

Players to Watch in the World Cup 2010...Raul Meireles

Portugal had to work hard to grind out results in order to qualify for the World Cup Finals. Their marquee player, Cristiano Ronaldo came off brilliant back to back seasons for clubs Man Utd and Real Madrid but failed miserably to score when it came to representing his nation. He just recently scored against Portugal to end an international goal drought that lasted two years. Portugal's strikers failed to be consistent in the final third, and Portugal had to wait until a play-off competition to book their ticket to S. Africa. One player that has been consistent is Raul Miereles. The Porto multi tattooed midfielder has played an integral role in the Portugal's qualifiers and warm up matches leading to the World Cup finals. He scored the only goal in the play-offs against Bosnia and Herzegovinia and scored two brilliant goals in the warm up game against Cameroon. He then went on to score the opening goal in Portugal's thrashing of N. Korea and setting up another.

Miereles is a special player, he plays in central midfield but has keen football intelligence and the attacking prowess of a striker. He is able to time the runs of Ronaldo, Tiago and Simau. He finds himself in the perfect position to shoot on goal. He also plays a dual role in attack and defense in the midfield creating openings and executing passes to the forwards. His contribution in the Portugal thrashing of N. Korea describes his importance to Portugal's success in the round of 16 and beyond. He is not only dangerous inside the box, but is also a reputed long range shooter, especially when he plays domestically for his club F.C Porto.

Portugal came into the game looking for a win after failure to break down the Ivory Coast. They knew that it was important to record a win in order to have a chance to escape the proclaimed group of death. Play maker Deco was replaced with Tiago who partnered Raul in midfield. The Koreans surprised the Portuguese by taking a more attacking approach and there were nervous moments when the Koreans breached their opponents box. In the 25th minute it was Miereles who came up with the goal that started the dismantling of the Asians. Miereles timed his run fthe through the middle to meet a brilliant through ball from Tiago who was coming from the right. He then slotted the ball pass the Koreans keeper. In the second goal, Merieles played the role of provider. After a little one touch passing with Almeida, Raul slotted a through ball of his own through two Korean defenders to meet the path of Simau who came running in from the right to score a lovely low shot. Now that Portugal has advanced it will be important for Raul to continue to be at his best both as finisher and supporter for their continued success in the tournament.

Raul 27, was born in Porto, Portugal and joined F.C Porto in 2004. He has made 156 appearances and has scored 15 goals for his club. He is known for his incredible work rate and passing ability that has lead Porto to 4 consecutive league titles. Internationally he was represented his country in both the under 21 and senior teams. He has made 37 appearances for the senior team and has scored 7 goals. These seven goals have all been integral to the team during the last European Championships, World Cup Qualifiers and the World Cup finals. There has been expressed interest by top clubs in Europe to join their team. He is definitely a top player and should be watched in Portugal's remaining matches in the tournament.

World Cup 2010 Rd 2 Review

The Second Rd of World Cup South Africa has just concluded and man what a week it has been. We have been entertaining with stunning goals, tremendous tackles, emotional flair ups, upsets and even star struck referees. This was the week when the top strikers of the world seem to realize that they were at at the World Cup and decided to put on a show for football lovers around the world. There are so many highlights to choose from. What will it be? Portugal's 7-0 drubbing of N. Korea? or the Argentinians 4-1 dismantling of S. Korea? Brazil's samba against the Ivory Coast or Slovenia and USA exhilarating 2-2 drama filled match up. If its goals you want it was there. Uruguay's Forlan wonder strike, Brazil's Fabiano's questionable juggling performance or the Netherland's Wesley Sniejder long distance shot...tooo many to chose from.

If you were routing for the underdogs you would have been saddened by the poor turn out of the African teams, but you could to dare dream after viewing Germany being defeated by Serbia or defending World Champions Italy being held to a draw by football minnows New Zealand. There was also the sad performances of favourites England against North Africans Algeria and the embarrassing performance of a French team in turmoil. When it came to drama and controversy there was a lot of that too. German striker Klose being sent off for two light fouls. American midfielder Edu having his winning goal dismissed without a clear explanation from the referee and a referee who got caught up in the amazing skill of the Brazilians. He failed to notice that Fabiano handled the ball twice before scoring an amazing gaol, decided to smile and have conversation with him asking about his technique and then sent off his team mate Kaka for a simple push. Ahh can you imagine the drama that will unfold in the final rd of group stages? I cannot wait.

