In a very pathetic match which didn't see any of the class that associated with a World cup final, Espanyol wins thanks to an Andres Iniesta strike in the second half of the ET. Even when Zidane was red carded for what was a very non sporting action, no one was ready to say that Horacio Elizando was wrong. All the parties except Elizando was wrong; and Materrasi was more wrong than Zidane. In this edition's final, all except Webb was wrong; and Netherlands was more wrong than Spain.
Calm before the storm, er, Kick off
I haven't seen as theatrical a team as the Dutch. Maybe in '54, '66 and '90, there was brutal football but I am yet to read an author claiming that they fought cheap. Football is not a Gentleman's game, let that go to Golf or Cricket. This is a passionate game. If there are a few more passionate guys on the field, it is fine, but not actors. The way Snjeider clasped after fouling Xavi was the a base act. If Robben dived a bit less and concentrated more on his game, then he might have won the game for Dutch.
After going so close to lifting the biggest prize in world football with the Netherlands, it was a distraught Dirk Kuyt who was first to brave the press following his side’s 1-0 final defeat to Spain, the striker decided to focus on the standard of the officiating as one of the key reasons behind his side's loss.
“We are angry because we were so close,” - Kuyt
Close to being the most ungainly side. Nothing more. I wish Robben, alas I also have to admit he is a good player, was worst guy on field. If Van Bronkhorst took control of his team rather than waiting for Webb to do his job, this would have been better, but no, he will not leave the main ingredient that helped them win against Uruguay and Brazil, both better teams than this Dutch side.
The only good thing among all that is Dutch!
“The referee was slightly more for them than for us. That ultimately cost us the cup.” What the heck is this guy(Kuyt) saying? They should have seen two red cards and still was not given by Webb, just because he wanted no one to be given unfair advantage in the final. The ref did a great, and ultimately thankless, job. I still believe Dutch were more favored.
I shall even dare to say that Snjeider is nothing what the papers say about him. He is a good player, but none in the league of Robben or Van Persie(who forgot to revise before coming for the World cup!). The only talent of the future in Dutch side is Eljero Elia, who substituted Kuyt in the second half of Sunday's final.
In the semi finals, when Pedro was brought in for Torres, I asked who? why?, and in few minutes, he gave me all answers. So when Jesus Navas was brought in for Pedro I kept the questions bottled up inside. Surely enough, I got the answers. I would have wished to see Cesc on field earlier, at least 40 minutes earlier when there was signs of fresh mind required. This is one player who is so good at reading the game, and make such a dent in opposition that they will leave the main man and come after him. Throughout this world cup, it was always clear that Spain was far more attacking when both Villa and Torres played, but such is the quality of the players that it is always a hard decision for the coach to make a decision on whom to field, and even more importantly, when. Xavi was doing the same thing, but he is yet to make a mark as inspirational. Iniesta! What a player. I plainly loved the sight when he shoulder blocked Van der Weil after a very bad tackle gone unnoticed by Webb. Only when Iniesta did a La Robben did Netherlands get taste of their own medicine. Espana played intelligently, and ultimately won the coveted prize.
The ultimate moment
"It was poetic justice because football won and football, that marvelous universal folklore, is Iniesta," said El Mundo. "The little wizard had to be the one who in minute 116 put the nail in the coffin of the 11 most quarrelsome Dutchmen in history."
Single shot that changed history.
The match did not show anything as elegant as the German demolition of Argentina, or the tight contest for Third place, but it still was worth watching to see the Dutch beaten soundly. The sight of Casillas crying at other end when Iniesta scored made my heart so happy. It was not a good sight to see Mathiesen throwing the ball and getting booked in the end. I will say, this was my happiest moment since 2002. Even then, the Dutch showed greatest of all attempts at making up by giving a guard of honour to the Spanish team. The final celebrations were superb. Spain shall never be called chokers again with such talents.
Now, the celebrations!
Best Player in Spanish side: Iker Casillas
Fernando Torres: Made lot of breathing space for Villa with his speed. Though goalless, it was his presence that gave lot of chances to Villa.
Andres Iniesta: The best playmaker. Made it into my list:P
Xavi: A lot more expected from him. Still the next best thing.
Cesc: My favorite player. Sidelined due to injury, this guy can still create chances and make opposition sweat.
Jesus Navas: Look out for him.
Best Player in Dutch side: Giovanni Van Bronkhorst. Aging captain, but that showed the maturity in his game.
Arjen Robben: None of the class he showed in last world cup.
Robin Van Persie: Stricken with dementia.
Wesley Snjeider: Could have been a hero.
Eljero Elia: Future.
A great world cup. Lots of memories.
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