WORLD CUP 2010

Definitely one of the noisier World Cups with the vuvuzelas (which became marginally quieter after the host nation South Africa were eliminated in the first round.)

The so called minnows of the competition were not turned over like they would have been once upon a time (even New Zealand got a couple of points.) Some countries had noticeably moved on in footballing terms such as Japan for example.

Reigning champions Italy and France were surprisingly eliminated after the group stages. Germany, Argentina, Spain, Brazil and Ghana all played some good, exciting football in the early stages of the tournament. Tevez of Argentina scored a screamer against Mexico whilst David Villa of Spain scored a fine individual goal against Honduras, one of five he scored during the tournament.

A farcical disallowed Lampard goal and poor marking and defending led to England's elimination in round 2, 4-1 to Germany. I had said that Rob Green should only be a back-up keeper in my ‘Capello's Dilemmos' article in the April/May edition and the loss of Rio Ferdinand to injury didn't help either. The highlight of England's campaign was Howard Webb's excellent officiating.

Ghana will be wondering what might have been after missing a penalty at the death in extra-time against Uruguay with the scores at 1-1. They then lost the penalty shoot out.

Argentina were eliminated by Germany 4-0 at the quarter final stage. How many shots and shots against the woodwork did Lionel Messi have during the tournament without actually scoring?

Van Bronkehorst of Holland scored a 40 yard screamer in a 3-2 semi final win over Uruguay and in an open and attacking 3 rd place play-off , Germany edged Uruguay 3-2. I can see though why Kiesling was only Germany's reserve striker.

The final between Spain and Holland was littered with fouls, bookings and playacting. Heitinga was sent off for the Dutch in extra time. Iniesta scored a well- taken goal to give Spain a 1-0 victory.