Team of the Round, Argentina: This was a hard choice because this rd had some amazing team efforts but Maradona's group played against the most competitive opponent and came out with the spoils. The other two nominees for this category are Portugal and Brazil, both played against sides that they were expected to win based on their caliber and world rankings. Maradona build a team that possesses attacking power orchestrated by the playmaking skills of World's greatest Lionel Messi and the amazing work rate of Carlos Tevez and so far it has worked. The S. Koreans came from a convincing 2-0 performance against Greece and looked to at least gain a point from the South Americans.

The latter had other ideas and ran riot in attack, Messi's free movement and dribbles turned Korea's defense into knots and allowing Real Madrid striker, Higuain to lurk around the penalty box and poach three goals for a fantastic hat trick. Maradona replaced central midfield playmaker Veron with winger Maxi and went for a more fluent attacking approach. Di Maria the expressive winger who played a subdued role in the opening match against Nigeria, was given a more free attacking role and this was evident by his constant testing of S. Korea's defense. S. Korea found themselves pushed back and were taken off guard when they conceded an own goal after a Messi free kick and this settled Argentina into cruise control.

I thought that Tevez relentless work in both attack, midfield and even defense was top notch but I feel that Argentina really became dangerous when he was substituted for Kun Aguerro who was more direct in attack. He stayed mostly to the left and linked up with Messi to present Higuain with his hat trick and almost got himself on the score sheet with a beautiful individual display. This partnership lead to one of the best attacking moves of the tournament. Messi flicked the ball in attack to Kun who crossed the ball immediately without bringing the ball down to the waiting Higuain, who made no mistakes in heading the ball into the back of the net. There is definitely questions about their defense since everyone seemed to push high up to attack. As a result the S. Koreans were able pick off a consolation goal but it does not seem to matter because Maradona seems to have taken that his team has enough lethal firepower to outscore their opponents while conceding the occasional one or two goals. Runners up: Portugal, Brazil, New Zealand.

Goal of the Tournament Spain's David Villa VS Honduras: Man, this was another hard decision there were many great goals in this round David has won this one because the next best Fabiano's goal in my opinion was questionable. Spain was under extreme pressure to earn points after their shock loss. The Spaniards decided to put this pressure to rest against lower opponents Honduras. Bolstered by the presence of his partner Fernando Torres, David was able to cause trouble in the attacking third. In the 25 minute he dribbled through the Hondurans from the left and the kicked a stunning diagonal shot into the top of the net, superb. Runners up: Brazil's Fabiano vs N. Korea, Uruguay's Forlan vs S. Africa, USA's Landon Donavon vs Slovenia and Slovenia's Birsa vs USA.

Player of the round, Gonzalo Higuain: This was another hard choice with so many top players showing up in this round. The 20 plus goal Argentine striker is the top player because he has joined the elite ranks of scoring hat tricks at the World Cup. No matter how easy the goals may look this is not an easy feat and this is evident by the fact that top players are struggling to score. Higuain pushed his way into Maradona's team after being virtually ignored. His contributions in the qualifiers and domestic form, forced Maradona's hand to include him in the team to S. Africa.

It was alleged that his French background made him an unlikely selection but he proved his critics wrong and not only made the final cut but was selected to start ahead of Maradona's son in law Kun Aguerro and Milito two players who some analysts feel should be chosen ahead of him. His failure to score in Argentina's goal against Nigeria increased the rumblings, critics feeling he should be replaced because he had his chance to prove himself and failed. I too knew and respected his potency but thought Kun would have been a better choice.

Argentina got off to a nervy start but was soon relaxed after the Koreans conceded an own goal. This led the team to attack with confidence. Messi dribbling through the middle causing commotion. In the 33th minute Gonzalo scored his first goal of the competition with a poaching headed effort. His next two goals came when Tevez was replaced by Kun. Kun made an immediate impact partnering with Messi pressuring the Koreans into mistakes. In the 76th minute he made another poachers goal kicking in a rebound from Messi's attempted shot on goal. He then finished his performance in fine style heading a brilliant goal that ended a move that started with a chip from Messi to Kun who crossed the ball into the box. This was an absolutely stunning performance. Gonzalo has shown the world that he has what it takes to perform at the highest level for his international team. It is good to see a player that has been in the shadows of his team mate Messi shine. Maradona should be applauded for taking him off to get the applaud and recognition he deserved from the supporters. Runners up: Forlan, David Villa, Enyeama, Kun Aguerro, Fabiano, Paston (New Zealand's Goal Keeper).

Game of the Round, Slovenia VS USA: This was quite a surprise, I did not expect much from this match. I could have not been more wrong, the match turned out to have all the attributes of a good football match. Goals, entertainment, determination, emotions, turns and twists and a bit of controversy. The first half of the match started with Slovenia having the upper hand taking the game to USA. In the 13th minute player Birsa decided to test US keeper Tim Howard from long range and kicked the ball, that curved in the air and left Howard flatfooted as it hit the back of the net. If things could not get any worst for the Americans the Slovenians scored again. Ljubijankic got through the defense and scored a lovely low driven shot that foiled Howard. Things were looking up for Slovenia that already had 3 pts from a win against Algeria.

