FIFA and France Football’s separate ‘world player’ awards merged in a startling union of cooperate filth-slinging last year and we’ve had to come to terms with it over the last 12 months. Surely now, we’re all over it. In fact we should be over lots of things. Maybe Joey Barton being a footballer will settle in at some point. Maybe England being rubbish at penalties will be taught in schools and maybe, just maybe,Barcelona’s Lionel Messi won’t win everything this year. Of course, some things we do not accept and I should think because of that universal condition, the little Argentinian will. Of course that is just one award and this year, Messi, his team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo have been nominated. Who will be crowned ‘The Best Player in The World EVER… for a year until next year when we’ll choose another one who will probably just be one of these three again!’

So, enough mindless posturing and rebellious girth, we like goals goals. So, here we’re going to focus on FIFA’s Puskas Award which as the titles suggests, is about The Goal Of The Year. Here are this year’s nominations:

Lionel Messi v Arsenal: Messi’s chip against Arsenal’s goalkeeper is the goal of focus but here at WCS we like the finer things in life. So, here is a short video of one of his best European performances. Do, as we often so say when we’re about to smash a sausage roll in our faces, enjoy:

Wayne Rooney v Manchester City: Next up is Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. His overhead kick versus rivals Manchester City caught the eye for it’s spectacular execution as well as being the goal that gave the reds a win. Fancy looking at it? Well, do ya, punk? [forgive the quality...apparently there's some kind of legal 'thing' in play when showing copyrighted video material]

Neymar v Flamengo: Last, but not least (as you will see…) is the Brazilian Neymar. His solo goal for Santos…oh just watch it will you?

So, who do you think should win Goal of the Year?

You can’t help but think you’ve been dragged into some kind of peculiar alternate dimension, can you? When in Odin’s eye did both Manchester clubs look so good? When, at only game three of the season, have both Manchester clubs looked so aggressively brilliant and skilled? When, has a hair transplant ever looked at good as Wayne Rooney’s? Stephen Ireland tried it at Manchester City and obviously the Sheikh Mansour view was that it wasn’t classy enough so he ended up at Aston Villa. It was a sign.

If you hadn’t noticed, today was the day Roberto Mancini’s side banged five goals past Tottenham Hotspur. It was a fantastic performance from the Italian’s team of superstars that had every plaudit in the land cleaning their spit from their shoes after much drooling about the style of attacking play demonstrated by a front four of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and ex-Arsenal new-boy, Samir Nasri. Edin Dzeko has had a startling few games and is proving that the money spent on him was well worth it. He didn’t start firing until his second season at VfL Wolfsburg and his second-season-syndrome has kicked in now, it seems. He scored four goals today. That’s four very good goals against a decent side. The fact the man seems like an affable, humble type of chap just makes you like him even more and it’s fantastic to witness the type of project/team that has been assembled from Manchester City’s powerbase.

Oh, and if you hadn’t noticed today was the day United banged eight goals past Arsenal. Have you got that? That’s eight goals past Arsenal. Wayne Rooney scored three of them – two of them free-kicks – and helped set up, along side United’s new winger, Ashley Young, the team’s other 5 goals. It was a resounding and almost cruel display against an Arsenal side who have had nothing but foul luck for the last four weeks. You can’t help but look at United’s team, mixed with old and new but all young and athletic and wonder how fat they can go. Will they be able to get under the skin of Barcelona on the European stage? Will City make a dent on the Champions League, this being their first year in the competition? God, we’re salivating here at the prospect of an awesome season.

However, the purpose of this article isn’t to pour over the merits of either side in depth, as there’s a million and one articles/conversations already doing just that. The purpose of this article is to look *gulp* at international football. Well, this is World Cup Statistics after all and international football is our game.

Some of you will remember that television advertisement which jokingly spoke of joining together the two Manchester teams. This new team would be called Team Manchester and wear a purple jersey. Nice idea and one that isn’t going to be too far from the truth when the European Championships come around. “Why?” I hear you ask as you stuff crisps into your mouth while Rocky IV’s training montage blasts out from your television behind you.”Please tell us!” you exclaim, dying to know what the hell WCS is talking about as Sylvester Stallone takes over ITV 4′s airwaves late on a Sunday night. Well, we’ll tell you. In fact…we’ll show you:

This is the WCS Fantasy Manchester England X + Ashley Cole.

As you can see, it’s five players from either side and Ashley Cole – because he’s possibly the best left-back on the planet. Naturally this most probably won’t be the actual England team but it is theoretically possible to patch a team together which should be good enough to put on a decent show at the Euro’s and or subsequent World Cup in 2014.

The Break Down:

Goalkeeper – Joe Hart – Hart has proved himself as a more than accomplished goalkeeper, as confirmed by the fact he is Manchester City’s number 1. His appointment at such a young age holds shades of Iker Casilla’s burgeoning career at Madrid; years later he is still there, the captain and won’t be going anywhere for at least another 10. Hart will go on to be a City great, that much can be said. Will he prove to be England’s prime man between the sticks? This writer thinks the answer is yes.

Right-Back – Micah Richards – City’s behemoth right-back is quick, strong and slowly gaining the type of experience that will lead him to claim the RB spot for England as his sole duty and property for years to come. Richards had a promising start at City, but a few lapses in concentration brought about some undeserved criticism for someone so young. He played games at centre-back but found his natural position to be right-back and he’s never looked back.

