FIFA 2010 World Cup: South American flair fizzles, Europe remains
Vanessa Williams once famously sang “save the best for last” and that’s exactly what European teams have done at this year’s World Cup. Just over a week or so ago there was only talk of South American dominance at the World Cup. Talk of Samba boys from Brazil, Diego Maradona’s passion, of two front men in Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan carrying the burden of a nation’s hopes on their shoulders, and, the talk of a never say die attitude of the Paraguay national side. It was not all unjust after all half of the 8 quarter finalists of this year’s World Cup were from South America but only one made it to the semis and none will make it to the final on July 11th.
Brazil had been brilliant in all their matches. They had the attacking flair, defensive stability, and the control in the midfield that is needed at the highest level to win any competition. Same goes for Argentina, who had the bench strength that on its own was capable of beating any side in the world with a Champions League winning striker in Diego Milito and a European top scorer in Sergio Kun Aguero gracing the bench for the Albieceleste.
Out of the other two South American teams in the competition, Uruguay were never favourites to make it to the last 4 but they did and it came as a surprise to many. Their success was built on the shoulders of two men in Luis Suarez, the dynamic striker who is capable of playing anywhere in the attack and Atletico Madrid’s Europa League winning striker Diego Forlan, who is currently the joint top scorer in the competition. Paraguay although did not have anything that stood out from the outset but it was their grit, motivation, will and skill along with their die hard attitude that got them so far in the tournament. In the end, and, most importantly when it mattered, the most the South American challenge faded away like surf on the top of the waves.
There was a possibility of an all South American affair starting as early as the semi final stages of the World cup and a distinct possibility of a dream final between Argentina and Brazil.
But Europe waited and waited, they never came out of the blocks all guns blazing and had some of the big guns knocked out very early like France, Italy and England but then before the start of the World cup nobody was expecting those three to win the World Cup. France with their drama and their coach, Italy with their controversial team selection, and, the rift between the players, and England were like a ticking bomb waiting to explode and explode they did. Their frailties’ were brutally exposed by the Germans in the round of 16 and the least said about them the better.
Europe’s example have been of that steady turtle that won the race over the arrogant rabbit, they certainly saved the best for last and now it’s their time to bask in glory. One team that has sprung a few surprises along the way is the Dutch national side who are now on a run of 6 match unbeaten run. They have done so without even hitting the top gear but last night in their victory over Uruguay they showed in patches what they can actually do to their opponents.
Germany on the other hand has been outstanding throughout the tournament. Apart from one shock loss against Serbia, the Germans have made a mark on this tournament. In Miroslav Klose they have a striker who is all set to become the all time leading goal scorer in World Cup history. Their youngsters have also come to the fore, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Manueal Neuer are the stars of this World Cup and all are still in their early twenties.
Spain started the tournament as the favourites but after a shock loss in the opening round their doubters rose again. But they bounced back are now just two steps away from being crowned the kings of the world.
Europe has once again risen to the occasion and despite all the flare and extravagance the South Americans failed to make their mark on a tournament that looked tailor made for them. The cup is now all Europe’s and all three teams left in the competition are very hungry for success
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