A forgettable final befitting a forgettable World Cup. The team which was less capable of not scoring goals won.
When you have a World Champion crowned, who won their pre-quarter, quarter, semi and final by a 1-0 margin, and a team who scored a total of 8 goals in 7 matches, while conceding only 2, it speaks volumes of where the priorities lie - in not conceding goals and in not scoring goals. A highly defensive France in 1998, a flairless Brazil in 2002, a dour Italy in 2006 and now a lacklustre Spain in 2010 - the World Cup has lost its sheen.
The best game of the World Cup was perhaps the 3rd place play off match between Germany and Uruguay. It was open, aggressive football at its best.
Only saving grace is that Diego Forlan won the Golden Ball for the Best Player of the tournament. The unassuming Uruguayan was a revelation. He shouldered the responsibility of taking Uruguay to the Semis single handedly on his shoulders, scored vital and spectacular goals, was unselfish in assisting, and was an epitome of grace both on and off the field. A gentleman to the core and a highly skillful player. Perhaps the only one who really mastered the Jabulani ball in dead ball situations. He was game to the last, literally, for the 3rd place match ended with Forlans free kick just hitting the cross bar, thus narrowly missing going into the goal, that would have squared the match.
Let us congratulate Spain but let us hail Diego Forlan.
Amid the gloom, there is one bright spot. At least we are rid of the damn Vuvuzelas.