Centre-Back – Chris Smalling - Smalling has proved to be a class act since arriving at Manchester United from Fulham. He is quick, actually rather tricky and most of all comfortable and sensible with the ball. He has been playing right-back for the starter games of the season but his initial position is centre-back so he is adept in both roles. Smalling’s seemingly advanced experience in contrast to his years should surely see him gain many England caps.

Centre-Back – Phil Jones - Phil Jones has Premier League experience and he seems very much like the calm, considered yet sturdy and string traditional English centre-back. He has replaced Namanja Vidic in light of the Serbian’s injury and hasn’t looked out of place or phased in the slightest. Like Smalling and Richards, Jones is multi-positional and able to play in midfield also. A serious keeping for the England side.

Left-back – Ashley Cole - The man who *scoff* let Cheryl Tweedy slip through his grasp is the best left back we have. So, there.

Left-Wing – Ashley Young - Quick, industrious, good positioning, strong, committed and did I mention quick? Young’s start to Manchester United life has been fantastic and he should operate on that left wing for England. With his abilities and excellent step up in level of football, why not?

Right-Wing – Andy Johnson - The exact same as Young. Johnson is perhaps underused at City but his qualities are obvious. He is speedy, direct and tricky and is able to deliver a final ball that strikers thrive off. He would be our best bet for a right winged attacking player and would compliment Young’s left-sided assault perfectly.

Centre-Midfield – Gareth Barry - Many aren’t too impressed with Barry, but given that England manager Fabio Capello and Robby Mancini swear by him, who are we to argue? Barry’s best position is in the centre of midfield, where he can help break up play and use his pious dedication to working hard to help drive the team forward while shielding the back four from opposition attacks.

Centre-Midfield – Tom Cleverley - Cleverley’s ascent has been joyous.He too is young, athletic, fast and his passing is reminiscent of a very young Paul Scholes; although obtaining that level of ability if far, far off should it happen at all. Tom has slotted into the midfield of United very well and if often seen operating the ball in tight spaces and pushing play forward. With Barry behind him he could be allowed as much room as he wishes in combination with Wayne Rooney to work some attacking magic. Watch this space.

Striker – Wayne Rooney - It’s Wayne Rooney. Anyone disagree? No, thought not.

Striker – Danny Welbeck - Welbeck’s season-long stint at Sunderdland last year seems to have worked a treat. He is strong and quite robust and always willing to put himself on the line for the team and it seems he has a keen eye for goal as demonstrated against Arsenal and Tottenham. Still only in his very early 20s, should Welbeck continue to develop as he is, we should see the arrival of a very good player over the next few years.

So, over to you. Who do you think would best suit England’s future if picking from Manchester’s young crop?

Brazilian legend and icon midfielder Socrates is recovering a Sao Paulo hospital after suffering a stomach haemorrhage. The former Corinthians man played 60 times for Brazil and notched up 22 goals for ‘A Seleção’. He was also part of what has been famously known as ‘the best side not to win the World Cup’ when he took to the field in the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain. Brazil were eliminate 3-2 by eventual winners Italy following an epic Paulo Rossi hat trick. Pele named Socrates in 2004 as one of the top living footballers of all time.

Socrates appeared upbeat in an Internet interview and was already looking ahead to what he will be doing following recovery:

The lanky attacking midfielder has assured his place in World Cup history following some elegant performances than spanned two World Cup finals: 1982 and 1986, and captained the side in the former tournament. He helped get Brazil back in the game against Italy with a trademark finish that left Dino Zoff bemused on the Spanish turf. Socrates is an outspoken left wing campaigner, and was most famous for challenging the military dictatorship in Brazil during the 1980s. Socrates was a graceful and beautifully cultured attacking midfielder, who sadly aren’t produced anymore – we wish him a very speedy recovery.

Tottenham Hotspur and Wales Winger Gareth Bale has admitted that he would have ‘no qualms’ about moving abroad if the lure of a Real Madrid or Barcelona came about. Wales have not qualified for a World Cup finals since the days of legendary Leeds and Juventus forward John Charles – when he led his nation to the quarter finals of the 1958 tournament, only to lose to a single goal against Brazil. Bale is Wales’ greatest talent since the emergence of Ryan Giggs nearly two decades ago and has been unplayable at times this season.

Gareth Bale’s most memorable performances so far this season have come against Italian and reigning European Champions Internazionale. Bale tormented Brazilian Maicon in the return match at White Hart Lane, providing two assists in the match. This followed on from his heroics a fortnight previous, when he scored a hattrick in the San Siro – after Tottenham had been four goals down. Bale had been linked to a move to Inter Milan earlier in the season, however this is the first time the Welshman has spoken publicly on his future.

Bale was quoted as saying:

It’s that time of year again. England win a friendly to rid the ghost of a humiliating defeat in their previous outing and all of a sudden they are world beaters again. While this is massively removed from the truth, there were plenty of positives to take from the 2-1 victory over an impressive Denmark.

That said, the first half was not a promising one for Fabio Capello’s boys. Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere were outplayed by the Danes in the middle and neither of them could get anywhere near the brilliant Christian Eriksen. Wayne Rooney dropped deeper and deeper from his role as the ‘no. 10’ and was alongside Lampard at times. Theo Walcott and James Milner both had decent success down the right-hand side but both were marshalled well down the left by West Ham’s Lars Jacobsen.