In the second half US coach, Bradley decided to make two changes he placed Edu in the midfield and also brought on Fielhaber. The US look for an answer to the Slovenians. In the 48th minute Landon Donavon beat his defender on the right flank and raced towards the box. He then cut inside looking for the pass but saw no team mates in sight. He then took the ball towards the keeper and shot a powerful shot into the top of the net, a stunner. The game then became a midfield battle Slovenia trying desperately to hold on to their lead and the US pushing forward to tie the game. The US pressure paid off with midfielder Michael Bradley placing the ball in the back of the net through a crowded penalty box in the 82 minute. The US tasting blood continued to take control of the game filling their opponents box with players. Substitute Edu in the dying moments finally sent the ball into the back of the net with a volley and sent the US in euphoria but the African referee blew the whistle to stop play for some unknown reason. The goal was disallowed and both teams cancelled each other out for the rest of the game. After the final whistle US players rushed to the referee livid demanding an explanation for disallowing the goal. This match had everything. Runners up: Brazil vs Ivory Coast, Portugal vs N. Korea.

Players to Watch in the World Cup 2010...Gervinho

The Ivory Coast knew that they would have a difficult task ahead of them if they wanted to advance into the knock out stages of the WC. They were drawn in a group that consists of Football giants, Portugal and virtual unknowns North Korea. This draw quickly became known as this tournament's group of death. If that was not enough, the team soon received dreadful news that their captain and top striker Didier Drogba fractured his elbow in the final warm up match before the tournament. Their manager then looked to a young emerging talented striker, known as Gervinho to take up the huge mantle of leading the attack line against Portugal.

The outcome was the young man played his role magnificently and caused Portugal defense numerous problems and was quite unlucky not to have scored a goal. The young man with the long braided hair style, similar to Drogba's except natural possessed great ball control and dexterity as he flawlessly dribbled through Portugal's defense causing major trouble especially when he took the ball on the left and cut inside to make short passes. He was a key contributing to Ivory Coasts opening draw with Portugal, which had analysts crediting the Africans with being the stronger team.

He was so impressive, that I expected that Ericksson would have made him a permanent fixture in the teams starting line up. Ericksson had other plans and decided to start Drogba for the match against Brazil. I felt that Drogba starting up front was the correct decision because he gave the team a psychological lift but I expected that Gervinho would have started on the wing, where he is more than competent to hold. In fact it is his preferred position for his club side. I felt that Ivory Coast lacked pace in attack, Dindane the player I would have replaced him with lacked pace and slowed the attack to the point the Brazilian defense had no problems handling the Ivory Coast front line.

Gervinho came on in the final quarter of the match and almost immediately there was new energy in the Ivory Coasts attack with his dribbles. During the closing minutes he lead his team on a counter attack that saw him cover the entire pitch leaving Brazilians seeing the back of his heels but his team mate provided a weak finish to his hard work. It was quite obvious that it was a mistake not to have started him because he would have been able to provide the Ivory Coast with an outlet. A player that can dribble through the Brazilian midfield wall that consisted of Gilberto and Melo and provide passes that would have been eaten up by Drogba

Gervinho 23, was born in Anyama and is a product of Ivory Coast's world famous football academy ASeC Abidjan that garnered talents like Barcelona's Yaya Toure and Arsenal's Eboue. During his stay at the academy he was under the tutelage of a Brazilian coach and was given the nick name Gervinho since his actual name is Gervais Yoa Kouassie. He possessed great dribbling ability and his nickname stuck to him, despite other players also receiving Brazilian nick names. He then played in small teams around Europe in Belgium.

In 2007 he moved to French Ligue 1 club Le Mens. He spent two seasons there scoring 8 goals and attracting the attention of larger clubs. In 2009 he signed to French team Lille for a transfer fee estimated around 8 mill pounds and had an impressive start scoring 13 goals in 32 appearance. Apart from scoring he created a number of highlight reels with his fluent ball control and dribbling skills, entertaining Lille supporters. It is now rumored that large clubs in Europe such as Arsenal and Manchester Utd are contacting Lille interesting in purchasing his services. He has definitely made his mark on the World Cup, we will have to see if Ericksson will give him the opportunity to start against N. Korea so he can show the world what he is capable of doing in his preferred position for 90 minutes on the World Cup stage.

