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World Cup Video: July 11 – The World Cup Final

Ana — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:58:58 +0000

July 11: Spain wins 2010 World Cup

Ana — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:05:02 +0000

For the first time in history, Spain takes home the World Cup. After a very tough match with the Netherlands, Vicente del Bosque’s men won 1 nill with a beautiful goal from Iniesta, on the second half of extra time. For the Dutch, another disappointment: this is the third World Cup final they reach and lose (they also lost 74 and 78).

Spain’s victory points out, once again, one of the beauties of the game: football is about the moment and nothing else. The Netherlands had the best qualifying campaign and did not lose a single match during the World Cup. Spain, in contrast, had issues with Del Bosque after being defeated by the USA in the Confederations Cup semi-finals and to Switzerland in the first game of the 2010 World Cup.

With one of the most amazing squads out there (they can afford do have Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas on the bench?), Spain played beautiful football and really dominated most of the match – it was clear who had it, they just did not seem to be able to score and the match went warm for a good 75 minutes. Ramos, Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas, Fabregas and Villa were amazing.

The Netherlands, unfortunately, went for a different posture: complaining about everything and playing a dirty game when all they should have done is simply play football. Robben was (excuse the boldness) pathetic. His attitude on the pitch, complaining about every possible thing, was childish and not worthy of the footballer he is.

And so the World Cup 2010, the first one in Africa, ends. The most amazing football tournament on the planet will take place, next, in Brazil in 2014. Iniesta, with his 115 minute goal, gave the Spanish the most amazing feeling one can experience. They had been waiting for ages (Casillas knows well – he started crying even before the final whistle blew) and now it has finally come.

Congratulations Spain, you deserve all the joy of a World Cup title.

July 7: Football is about the moment, not the commitment.

Ana — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:01:13 +0000

Wise words from my friend Garamba: football is, indeed, about the moment, not the commitment. Spain beat Germany today, 1 nill, and will face the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup Final. The World Cup in South Africa will have a virgin World Champion and just that in itself is very exciting. Even more exciting is the fact that we are talking about Spain and the Netherlands – two major footballing nations which deserve to be where they are, yet have never won a World Cup.

But what about Germany?

They had the best football shown so far, with ultra effective counter-attacks, great composure, amazing tactics and a plan which seemed to be working throughout every match. Well, none of that worked today. Partly because Germany was Germany and Spain was Spain, but also because the Germans were somehow trying to be Spain when clearly that is not how they play, or should be playing. What ended up happening was that we saw very little of Iker Casillas in the 90-something minutes played.

Even though the game was boring until after mid second half, Spain clearly had flair, creativity and solid football to top any German effort. Xavi, Villa, Ramos, Iniesta and Pedro were on fire and Puyol’s goal (the one who is not even Spain’s big star) was a clear sign of Germany’s poor defense.

La Furia’s victory shows why football is the most amazing sport on earth: you do not have to be the best, or the fittest, or the one with best campaign. Stats mean nothing when you are face-to-face, for 90 minutes, seeking one goal (literally). There is no formula, whatsoever, which could build a World Champion. It is all about the moment.

On Sunday, a great World Cup Final. The winner, I don’t know nor will I speculate too much. I am just glad it is Spain v Netherlands.

June 29: Paraguay and Spain on to the quarters.

Ana — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:34:38 +0000

Today we had a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg to Bloemfontain – which is sort of the middle of the way between Joburg (ha I’m such a local!) to Port Elizabeth. The GPS sent us to some weird roads but we managed to get back on the N1 which is more direct.

Paraguay 0 – 0 Japan (5:3 PSO)
The first penalty shoot out decision of this World Cup gave Paraguay a spot into the quarter-finals (Paragua converted 5 and Japan 3 penalties). Listened to the match over the radio so cannot say much. What I can say, however, is that I am extremely pleased they made it through. It is great to see South American teams doing so well (cross Argentina from that list! You know how the rivalry goes..).

Spain 1 – 0 Portugal
A bit of a boring game huh? Portugal defending… Spain attacking… C. Ronaldo not doing a bit. Much deserved win by the Spanish, who are starting to look a bit better (not quite there yet). They now face Paraguay in the quarters.

Photo: Spain, Russia and South Africa’s new kit for World Cup 2010

Ana — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:28:15 +0000

I am loving this Adidas new World Cup uniform release craziness. It’s lovely to see that they are making all uniforms very unique. Trend watch: uniforms are getting more tight… nice!!! Here are Spain, South Africa and Russia’s new kits:

Spain new kit: nice, nice.

Russia new kit: awesome. Check out the details…

South Africa new kit:

U20 World Cup: Italy flying high.

Ana — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:18:24 +0000

It was a good day for the young generation of Italian players at FIFA’s U20 World Cup. The Azzurri beat Spain 3:1 and sent the opponents home. La Furia had 10 men on the pitch and could not hold Italy’s strength. With Italy desperately needing renovation in its current squad this is surely looking good. They now face the winner of Hungary and Czech Republic.

Spain beats Iraq 1 – 0 and moves on to the Semis.

Ana — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:48:44 +0000

It wasn’t a pretty match. It took effort and patience for the Spaniards to score. The winning goal came from David Villa, on a beautiful header. With that, La Furia qualifies to the semis of the tournament and can now take it easy next match, against South Africa (on Saturday).

The victory keeps the team from coach Vicente Del Bosque unbeaten for 34 matches. Spain has not lost a single match since November 2006 and is, in my opinion, the strongest team and most favorite of taking the Confederations Cup title in South Africa.

Video: Watch The Goals Spain vs. New Zealand

Ana — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:19:17 +0000

Here are the goals from Confederations Cup match Spain vs. New Zealand. Enjoy! Kudos to Torre’s first goal.

Spain crushes New Zealand 5 – 0

Ana — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:12:04 +0000

Confederations Cup have started! And Spain proved once more why they are big favorites to the title. New Zealand had absolutely no chance against La Furia in Rustenburg. Fernando Torres scores 3 goals (the first one a piece of art). Fábregas and Villa scored the other 2.

Spain had the change to score even more goals and break Brazil’s record of most goals scores (6 – 0 agains Australia in 1997, and 8 – 2 against Saudi Arabia in 1999).

Now Spain face Iraq on the 17th and New Zealand faces South Africa that same day.

Photo: New Spain Kit

Ana — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:38:01 +0000

I am a bit late on this one. Had to post it regardless. The new Spain football uniform came out nice.