And worst of all, Glen Johnson was abysmal in the right-back role as he constantly gave the ball away and struggled to contain the clever Michael Krohn-Dehli. Despite being second best, England got to half-time all square, largely thanks to wayward finishing from the Danes. Nicklas Bendtner linked well with his midfielders, but wasted a couple of good openings, while Dennis Rommedahl forced a smart stop out of Joe Hart and Eriksen struck the post after excellent build-up play between him and the Arsenal striker.

England only threatened twice; Rooney had a shot cleared off the line while the scores were level and the goal, coming in typical Darren Bent-style. Rooney played a good cross-field ball to find Walcott, who beat Simon Poulsen too easily, and the winger squared for the Aston Villa striker to tap in from a yard out.

What was impressive from England in the first-half was the pressing, though with an Italian manager it is the least that should be expected. The one time the pressing system failed, when Rooney stood off Eriksen, led to the goal. The Ajax youngster whipped in a brilliant ball and Liverpool’s Daniel Agger headed home to give the Danes the lead.

At half-time, Capello made some interesting substitutions. Lampard, Rooney and Wilshere were all replaced, with Scott Parker, Gareth Barry and Ashley Young entering the fray. And it made a huge difference as England managed to start stamping their authority on the game.

Barry showed he can be effective on the international stage, but only when he has another player alongside him in the holding role. Parker offered Barry the protection he needed to start picking his passes. And with these two grabbing a hold of proceedings, Young was able to flourish in the central role that he’s been impressing in for Villa lately. His movement and touch equip him well to play there and he linked brilliantly with his old and new team-mates Milner and Bent.

And Young grabbed the winner, clinically finishing off good work by Johnson. After his poor showing, the Liverpool full-back made amends by forcing a mistake out of Krohn-Delhi and playing in Young who made no mistake from 18 yards.

So has Capello finally found his system? The 4-2-3-1 worked wonders in the second half. They wrestled control of the game and managed to steal a winner on the counter. All Capello needs to do now is sort out the players.

Lampard is one of the finest players of his generation, but he just doesn’t fit into a two-man central midfield. If he plays, it should be in the advanced role, but after the way Young played, Capello should give him another chance. Barry impressed again, but only with Parker next to him, while Wilshere struggled being the holding player. Parker should keep his place, with one of Wilshere or Barry alongside him.

The flanks are already sorted. Walcott’s dynamism is crucial while Milner remains one of the cleverest English players. His ability to interchange positions and his link-up play are required in the England side. While he doesn’t offer natural width, he offers enough to be a regular started on the left-hand side. That leaves the striker. Bent impressed, while Andy Carroll is close to returning from injury, but Rooney should be the one leading the line in Cardiff. He remains the most complete striker in the country and, providing he gets back among the goals on a regular basis, he has to start.

So as well as Lampard missing out, there seems to be no place for Steven Gerrard. The vice-captain is a favourite of Capello’s but where does he fit in? It’s true he could fit into any of the midfield positions, but can he be trusted to remain disciplined in any of the roles?

In one of the two holding positions, he’d have to stop his runs forward, while if he was on the left he’d need to stay out there, something he failed to do in South Africa in the summer. His best role would be behind Rooney but, like Lampard, how can you drop Young after his performance in Copenhagen for a player who isn’t hitting their usual high standards?

So after many years of arguing how best to accommodate Gerrard and Lampard, Capello needs to have the guts to drop the 30-somethings and give the younger players a go.

England aren’t good enough to win the European Championships in 2012, the Spanish, Germans, French and Portuguese are on a completely different level. But by giving the younger players the chance, they might be able to rectify that in 2014 or 2016. Lampard and Gerrard won’t be there. Young, Wilshere and Milner will be.

There is widespread concern that the 2022 World Cup scheduled to be held in Qatar could be moved to the winter months due to the hostile Qatari weather conditions. June and July are considered to be the hottest months of the years, with temperatures set to rise to 50 degrees Celsius. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has also revealed, surprising since he was reported to have voted for Qatar, that the heat could ‘prove too great a handicap’.

Blatter, who is attending the club world cup , was quoted as saying: “I definitely support playing in winter here [in the Middle East] when the climate is appropriate. I’m thinking about the footballers, not only the fans but the actors.” FIFA’s general secretary Jerome Valcke was even more adamant that the tournament would benefit from the move to winter. He was quoted as saying: “Why not? It means you open the World Cup to countries where they can never play it in June and July because it’s never the right period of time. If you can do so, it would be a solution to open the organisation of the World Cup to a number of countries in this period which is winter in Europe but not winter in the rest of the world. It means you have to change completely when the leagues will play, mainly I would say in Europe. It’s less difficult in the rest of the world.”

There was a time when hosting the hosting of a World Cup may have been more of a hindrance, however FIFA’s traveling circus that expects bidding nations to grovel at the feet of 24 delegates (22 now that two of them have been exposed by the Sunday Times) have stagnated the international game. There was a time when International football ruled the roost, not now. Club football has surpassed that of the international game, ironically since 1986 when FIFA stepped into mix up the bidding process (after Colombia withdrew from hosting the 86 finals three years before the event). Why doesn’t FIFA allow footballing people to run the sport, rather than a bunch of old men who are only looking at their own financial gain whilst being wined and dined in the process. The World Cup to be held in winter? Another nail in the nearly closed coffin of International football.

