Irene's Weblog

I have to admit, I’m happy today is the last day of the World Cup. Once I watch the final, I will have watched 56 out of 64 games. That’s far too many and my interest is starting to wane. Next cup, I’ll probably pick and chose who to watch as this was just too much. I am wearing an orange shirt today, but that has more to do with the fact that it’s my last clean shirt than the fact that I want The Netherlands to win.

In yesterday’s third place game, Germany beat Spain 3-2. It was a good match, but I was too tired after to think about writing a recap. I also had a ton of errands to run and, oddly, had several phone calls. So, I didn’t write anything about the match.

There was a small bit of controversy earlier today as several members of Nelson Mandela’s family claimed that FIFA were pressuring Mandela to attend the game and ceremonies afterward. Mandela, 91, has been in a frail condition the past few months and his 13 year old granddaughter was killed by a drunk driver the night before the start of the World Cup. Mandela, however,  said he wanted to attend the closing ceremonies and then return home to watch the match on TV.

If you want, you can read my poor prediction of today’s game over at KNEB.  I suck at predicting, so never bet on a game because of something I said.

In the first five minutes of the game, Spain had several obvious dives. I understand that diving is part of the game, but it’s really disgraceful that you have to do it in a World Cup final match. Your team is supposed to be one of two best in the world at that moment and relying on cheap tricks diminishes the game.

After twenty-five minutes, the Dutch continued to play overly aggressive football, with several yellow cards handed out. The Spaniards, on the other hand, seemed to fall over from the slightest breeze if it meant they could get a foul out of it.

In the 28th minute, The Netherlands’ Nigel De Jong ninja kicked Spain’s Xavi Alonso in the chest. He should have been handed a red card, but was only given a yellow. At this point, the World Cup final had turned into a very dirty and dangerous game. Despite all this, the first half was rather boring. There was a lot of back and forth with the ball and very little of Spain keeping possession. Neither team were dominant in the first half, though The Netherlands led in yellow cards and fouls. At the half, the score remained 0-0 and Spain kept its record of not conceding a goal in the first half of this World Cup.

The yellow cards and fouls continued into the second half. Both teams finally started to settle down in the 65th minute and play some real football. There was some nice passing and a few shots on goal, but, after 90 minutes, there were still no goals.

The players for both sides look tired, but extra time needed to be played. Both teams hoped that 30 more minutes of play would lead to a goal, but neither side had ever scored in extra time before. At the half, Fernando Torres came in for David Villa. The first half of extra time saw some great playing, unfortunately, it was not to last in the second half of extra time. In the 109th minute, John Heitinga of the Netherlands received a second yellow, triggering a red card and he was sent off. The Dutch were out of control the entire match.

Spain finally scored in 116th minute with a goal by Andreas Iniesta, who was subsequently booked for taking his shirt off in celebration. I highly doubt he cares. Gerard Pique and goalkeeper Iker Casillas of Spain broke down in tears when Iniesta scored the goal. Spain held on for the 1-0 victory and take home the cup.

It was an ugly match and, though I originally wanted The Netherlands to win, they didn’t deserve it with their constant dirty play. The Dutch had many chances to score and only have themselves to blame for the way they played. The Netherlands got what they deserved and the right team won. There were many exciting games this World Cup. It’s a shame this wasn’t one of them.

The best moment of the entire match was watching Iker Casillas lift the World Cup for Spain.

Some other quick notes: Germany’s Thomas Müller gets the Golden Boot for most goals in the tournament. The 20-year old has also been named Hyundai Best Young Player of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I believe the ref in this game gave out the most yellow cards ever. I lost count after nine. I watched 56 of 64 matches. South Africa put on a great World Cup.

See you all in four years when the World Cup is played in Brazil. Everyone should watch the cup then, especially since you won’t have to get up at 5am, like I did this year because of time zone differences.

Today’s semifinal match was between Germany and Spain. 39 minutes into the game and I was struggling to stay awake. It felt like two hours had passed. You’d think with what was at stake, it’d be a better game.

It didn’t get much better in the second half. I felt like I was watching a tennis match without the grunting. There were a couple of bright spots, but I mostly found myself trying to stay awake. Seriously, the winner goes to the final. These two teams should have been playing better.

Spain finally scored in the minute and 1-0 was the final score. I guess Paul the Octopus was right.

Since neither Spain nor The Netherlands have ever won a cup, history will be made on Sunday.

The Netherlands easily beat Uruguay 3-2 to advance to World Cup finals where they’ll meet either Germany or Spain. We’ll see that match tomorrow.

I must admit, I wasn’t too interested in the game, even with the controversial second goal. I felt that The Netherlands would have an easy win, especially since Suarez had to sit out this match due to a red card.

Going for goal: Holland’s Wesley Sneijder shoots to score his side’s second goal against Uruguay

A 3-2 match should have been more exciting, but I just couldn’t get into this game. The last time the Dutch were in the finals was 1978 where they lost to Argentina. Their only other appearance in the finals was in 1974 where they also lost to West Germany.

The first match today was Argentina v. Germany. Germany wasted no time in scoring, doing so in the third minute of the match. Müller’s goal is the fastest goal in the World Cup since 1978. It was an exciting first half that ended with Germany up 1-0.

Miroslav Klose taps the ball in for the second goal against Argentina.

In the second half, Germany walked all over Argentina. Miroslave Klose scored in the 68th and 89th minute. Arne Friedrich also scored in the 74th minute. Germany played brilliantly today and got the much-deserved 4-0 win.

It was pretty cool seeing Angela Merkel celebrate the goals.

Since I was so excited for the first match and wanted Germany to win, Paraguay v. Spain can’t possibly be as entertaining. Oh wait, is it half time already? Boooring! Pick up the pace guys. This game sucks so far.

For five minutes, things got exciting. First, Paraguay was given a penalty kick. Oscar Cardozo’s attempt was saved, leaving the game at 0-0. A few seconds later, Spain got a penalty kick. Xabi Alonso’s kick went in, but it didn’t count because Spain encroached into the penalty area. So, the kick had to be made again.  It too was saved and we went back to more boring football. It’s the first time since 1930 that two penalty kicks have been saved in the same game (Argentina v. Mexico). The score remained 0-0.

Around the 70th minute, I started thinking that I’d rather have all my teeth yanked out with no Novocaine than continue watching this painful match. Yet, I held out hope that it might get better. The refs in this World Cup disallow goals more often than I change my underwear.

Spain finally scored in the 83rd minute. You had to laugh at the goal. The ball just did not want to go in. Pedro kicked the ball, but it hit the right post and bounced back out to David Villa. He kicked the ball. It hit the right post, bounced over and hit the left post and then bounced into the back of the net.

At the final whistle it was Spain 1-0 Paraguay. It’s the first time Spain has ever made it to the semifinals. Touching moment of the game in which I laughed: The Spanish players were consoling Paraguay’s Cardozo, who was bawling like a baby.