World Cup heroes and failures

Tuesday, 13/07/2010

So the greatest show on earth is over for another four years after Spain were crowned as worthy winners in Soccer City. The creativity and passing fluidity of the Spaniards throughout the tournament was a joy to behold as many of the biggest football nations and their star players flattered to deceive.

Tipped by many to conquer the tournament, Argentina playmaker, Lionel Messi could only show glimpses of his breathtaking talent. The Barcelona wizard was too often crowded out of games and even though the mesmeric dribbling was still there in abundance, his razor sharp finishing was not.

The great hope of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, looked jaded following three pressure-filled seasons for Manchester United and current club Real Madrid. Due to a combination of bad form and poor tactics from coach Carlos Queiroz, Ronny was largely a peripheral figure.

Italy, the 2006 Champions, were poor and all too reliant on their ageing stars. The French played nearly as badly as they behaved after their naive and immature decision to refuse to train after Nicolas Anelka was sent home early.

England’s golden generation looked anything but as some of the Premier League’s most powerful and impressive performers wilted under the pressure of expectations or exhaustion resulting from a 60-plus game season. The most noticeable disappointment was Wayne Rooney whose error-filled sluggish displays were a million miles away from his fantastic form for Manchester United.

Many people criticised the Jabulani ball and whilst the majority of players struggled to get it under their spell, with countless crosses, free-kicks and long balls, flying and bouncing away from their intended targets, a select few, like Diego Forlan and Mesut Ozil managed to manipulate it to their advantage.

Argentina played some great attacking football under Diego Maradona with Carlos Tevez and Higuain particularly impressive until they were mercilessly torn to shreds by the deadly counter-attacking style of Germany. The Germans were one of the tournament’s pleasant surprises, thanks to the guile of Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger in midfield, the pace and direct style of Thomas Muller and the precise finishing of Miroslav Klose.

In the early knockout rounds, the South American nations looked as though they would run away with the tournament, as the attacking displays of Brazil, Chile and Uruguay came up trumps. Yet only the Uruguayans, inspired by Player of the Tournament Diego Forlan’s brilliance, progressed to the last four. His strike partner, Luis Suarez, was also in impressive form, but his tournament will forever be remembered for the deliberate handball on the goal-line that ultimately led to the exit of the last African team in the competition, Ghana.

Ghana’s direct and powerful, yet refreshingly enjoyable style of play was a real highlight of the tournament, with the impressive and courageous Asamoah Gyan in fine form.

Other highlights included the technical set-piece brilliance of the Japanese, the passing triangles woven by Xabi Alonso, Iniesta and Xavi that allowed Spain to run rings around their opponents, plus plucky displays from North Korea and Slovakia against more

 

My Team of the Tournament

Iker Casillas (Spain). Not at his best, but still one of the more consistent and reliable keepers in the tournament.

Sergio Ramos (Spain). Solid defensively and constantly provided an attacking outlet for his team-mates.

Michel Bastos (Brazil). One of the few Brazilians to reach and arguably exceed their potential at the World Cup. Provided much needed pace and balance.

Carles Puyol (Spain). Led by example, forming an almost impenetrable backline with the more cultured Gerard Pique.

Per Mertesacker (Germany). Calm and assured nature, coupled with a great reading of the game and composure on the ball.

Xabi Alonso (Spain). Broke up attacks and used strength and physical presence to allow team-mates to play with freedom.

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany). Orchestrated matters for the Germans, winning back possession. Worked tirelessly and picked holes in the opposition midfield and defences.

Wesley Sneijder (Holland). Just edges out the impressive Thomas Muller thanks to his more rounded match controlling performances.

Andres Iniesta (Spain). Spain’s hero in the final showing great composure to drill home the winning goal. One of the most influential players in world football.

Diego Forlan (Uruguay). Player of the Tournament thanks to some spectacular long-range efforts and top-class technical play. Also acted as Uruguay’s primary playmaker.

David Villa (Spain). A constant threat, either starting from the left-flank or through the middle. Bagged five goals and dragged defenders all over the pitch.

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