World Cup Statistics can reveal that 1966 World Cup winners England are in pole position to host the 2018 World Cup finals – 52 years after hosting their last World Cup. The one time winners chance of hosting the World Cup in eight years time will be boosted by the publication tomorrow of technical reports, by FIFA, which will categorise the bid as a low legal risk with a high potential financial return. However, it isn’t all rosy for England as it is also expected to highlight four contractual areas where government guarantees are not currently met.

Karren Brady, who is the head of the 2018 advisory board, said the publication of the reports will help England’s bid refocus attention on its strong fundamentals and its ability to generate a healthy return for Fifa, football and the wider economy. Brady was quoted as saying “Our hope is that the executive committee’s vote is based purely around sporting credentials. If that is the case, we know we have a very strong chance. If it is based solely on that, we should win on 2nd December.”

England and football

Ok I live, work and play in England – the country that self proclaims it “invented football” and brought the game to the world. I own two football websites, this one and www.stretford-end.com, so it is clear to see that I am in love with the game. Not to sound like a pretentious romantic, but I do believe the enthusiasm and passion for football as a whole is ingrained into your DNA from a young age as a kid. Whether it be Maradona’s solo goal, Gazza’s tears or Roberto Baggio’s penalty – iconic moments like this remind you of why you adore the game.

With that out of the way I want to raise the question – why shouldn’t England hold the World Cup finals again in 2018? The laughable and downright moronic claims that the British press may expose far greater details surrounding the corruption in FIFA is hardly surprising from an organisation that continues to employ a crook like Jack Warner. Since 1966 there have been eleven World Cup tournaments, with Germany hosting the tournament twice, Mexico twice, Italy and France once (which makes a grand total of two a piece). So why is there a danger of England being overlooked for the 2018 finals? There were reports today that FIFA have concerns over the training camp and hotel facilities in England – something so ludicrous it is hard to believe.

I’m not one of these football fans blinded by the unhealthy patriotism and arrogance that is displayed by a number of England fans that expect glory because we are England – the masters and creators of the game. It is always hard for the ‘master’ to accept that his students, many of them, are in fact miles ahead in all areas of the game. The original basis of England’s game was based on power, strength and pace – something that although is vital in the modern game, is the main focus of England’s ‘British Bulldog’ appeal.

Glenn Hoddle was a master of the football, who could unlock teams with a visionary pass or a breathtaking piece of skill. Michel Platini once stated that Hoddle, if born a few hundred miles south, would have won 120 caps at international level as opposed to the 53 he won for the three lions. His successor at Tottenham, Paul Gascoigne, was adored by the English public for his god given talent and his jester like attitude towards life. However, his past time of boozing was also an English trait – which in my eyes – hindered his progress and he inevitably failed to reach his full potential. Paul Scholes, a World Class player who was the best all round midfielder of his generation, was often asked to play in a role that alien to how he lined up for his club – where of course he won countless titles and European honours. So why are the more talented English players, or foreign players like Ronaldo for example, play second fiddle to the likes of the tough tackler who ‘gives his all’ for club and country?

I spoke with an old school friend, who was a technically very good footballer now doing professional coaching, recently who stated that he was concerned by the high amount of kids at academy level who are born between September and December of a normal school year. There kids are of course more physically advanced than kids born later in the year – highlighting the emphasis that is being placed on results over performance. This is only one aspect of the problem – the other is far more serious and is enriched within English football culture. As a child playing Sunday football you are encouraged to ‘get rid of the ball’ as quickly as you can and get it forward, rather than promote ball retention. The recycling of the football has never been more important at the top level, which was highlighted by Spain’s 2010 World Cup win in July.

The purpose of this criticism isn’t to highlight the shortcomings of English football, which to me are more obvious to any keen football enthusiast, but to show that I understand as to why England continue to fail when crunch time comes. When I was younger I used to think England were up there with the Brazils, Italys and Argentinas of this world. I used to feel a sense of injustice every time England painfully exited a tournament. It was always someone else’s fault, a conspiracy against the crown – we were always the victims. As I got older and obviously matured, I realised the problem was with everyone else – but the problem was within. The arrogance and stubborn to accept change has restricted the development of a number of youngsters throughout the years, which is why the percentage of foreign players in the Premier League has increased no end. Unimaginative, uncreative tactics and a direct football philosophy are as old as the dust on Howard Wilkinson’s first coaching manual and simply do not cut it at the top level – which could be a reason as to why there as a limited amount of top class English coaches.

Zidane, Platini, Zico, Maradona, Di Stefano, Cruyff, Pele, Garrincha, Ronaldo, Messi and co all have one thing in common – they aren’t English and are some of the best players ever to grace this planet. So what helps to produce this talent? Nurture vs. nature is too big a subject to discuss right now – but a current genius such as Lionel Messi – didn’t get to where he is today without a mixture of both God given talent and a vast amount of practise. Can England produce a Lionel Messi? Of course – but remember that society, environment and culture help to produce players and therefore if England are serious about challenging for major International honours – then mother England really does need to take a good look at herself and review the attitude, philosophy and general opinions of football in this country.

The Premier League is one of the greatest leagues in the world. England are not one of the best teams in the World. England is a football institution who have produced some of the finest footballing club sides to have ever graced European competition. When you compared England’s record to Germany or Italy in terms of final appearances (1:7 for Germany and 1:6 for Italy) then the evidence speaks for itself – have England been that unlucky or are we simply not as good as the media and majority of fans claim England to be?