World Cup Rd 1 Review

The greatest show on Earth has started and we have concluded the first rd of matches. Here is my thoughts of the Event so far.

South Africa has been quite a host. The opening ceremony was professionally and beautifully orchestrated. It was an awe to see the cultural dances, colors and innovative human collages. The stadiums are superb. Their aesthetic quality are among some of the most beautiful I have seen. The football pitches are superb, which highlights the exquisite movement of expression of skillful players navigating the ball across them. I will admit the plastic horns, known as the vuvuzelas have taken some time to get used to but I am now able to ignore the droning noise.

Team of Round One, Germany: I was quite amused by the nonsense coming out of analysts mouths saying that Germany would be weak. They mentioned that the team would fail to live up to expectations because their strikers were in poor form for their domestic leagues. Their captain Ballack succumbed to injury and their were too many young unknown and unproven players in the team. There was also nonsense that full back Lahm was too young to be given the German captaincy. I have noticed that the team has had an impressive record leading up to the finals, with goals galore. Polish born strikers Podolski and Klose have always been under achievers in the domestic realm but when they put on their countries shirt the former especially shines like a diamond. Their left forward/winger Mueller was already familiar to me from their his Champions League performance with Bayern Munich. The young man who replaced Ballack in the midfield play maker Mesut Ozil was rather unknown to me except that I read he was one to watch in the tournament.

The day came and Australia was taught a lesson in football. The Germans were fluent with their short passes and through balls. Muller being over six ft and placed on the right wing was a handful as he pushed forward to meet passes from the ever present Ozil who glided with the ball with the finesse that would rival Messi. Of course beautiful passing is nothing without a finishing product. In the final third Germany proved that they had what it takes. In 4 minutes Podolski made a mockry of allegations that the world cup ball could not be controlled by strikers as he sent a rocket of a shot past Australians keeper almost taking his fingers with the ball. The second goal was one of my favourite goals of the tournament. Lahm crossed the ball from the right perfectly to the head of Klose who sent the ball piercing into the back of the net. These goals were followed by the dismantling of Australia, which saw the Socceroos best player Tim Cahill seeing red and opening an onslaught of attacking play that led to goals by Mueller and Brazilian born Cacua. Their defense has yet to be challenged but for this round they were stand out favourites. Runners up: Argentina.

Game of Round One: I have to say the most stand out game of the round goes to the opener between hosts South Africa and Mexico. It was an open attacking game that ended in a 1-1 draw. Mexico's attacking prowess was on show with the likes of Arsenal's Carlos Vela, West Ham's France and Tottenham's Dos Santos moving around the hosts half with fluency. The only problem was they were not able to finish off the impressive displays. South Africa had moves also and showed the world they were not push overs. Their high work rate paid off and they were rewarded with one of the top goals of the World Cup so far. In the 55th minute local based player Tshabalala who plays on the left wing for the Kaiser Chief's took the ball from a pass on the left and hit a magnificent shot pass the Mexican keeper to open the World Cup in fine style. South Africa went into euphoria and thoughts the dreams began. Mexico realizing their plan was not working looked towards the bench for answers and replaced Vela with Blanco and also brought on young play maker Guardado. The adjustments worked as the substitutes troubled the S. Africans. Mexico equalized in the 79 minute with a shot by captain, defender Marquez. The remaining minutes S. Africa and Mexico held each other off from winning the match. Great entertainment. Runners up Germany vs Australia, Argentina vs Nigeria and Ivory Coast vs Portugal.

Goal of the Round: Brazil right back Maicon. This goal was absolutely amazing and defied the laws of physics. North Korea put up an Iron curtain that held the Brazilians to 45 minutes of football with nothing to show but frustration. Some of the Brazilian players were seen looking to sky as if to ask for blessings from God. The result of their prayers came in the second half when attacking right back Maicon received the ball from the right side of the box, just parrallel with the goal and took a shot at an impossible angle that fooled the goal keeper and curved into the goal. He and the world were surprised as the ball passed the line, tears ran from his eyes as he celebrated. Runners up: Podolski against Australia, Klose against Australia amd Ji Sung Park against Greece.

Player of the Round: Nigerian Goal keeper Enyeama. Nigeria had the dreadful task of playing their first match against Argentina. The Tel Aviv goal keeper conceded one goal, and displayed phenomenal talent between the post to denie the World's greatest player, Lionel Messi from opening his world cup with a 5 star performance. Enyeama saved his team from picking up at least 6 goals from the South American giants. There is no doubt in my mind that top clubs are calling Israel to negotiation their chances of getting Enyeama into their squad for next season. Runners up: Messi, Maicon, Lahm, Podolski, Tshabalala, Honda.