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.

Sepp Blatter’s time in charge as FIFA president could come to end, that is if vice president Mohamed bin Hammam is successful in his bid to become the new president, after Sepp Blatter’s thirteen years in charge of football. Hammam believes that football has come to a ‘virtual standstill’ and will run against the Swiss national on June 1st for the presidency. FIFA have been dogged with allegations of corruption, backhanders and vote rigging in recent years – with many fans citing Sepp Blatter as a major problem in world football today.

Mohamed bin Hammam was once a close ally of the current FIFA president and Blatter owes a lot to the Qatari for his time as the Asian confederation chairman, for his backing during the controversial 1998 and 2002 presidential election campaigns, but one of his oldest supporters is aiming to replace him. Hamman was quoted as saying the following:

Mohamed bin Hammam will give football a breath of fresh and hopefully restore some respect in football’s world body. One of the main issues is the transparency in voting and decision making, which of course is still clouded in mystery and controversy. FIFA’s decision to award a country that has no football history, soaring summer temperatures and some quite ‘un-liberal’ laws – the 2022 World Cup finals is still or a sore subject with many fans. Sepp Blatter has surely been at the top far too long and his obvious fascination with his own self importance is clearly what is feeding his ever increasing ego. Although the main governing body has lost its way and abuses it position, many fans still believe in the good of the game and hope that Brazil 2014 will be about the football – not FIFA.

I was lucky enough to be able to watch Zidane live against England in a friendly match twelve years ago. I’d followed his progress from highly promising youngster at Cannes, to UEFA Cup finalist and Euro 96 disappointment with Bordeaux and his transfer to Juventus and World Cup feats with France on home soil. It seems unfair that the French were blessed with two ridiculously talented number tens in Platini and Zidane – in the short space of ten years, however the we were extremely lucky to see such talents grace a football field.

Zidane, for me, was the best player of my generation – a generation that boasted Baggio, Ronaldo, Klinsmann, Scholes, Figo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. When I first saw him I was probably more concerned that the attention would shift to him from my boyhood hero Eric Cantona, which is why I was always a stern ‘Ronaldo’ man for the best player in the world. As time evolved, and ultimately I matured, you could sense that you were watching a man that was clearly just that much better than everyone else in terms of touch, vision and technique. Zidane’s unbelievable talent could be seen in one of his sublime deft touches from a long ball – usually plucked out of the air with a straight right or left leg, it didn’t matter for him.

I read in World Soccer last week that Zidane had sued Christophe Aleveque following his comments that the 1998 World Cup winner’s association with Qatar was a form of ‘prostitution’. His full comments are listed below:

No one likes to see their heroes sell out and although I know little of Aleveque and his values, I do not see the need to criticise a player that brought so much success, both on the football field and from a social perspective (for France), for backing a nation that is eager to host the World Cup finals. Do I agree with Qatar winning the right to host the 2022 finals? No, but that is a different matter although. Zidane was, and i’m sure still is, an exceptional footballer that will remember for that wonderful goal in Glasgow in the 2002 European Cup final, or the two headed goals against Brazil in 1998 or the countless amounts of skill that graced many top stadiums throughout Europe.

What do Stefan Effenberg, Sonny Anderson, Frank Leboeuf, Juninho Pernambucano, Gabriel Batistuta and Romario have in common? They all played in Qatar, usually at the end of their career for a bumper pay off. Many will cite, as David Beckham did when heading to America, that one of their key reasons for the move was to ‘bring football to a country that isn’t historically engulfed with the sport’ – which of course many cynics will total dismiss. However, I do not see the problem with being rewarded financially for a talent that many of us can only recreate in our dreams. Many players get paid astonishing fees for their talent, but why should Lionel Messi be on the same amount of money as an inferior player?

I disagree that Zidane is best remembered for his headbutt on Marco Materazzi is Berlin five years ago, that is only for people who like the controversy and not the football. His effortless looking talent in being able to control the ball dead or his superb vision that disorientates the most stubborn of defenses or his amazing goals that graced, Bordeaux, Turin and then Madrid. Any fan that was lucky enough to see the man play was truely privileged. Maradona may be the greatest player of all time (I only saw Maradona from the age of 28 onwards – but I believe his status as the best player of all time is correct) and Lionel Messi is fast becoming one of the most talented and important players of all time – however, from the late 90s to 2006, Zidane was the best player on this earth and is rightfully praised for his performances – both on and off the field of play.

Did the legendary number ten sell out? Your comments are welcome.