The people of England deserve to witness, first hand, the wonders of the World Cup like they nearly half a century ago. Russia still have a major issue with racism and hooliganism – something that England has worked on massively over the past twenty years with some superb result – both inside the stadiums and on a social level. In my eyes there is only one candidate, in my eyes England don’t deserve it based upon football pedigree – but because England can and will put on a superb tournament for the watching world. Football’s coming home? We’ll see on December 2nd – but I still doubt that eight years will be enough time for England to reassess its football foundations.

USA coach Bob Bradley has agreed to stay on as national team coach for another four years, which includes the 2014 World Cup, U.S. Soccer said this week. The 52-year-old, who steered the U.S. to the last sixteen at this year’s World Cup finals in South Africa where they were eliminated by Ghana, will retain the job until the end of 2014 after agreeing to a four-year contract extension. This announcement puts an end to the widespread rumours linking Bradley with the vacant position at Aston Villa.

Bradley said he would love the challenge of coaching in Europe but also said leading the U.S towards the 2014 World Cup would be a challenge. He released these comments prior to Brazil’s 2-0 win over the U.S in a friendly earlier this month. Bradley has a decent record as USA coach and over the last four years, the U.S. have won 38 games and lost 20 out of a total of 66, whose current contract was to expire at the end of December.

This tournament has been historic. It will always be remembered as the first World Cup to go to Africa, in particular, to South Africa – a country that has suffered so much oppression, that has fought to show the world that it is safe and that has shown the world that white people and black people are co-existing in peace.

The competition started slowly as teams seemed to be still adjusting to the conditions and there were clearly some nerves. The first round of group stage matches produced only two games where three or more goals were scored (out of a possible sixteen games). The first round was so dull that two games ended 0-0; there were six 1-0 wins; and four 1-1 draws.

The first round of games did produce some special moments though. The opening goal of the World Cup was fittingly scored by a South African – Siphiwe Tshabalala. It was a fantastic goal that got the country dancing – their competition had finally started. Elsewhere both finalists from 2006 were held to draws, France by Uruguay and reigning champions Italy had to come from behind against Paraguay. There were shocks as New Zealand scored a last minute equaliser against Slovakia; and no one foresaw that Spain would lose to Switzerland.

My favourite game of the first round was Brazil vs. North Korea. The Brazilians played some brilliant football in patches but it was the North Koreans who intrigued me. They were incredibly disciplined and were not at all in awe or afraid of the five time winners. North Korea kept possession well, defended with passion and had the confidence to shoot from any distance. The North Koreans deserved Ji Yun-Nam’s fantastic late goal and very nearly snuck a draw.

The individual performance of the first round belonged to Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama. The goalkeeper pulled off save after save after save to thwart Argentina who could never add to Heinze’s early goal. If it wasn’t for Enyeama then Argentina may well have hit double figures!

The second round of group stage fixtures saw some normality return to the results. The higher ranked nations started to grind out wins but not everyone was having it their way. The French followed up a draw against Uruguay with a 2-0 loss to Mexico; whilst Germany lost against Serbia by a single goal after Klose was harshly sent off. Like France, Italy were still finding it tough and they once again had to come from behind to draw with New Zealand.

Argentina provided an attacking masterclass to beat South Korea 4-1, but the game that everyone will remember from the group stages was the 7-0 drubbing that Portugal handed to North Korea. It was the largest winning margin and the game that product the most goals in the tournament. North Korea held their own for an hour and looked like they may find an equaliser to Meireles’s first half strike. However, the wet conditions and slick pitch allowed Portugal to play quick attacking football and the North Koreans fell apart.

The last round of fixtures in the group stages became a knockout situation for some countries. South Africa bowed out of the tournament, becoming the first host nation failing to progress from the group stage. They did however give the country a reason to party as they beat France 2-1, extinguishing the World Cup campaign of the 1998 winners as well as their own.

Nigeria disappointed at the tournament but at least walked away with a point as they drew 2-2 with South Korea in a game that provided the miss of the tournament. Somehow Yakubu put the ball wide from no more than 4 yards out, in the centre of an open goal and under no pressure. Elsewhere, the USA left it till the last minute to get a winning goal against Slovenia that meant they topped their group. Serbia just needed to win to qualify but fell to a surprise defeat against Australia – both teams went home.

One of the most exciting games of the tournament could have been Portugal vs. Brazil. Portugal were confident after annihilating North Korea, and Brazil had been comfortable so far. What was witnessed was a dull 0-0 that meant both sides qualified. Spain were the last team to qualify. They beat the 10 men of Chile 2-1 but were arguably given a dose of their own medicine as Chile even reduced by one, passed the ball well and used space fantastically. Both teams qualified.

The biggest surprise of the last round was Italy’s 3-2 defeat against Slovakia. It meant the 2006 champions were sent back to Italy having been knocked out at the earliest possible opportunity with only two points from three games.

I haven’t mentioned the trials and tribulations of England until now. I feel like I’ve spent a lot of time discussing the fortunes of my country over the past month and didn’t want to drag myself into the details of it all over again. So, if you didn’t already know…England qualified second in their group having played poorly in the group stages. They ended with a record of played three, won one and drawn two. It meant a date with Germany awaited in the last 16.

