Jul 12, 2010 08:00 PM
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Well the World Cup is over, 1 month of non stop action, heart break tension comes to a close, with Spain winning Soccer's Ultimate Prize. So here are some thoughts of mine on the World Cup. Ok now if you are looking for something on Paul the Octopus, you won't find it, here, sorry to disappoint.
Crash of the Titans
They were supposed to be the favorites the ones tipped to win the Cup, the top teams in their Groups. However most of them crashed spectacularly. The worst of the lot were France and Italy, the finalists from 2006. Both of them could not even make it to Round of 16, making this I guess the first instance when two finalists of the previous tournament bowed out in the league round. Italy did put up a heroic show against Slovakia, but their dour defensive game in the earlier matches cost them badly, and add to that a team, with most of the players over the hill, meant it was Ciao for them. France were rubbish, and I am being polite there. They played look a school level team, not a world class team at all. Add to that their squabbling, their inter rivalries, they were the joke of the tournament. Adieu to them.
English Soccer Team= Indian Cricket Team
Over hyped players, too much media hype, too much money, overflowing with riches domestic league, a media that keeps hyping up every decent player, and yet when it comes to the big stage, sorry, just not able to perform. And yeah both teams live in the past, one in 1983 and another in 1966, hoping to recapture that glory. Most of the English glamor boys Rooney, Lampard, Terry all proving to be super flops, much like our ahem, forget it.
Not yet time for Africa
Well whatever Shakira darling might say, it is still not yet time for Africa. Barring Ghana, the other members of the African continent put up a poor show, and that includes the host nation. Major problem with most of the African nations, is their lack of consistency. Do well in one or two tournaments, but not consistent enough. We have seen it with Cameroon in 1990, Nigeria in 1994 and 1998, but after that these teams have been downright disappointing. Kudos however to Ghana, for putting up a fabulous show, and had Gyan not missed that penalty against Uruguay, they would have made it all the way to the semis.
German Blitzkrieg impressive
The Germans were not the tournament favorites, and considering most of their squad was young, it seemed a tough ask. But yet they were the best team till a tight Spanish defense stopped them. The way the brushed aside England and Argentina was breathtaking. Their audacious counter attacks, defensive strategies was brilliant. They really did not miss Ballack, as Klose, Podolski, Bastien, Oezil and co, put in a superb performance. Even their defeat against Spain, could be put down to a lack of experience. This team seems destined to go a long way. Also for a nation that once prided itself on it's Aryan race, this had to be one of the most diverse teams, with players tracing their origins to Bosnia, Poland, Turkey, Brazil, Ghana.
Latino brigade flatters to deceive
Brazil and Argentina, the Latino giants, played some dazzling football in the league and Round of 16 stage. However their poor defense proved to be their Achilles heel, as both teams, choked when the crunch situation came. Brazil found itself stymied by Holland's physical game, and choked, losing the Quarters in spite of taking an early lead. As for Argentina, they could not penetrate the German wall, and had no clue at all to the German blitzkrieg. These teams have some excellent players, but need to tighten up their defense.
Dutch treat turns Sour
Holland played some excellent football and deserved to go all the way to the final. But sorry, what on earth were they thinking in the final, you were supposed to play soccer not Rugby, Damn it. Holland played a negative, cynical, defensive game in the final, and honestly should be banned. They have disgrace to the beautiful game. Sorry Oranjes, but no tears, you guys deserved to lose.
