Viva España!!!

Before I begin, if you didn't watch the game today then you really shouldn't even be allowed to ever talk about soccer again. Today was THE biggest sporting event of the year, already. Spain played the Netherlands in the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. As I had predicted before the World Cup even began, Spain would win. And yes, many other people also predicted they would win.

Overall, it wasn't the greatest game of soccer. Spain and the Netherlands both had a few really good chances however, both sides were shockingly unable to capitalize. The game would go into overtime where Iniesta would score what is now the most historic goal in Spain history with just a few minutes left in the second half of overtime.

But what I want to spend a little more time looking back on is Vincente del Bosque's idiotic decision. Sure, they won the game but let's begin with Bosque's decisions to sub Fernando Torres in for David Villa. In all previous games of this World Cup, Spain had never scored a goal while Torres was on the field. Today that changed. And today we also saw what horrible shape Torres is in. Furthermore, IMHO if Bosque had to put Torres in, sub him in for Iniesta. At that point in the game, Iniesta was disgracing football...he was diving all the time and on top of that he was playing horribly. Besides, David Villa and Iker Casillas were the only reasons why Spain had in fact even gotten to the finals. Highlight video here.

Nonetheless, congrats to Spain! I wanted them to win and they did! Viva España!!!

Jersey of the post: adidas David Villa Spain Away Jersey 10/11

Semi-Final #1 Review

Yesterday, Uruguay took on a strong Netherlands side in a very historical game. Both teams were fighting for what would be a prestigious moment in soccer history as both teams would look to advance to the final where they would gain a chance to play powerhouse Germany or Spain (either way, the Final is going to be unbelievably good!). Anyhow, the game was very even with both teams having (withing 1 of each other) almost the same number of shots, shots on target, fouls, corner kicks, offsides, possession (47-53 in favor of Holland), yellow cards, and saves. Statistically, the scoreline was also a perfect match. In most of these areas Holland did fair better and as we can see, the 3-2 scoreline is a perfect epitome of this.

Van Bronckhorst would be the first to score then Forlan would soon follow to make it 1-1 a little before the half. In the second half, the game seemed to begin to sway towards the Dutch as they were able to score another two goals thanks to Sneijder and Robben. However, Uruguay kept with tradition and played literally to the final moments when they were able to score another goal before full time on Periera's behalf. Clearly, a very well played game by both teams. Best of luck to Holland in the finals against the winner of the other semi-final game with coverage beggining at 1:30 ET on ESPN and espn3.com  today.
Click here for the full replay of the Holland vs Uruguay game (view under "REPLAY" tab).

Here's what happened the last time Germany and Spain met (208 Euro Final: Spain 1-0 Germany)


Jersey of the post: adidas Miroslav Klose Germany Home Jersey 09/11

Great first day of Quarterfinals

For the first time in history, Brazil led in the first-half and lost the game to Holland. Felipe Melo gave up an own-goal early in the second-half and would later on get a red card exactly 20 minutes later in the 73rd minute. However, just prior to the red card Sneijder had a fabulous header that would prove to be the goal that sends Holland to the finals.

In the Ghana vs Uruguay game, Ghana would take a first-half lead but Diego Forlan wouldn't care - 8 minutes into the second-half he would score an amazing free-kick. However, in the final minutes of extra time Suarez would purposely use his hands to block a guaranteed goal for Ghana. Fortunately/ unfortunately for Suarez, he will miss the next game but that hand ball would prove decisive as the penalty would be missed and Uruguay would advance on pk's, 4-2. Perhaps this year the hand of magic will be Suarez's hand. Smart guy if I may say so myself (although disgraceful at the same time).

Jersey of the post: Nike Sneijder Holland Away Jersey 10/11