Off the pitch, both France and England ensured that drama ensued. The French sent Anelka home and so the players revolted and refused to train. As if that wasn’t enough, Ribery decided to interrupt a live interview with Domenech and he emotionally addressed the watching French nation himself. Meanwhile, in the England camp, John Terry lead a very English revolt – in which no players actually revolted. Terry told the media that some of the players were not convinced by Capello’s tactics and they would confront him in a team meeting. It became apparent that there was no player confrontation and Capello publicly said that Terry had made a “very big mistake”.

With the group stages over a look at the teams in the last 16 showed that Africa’s sole representation now lay with Ghana. In the meantime all the talk was of how impressive the South American teams had been, all five had made it through beyond the group stages.

The South American success at the tournament continued as the knockout stages began. Uruguay beat South Korea whilst Ghana kept the African dream alive as rising star of the World Cup, Asamoah Gyan scored in extra time to knock out the USA.

The games on the 27th June will be remembered for three things: German ruthlessness; English disappointment; and linesmen. England were outplayed, outclassed and emphatically beaten 4-1 by old foes Germany. Argentina removed the Mexican threat by beating them 3-1. Both games hinged upon incorrect decisions by a linesman. With Germany winning 2-1, Frank Lampard’s shot clearly crossed the line but the linesman did not see it. At 0-0 in the Argentina vs. Mexico game, Tevez was incorrectly considered onside (by some margin) and he put Argentina ahead. These two events lead to an apology from Sepp Blatter and Fifa admitted that technology may have to be seriously considered after the World Cup.

The World Cup managed to continue without Mexico and England. The Netherlands progressed by beating Slovakia 2-1. They had gone rather unnoticed through the early stages of the tournament and along with Argentina were the only other nation to have won three from three in the group stages. Brazil ended Chile’s run by beating them 3-0. Chile became the first South American nation to be knocked out.

Paraguay vs. Japan lasted for 120 minutes and not a goal was scored; so the competition had its first penalty shootout. Paraguay won 5-3 and ensured that half of the teams in the quarter finals would be from South America. Spain were the last team to secure a quarter final spot as they beat neighbours, Portugal, by a single goal.

Even before the last 16 games were completed, the inquest into English football had started. Whilst a lot of the focus had been on brilliant Brazil and awesome Argentina, Uruguay had confidently stridden through to the quarter finals and the prospect of a first semi final in 80 years was just one game away.

Whenever a World Cup comes around, Brazil are always considered a team who have a good chance of winning the competition. This year was no different. I was a little bemused by the confidence that the media had in them. This was a Brazilian side whose star player was underperforming and who had only produced patches of good football. Brazil in my mind were there for the taking, but I did not expect the Netherlands do be the team who troubled them. Brazil were excellent for 55 minutes and then a Sneijder goal for the Dutch signalled the end of the Brazilian challenge. The Netherlands controlled the remainder of the game and Sneijder whose influence on the tournament was growing, got his second. Brazil, unthinkably, were out of the tournament at the quarter final stage.

Uruguay and Ghana were paired in the least attractive of the four quarter finals. Ghana had the backing of the neutrals as Africa’s last nation. A poor game had one of the most dramatic of finishes. In the last added minute of extra time Ghana pressed for a final chance. Stephen Appiah had an effort blocked by Luis Suarez, following up was Dominic Adiyiah who thought he had scored until Suarez blocked his attempt, but illegally with his hands. Suarez was sent off and Asamoah Gyan had the chance to put Ghana into the semi finals. The image that will remain with me, is of Luis Suarez celebrating like a martyr as he walked down the tunnel having seen Gyan’s penalty thunder away off the crossbar. The game went to penalties and Uruguay triumphed 4-2.

Ghana come out of the World Cup as one of the success stories. Without their star player, Michael Essien, they found new heroes in Kevin Prince-Boateng and Asamoah Gyan (even after missing the penalty). This Ghana side will have inspired a new generation of African football fans as one of their teams made it to the last 8 in the world.

The quarter finals threw up a classic match, a game where two footballing giants would meet. Argentina vs. Germany is a game with a lot of history, pride and passion. This year it pitched the form side, Germany; against a team managed by a footballing icon and legend, containing the best player in the world, Argentina. Maradona’s men were quietly fancied by a lot of people as favourites to win the competition. They found themselves up against a young, hungry and typically disciplined Germany side though. I would imagine that watching this game made English fans feel a tiny bit better about losing 4-1 to Germany. Schweinsteiger dominated the midfield and in ruthless fashion, Germany won 4-0. For Argentina, history repeated itself and this loss will now add to growing list of defeats that Germany have inflicted upon Argentina in recent World Cups. Miroslav Klose bagged two goals to equal Gerd Muller’s record of 14 goals at World Cups for a German player.

Paraguay took on Spain in a closely fought and intense last semi final. Both sides missed penalties (although Spain did score their penalty it had to be retaken and was then missed) and it took a late goal from David Villa to seal a place in the semi finals for Spain.

Having had a South American dominance in the quarter finals, the semi finals saw a shift of power towards the European teams. There was now a real possibility that the final would be an all European affair, as it was in 2006. Only once before had two successive finals been all European, 1934 and 1938. Another final like this would break a curse that seems to hang on European countries – never before had a nation from Europe won the World Cup in another continent. Now there was a real chance of that.

