Nearly a month of competitive football is completed and we are down to the final two; neither of whom has won the World Cup before:
Holland v Spain
Holland didn’t look very convincing in their semi-final against Uruguay. Following two long range goals from each side to keep the game level, Holland were awarded a second goal when they had a player clearly standing in an offside position interfering with the vision of the goalkeeper. Conversely Uruguay didn’t really threaten to equalize and Holland popped up with a third to put the game out of reach. Uruguay’s second goal was scored in time added and was merely academic making the result look more respectable at 3-2.
The match between Germany and the pre-tournament favorites Spain could be considered a game for the connoisseur. It was a battle of the midfields with Spain having a slight edge. Germany’s Schweinsteiger was not as effective as he was against England and Argentina because he was occupied with quelling the probing of the Barcelona quintessential pair Xavi and Iniesta. It was ironic with so many artisans displaying their skills on the field that the winning goal should come from an old fashioned defender in the shape of Puyol at a routine corner.
Ozil of Germany threatened to become one of the stars of the tournament in group play but didn’t really contribute in the semi-final. He’s only 21 so his time will come and he is one to watch for the future. Similarly, the veteran striker, Klose rediscovered his goalscoring touch and was outstanding in previous matches in this world cup with a creditable 4 goals. Regrettably for Germany he was totally ineffective in this match along with Podolski. They ran riot against England and Argentina, but failed to deliver when it mattered most. I was not disappointed to see Germany eliminated because I feel England were cheated out of a goal against them by incompetent officials which could have altered the outcome of the match. Justice was therefore done.
In my World Cup preview, I predicted a final between Brazil and Germany which is looking a bit sick right now. Nevertheless, not many so-called football experts around the globe were forecasting a final between Holland and Spain. Spain does not have a good record in world cups. Their best performance was in 1950, finishing 4th when only 13 teams competed. In the modern era Spain’s best finish was the quarter-finals in 2002. It could be justifiably argued that they have underachieved and they are overdue for a world cup win. The trophy would sit comfortably alongside the European Championship they won in 2008.
Holland made the final in 1974 and 1978 and were favorites on each occasion; falling firstly to their great rivals Germany when the goal poacher Gerd Muller extraordinaire scored the winner against the run of play. In an emotional second final they were overwhelmed by Argentina playing before their own fans bedecked in a sea of light blue and white in Buenos Aires. The current Holland team does not possess the great performers of some of their former sides which could be the reason they are playing as a team. Nevertheless they are strong on the flanks with the unpredictable match winner Robben and the work horse Dirk Kuyt. Van Persie of Arsenal is playing as the lone striker which is a role he dislikes and he has scored only one goal in the tournament. However, Wesley Sneijder could prove to be Holland’s match winner. He has scored 5 goals from an attacking midfield position in the tournament and also scored the winning goal in the Champions League Final for Inter Milan in May.
My friend, Fernando complained that the Dutch kicked Brazil off the park in achieving their win and have also taken advantage of lady luck which came their way. Fernando is originally from Columbia and has shown bias toward the South Americans since the tournament began. He conveniently forgets that the Brazilian team didn’t comprise a bunch of choir boys and were capable of looking after themselves. In his defense and a short week ago,a Brazil v Argentina final was looking very likely.
Never let it be said that the writer of this blog sits on the fence when it comes to offering an opinion or choosing a winner. Holland and Spain are both capable of playing exquisite football weaving intricate passing patterns all over the field. Holland have played 25 matches over nine months without defeat. Only Holland, and surprisingly New Zealand, remain undefeated in this world cup. Therefore I am taking Holland to make it third time lucky and win the world cup even if it takes extra time and penalties to achieve it. We have yet to witness a great game in this tournament, and hopefully they are saving the best until last.
Footnote: This will be the first time a European team wins the World Cup outside its continent. Paul the Psychic Octopus predicts Spain will beat Holland. Despite their abject performances in this world cup, England will have a presence in the final provided by the bald pate of referee, Howard Webb. Holland and Spain can be grateful that FIFA showed a modocome of sense by appointing a European official to take charge of what is essentially an EU Final.
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