The World Cup manages to go in stages where the public, often swayed by the media jump on the bandwagon of a certain country, believing they will get to final and surely won’t be beaten. In this tournament Brazil and Argentina were the two sides that couldn’t be beaten. Then, after beating Argentina it was Germany. Going into the semi finals there was a real belief that Germany could upset the European champions, Spain.

The first semi final saw the Netherlands take on the last non-European nation left, Uruguay. The progress of the Dutch had gone rather under the radar. In a way they were fortunate in the group stages, winning a game through an own goal and another through a goalkeeping howler. Their progression though had highlighted the importance of Robben and Sneijder to their team. Uruguay would be without the suspended Luis Suarez, but talismanic captain, Forlan, was in great form at the tournament and would try and lead his side unbelievably to the final.

This first semi final produced for me, the goal of the tournament. Dutch captain, Gio van Bronkhorst was high up the pitch from his left back area. There seemed to be nothing on for him, so with a little shift of the ball in front of him he decided to give it an almighty whack. From 35 yards out, on an angle, the ball flew into the top right corner. It was stunning. The much criticised, World Cup football didn’t even wobble about that much, no keeper was ever going to have stopped that shot.

Uruguay gave as good as they got and were level before half time. Forlan continued his form with another good goal. Holland controlled the game, but until the 70th minute, Uruguay were never troubled. However over the course of the next three minutes the game was over. Two quick Dutch goals from Sneijder and Robben meant the Oranje were all but in the final. A late second goal for Uruguay was not enough and the Netherlands were in their first World Cup final for 32 years.

Semi final number two saw form side Germany (minus suspended Thomas Muller) take on tournament favourites, Spain (minus Fernando Torres who was dropped for Pedro). Whilst Germany had found the perfect balance in their recent performances, Spain had not hit form yet. David Villa’s goals had got them this far and at times they had looked vulnerable. Fernando Torres had not scored at all and whilst still recovery from an injury he had none of his usual sharpness. This game was a repeat of the Euro 2008 final fixture.

The game turned out to be another close one. Spain, as they so often do, controlled large patches. Once again though, they failed to create good chances. The longer the game went on, the deeper Germany sat, allowing more Spanish pressure. Spanish persistence and possession eventually paid off, but from a set piece. A Xavi corner was met with a bullet header from Puyol and with 17 minutes to go, the game had its only goal. Germany may regret not pressuring Spain as hard in the second half, but the Spanish did produce a masterclass in how to keep the ball.

Spain have been the best side in the world over the past four years and their place in the final was richly deserved. It is a testament to the individual quality of their players that the team had not really performed that well in the tournament but still had made it to the final. A final of Spain vs. Netherlands awaited, and the tournament was guaranteed a first time winner.

Spain’s progress, playing their possession football has reignited the debate about whether it is the best type of football. Like, club side, Barcelona, Spain can keep possession for long periods of the match and when they need to, they can unlock a team with swift, deadly passing. This type of football has been labelled by some to be boring. Watching Spain in the tournament had at times been a nit painful – mainly due to the fact that the team hadn’t actually been playing well. There is something dull about watching a ball move between players in the middle area of a pitch for five minutes. At the same time it is incredibly admirable that Spain can do that. Few nations are able to keep a ball so easily. Is this the elite form of the game though? Germany are able to soak up pressure with a disciplined formation and then counter attack at great pace – arguably due to the patience, discipline and speed of attack, that type of football at its best is equally impressive, maybe not as easy on the eye though. I believe that because the way Spain play football is so rarely tried and achieved, it becomes slightly overhyped in that it is the best way to play. A nation should play the way that best suits the players available; in Spain’s case, this is the way to get the most from their players. It had got them to the final where they would hope to finally hit top gear and win in the fashion that many had expected before the tournament – with style and a sense of entertainment.

Before the final, there is the slightly meaningless playoff for third place. Germany changed their line up and withdrew Klose who wouldn’t have the chance to get a 15th World Cup goal and pull alongside Ronaldo as the tournaments greatest ever goalscorer. Uruguay and Forlan wanted to be able to say they are the world’s third best team and named a strong side. The game that followed was very watchable and entertaining. Germany took an early lead through Muller but went in level at half time due to a Cavani equaliser. In the second half Forlan volleyed Uruguay into the lead but Germany were level within five minutes as Jansen equalised following an error from goalkeeper, Muslera. Khedira got the winning goal for Germany, eight minutes from the end but there was still time for Forlan to hit the bar in injury time. Germany won the ‘bronze medal’ and ended finishing the tournament third.

The third place playoff is often considered a waste of a game but this year it turned out to be very entertaining with both sides wanting to win it. Uruguay exceeded all expectations in finishing fourth. Germany have a young, talented team that will be together for the next few years. The signs are that German football is in a good place at the moment and can only get better.

And so to the final…Netherlands vs. Spain

The big news ahead of the final was that Fernando Torres would once again be only on the substitutes bench. The game was tense and cagey. Howard Webb, the referee in charge had to stop play more often than anyone would have liked as the Netherlands gave away their tactics early on. Some would call it ‘anti-football’ but the Netherlands realised they would have to break up the Spanish possession however possible.

The first half was feisty. Five players had been booked after half an hour and no clear openings had materialised for either side. Sergio Ramos came close twice in the opening five minutes but otherwise long distant efforts were saved well by both goalkeepers. Nigel de Jong was lucky to escape being sent off after he planted a foot into the chest of Xabi Alonso.

The best chances in the second half fell to Arjen Robben. Twice he was played through clean on goal and twice he missed. Iker Casillas has come in for some criticism during the tournament but he was truly in form to deny the Netherlands on a couple of crucial occasions. The Netherlands learnt from Germany and made sure they pressed Spain high up the pitch. The problem with doing that however is that fouls and free kicks are inevitably given away.

As the game went into extra time, John Heitinga made on foul too many and he received his second yellow card of the match, followed by a dooming red card. With four minutes remaining, substitute Fabregas was able to slide a ball through to Iniesta who drilled the ball into the net to seize the winning goal for Spain. As the final whistle went, the jubilant Spanish players poured onto the pitch, some shedding a tear, some not knowing how to celebrate at all other than to hug the nearest person.

The final was not a classic. The football played was not exceptional. What is important is that the best team, the most consistent team over the past four years came out victorious. Spain may not have played some of the football that everyone is aware they are capable of, but there is no doubting their quality. It was fitting that Andres Iniesta got the winning goal. He has arguably been one of the best players in the world over the past few years and no one is as important to Spain as he.

The Netherlands in my opinion overachieved in this tournament. Their squad was strong but not as good as some. Apart from their match against Brazil, they had an agreeable route to the final. On the night they simply didn’t take their chances. Their tactics of fouling the Spanish worked until deep into injury time when one of their players was eventually sent off. Their squad is not old, and they will be able to bring through a few young players to solidify what they already have. This was sadly their third defeat in a World Cup final, but if they were to lose to anyone it would have had to have been this talented Spanish side.

As it all comes to a close, congratulations must go to Spain for winning the competition; Diego Forlan for winning the best player award, the Golden Ball (with nearly a quarter of the vote); and to Thomas Muller for winning the Golden Boot (5 goals and 3 assists). Spain won this tournament by only scoring 8 goals in 7 games, but that was enough. I am proud to say I predicted that Spain would win the competition (I’m less proud about some of my other predictions!). The competition ends with a first time winner and amazingly the only unbeaten side in the tournament was New Zealand!

Now the World Cup is finished until Brazil 2014. We have learnt that performances count for little; individuals put together don’t make a team; Africa can host a major tournament; European nations can win the tournament on another continent; the best team always wins the competition; Spain are the best team in the world…and of course, always believe an octopus called Paul!

Congratulations to worthy winners Spain, and see you in 2012 for the qualifiers!

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Germany put in a professional, resolute and quite simply spectacular performance as Joachim Löw’s tactical nous shined through in the 4-0 victory over Argentina. The 1954, 1974 and 1990 World Cup winners were devastating in as they defended narrowly and vigilantly against an Argentinian side who evidently lacked any real creativity as Messi was stifled throughout. The little Argentinian genius leaves the greatest International tournament without finding the back of the net, however the reliance on Messi in a 4-3-1-2 formation by Maradona was surely a burden that the Barcelona number ten didn’t need when things clearly weren’t working.

If Messi and Argentina were disappointing, Germany and Schweinsteiger were brilliant. Schweinsteiger was used as a right sided midfielder in Euro 2004 and in the World Cup four years ago, but has played most of this season as a central figure alongside Mark Van Bommel for Bayern Munich. His glorious cross field pass to Podolski, gave the Koln man a one on one opportunity to take on the hesitant Otamendi, who proceeded to foul him. From the resulting free kick Schweinsteiger right footed inswinger was met by the head of club teammate Thomas Muller, who glanced a header towards Romero and into the back of the net. In fairness the keeper should have done better and the marking for the goal highlighted the defensive frailties of a nation who hired a coach to be an inspirational figure as opposed to the more ‘finer’ details. Muller’s header was Germany’s 200th goal in World Cup competition.

Mesut Ozil was playing more as a withdrawn striker and wasn’t getting on the ball as much as he had done in previous matches, however Löw’s decision to withdraw Podolski and Muller to combat any width Argentina might get from their fullbacks Henize and Otamendi worked a treat. Germany’s lineup was more 4-4-1-1, however the philosophy remained the same, quick passing, counter attacking and patient build up. One thing we have seen at this tournament is high pressing, most noticeably from Ghana, Chile and Uruguay. This is probably due to the weather conditions being cooler than previous World Cup finals. However, Germany opted to play much deeper than they had done against England and allowed Demichelis and Burdisso time on the ball until Argentina entered the German half. This was presumably due to Argentina’s over reliance on Lionel Messi and their narrow setup. Any balls played through the middle would be met by four Germans surround Messi who was hounded at every opportunity.

Schweinsteiger’s part in Germany’s third goal was simply breathtaking as he picked the ball up on the left hand side of the pitch before gliding past one Argentinian and then wrong footing striker Higuain before pulling the ball back for Friedrich to score his first goal for Germany. At 3-0, the tie was all over, with Germany demonstrating why they are serious contenders for a fourth title. Their performance against Australia was praised, however many pundits were pointing at weak opposition as a reason for the scoreline. The games against England and Argentina demonstrated a controlled passing game and impressive movement that dragged defenders out of their normal positions. This space can then be exploited by the four key attacking players, Muller, Podolski, Ozil and Klose, with the latter two combining superbly to give Germany a 4-0 victory. Argentina were totally outclassed by a German side that mixes both youthful energy with maturity and patience.

How Germany lined up

How Argentina lined up