Brazilian World Cup legend Pele has spoken of his concern and potential embarrassment for Brazil if preparations to host the 2014 World Cup do not get up to speed. Brazil are the only side to have qualified for every World Cup tournament and will host the finals for the second time in their history – the last time was back in 1950, where they lost in the final group match to Uruguay.

The three times World Cup winner said that he was concerned with the delays in improving stadiums and the general building work, whilst also commenting on the airport system, which he described as “frightening”. Pele spoke to a news conference recently and said:

“You know of the fight we had to get the (2016) Olympics and the World Cup, traveling around the world seeking votes and now a moment has come that is worrying everyone. Brazil is running a great risk of embarrassing us in how it runs the World Cup, principally in communications. The airports are frightening and not just for Brazilians”

Pele scored goals in both the 1958 and 1970 World Cup finals, both of which Brazil won. Pele’s celebration following his header to open the scoring against Italy is one of the most iconic images in football’s history. However, the man who notched up 12 World Cup goals was again critical of the delay in stadium work and cited Sao Paulo as one of the cities that ‘needs to be settled’:

“Brazil has the obligation to stage a good World Cup, a good administration, and sadly it’s already behind and has this controversy of Sao Paulo. The Paulista championship is the core of Brazilian football, it’s what should already be settled and it still isn’t settled.”

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, or should I say ‘Il Fenomeno’ has retired from the game of football aged 34 years old. The 2002 World Cup winner and former World player of year has decided to hang up his boots following elimination in the 2011 Copa Libertadores.

Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 97 games for Brazil, trailing Pele who scored 77 goals in 92 games, to become the countries second top goalscorer of all time. In 2006 Ronaldo became the leading scorer, with 15 goals, in World Cup history when he scored in the 3-0 victory over Ghana. We take a look back at the career or a true great and wonder what could have been if he hadn’t endured so many injuries.

As Roberto Baggio blazed the ball over the bar in the heat of Pasadena, we were subjected to a goofy looking kid, that played no part in the playing squad in 1994, holding aloft the World Cup trophy. At the time, many outside of Brazil hadn’t heard of Ronaldo – although following his move to PSV in the summer of 1994 – many European football followers were amazed by the skill, pace and finishing of the young superstar. Romario, who was also a hit at PSV, had left for Johan Cryuff’s Barcelona and Eindhoven had signed a more than capable replacement.

Ronaldo, in two seasons, hit 64 goals in 67 games – even though he only played 21 games in his second season due to a knee injury. The bigger stage beckoned for Ronaldo, and he signed in the summer of 1996 for Barcelona for a then world record fee of $17 Million. Before he kicked a ball for the Catalan giants, he helped Brazil to a bronze medal at the Olympics games, but what was to follow made him into a house hold name. He scored 47 goals in 49 games in his only season at the Nou Camp, helping Barcelona to win the Cup Winners Cup and Copa del Rey in 1997. A move to Italy for another world record breaking fee followed, with Ronaldo scoring 34 goals in 47 game in his debut season in Serie A.

A 21 year old Ronaldo traveled to France 98 with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. He was exceptional in every game that he played in except the final, where reports suggest that the youngster had a fit the night before the final in Paris. His first goal came against Morocco and he went on to score another three goals (two against Chile and one in the semi final against Holland). Ronaldo’s lightning pace, cool finishing and unbelievable skill were on show for the world to see – however, following the tournament in 1998, things didn’t take off as much as they should have done for the Brazilian wonderkid.

Ronaldo only featured in 28 games the following season, scoring 15 goals for Internazionale. However, in 1999/2000 the striker only featured in 8 matches (scoring three goals) and didn’t play the following season at all after ruptured a tendon in his knee against Lecce in the autumn of 1999. He didn’t play many more times for Inter Milan but his scoring stats were still very impressive, notching up 59 goals in 99 games over five injury hit seasons. Real Madrid were to follow, but first came the World Cup finals in Japan & Korea.

The disappointment of the 1998 final was eradicated by the success and joy of the 2002 tournament, where he finished top scorer with eight goals. He scored a brace in the final against Germany in Yokohama to become a World Champion for the second time, but this time round he was pivotal to the success of ‘A Seleção’.

Ronaldo went onto play for Real Madrid, AC Milan and Corinthians – whilst also surpassing Gerd Muller’s 14 World Cup goals in the 2006 finals in Germany. Ronaldo was clearly passed his best by the, even though he was only 29 years old. His physical appearance had deteriorated – however, the skill remained as he dummied the Ghanian goalkeeper with a step over before slotting home.

World Cup Statistics believes Ronaldo was one of the best players this world has ever seen. He scored bucket loads of goals whilst making people jump off their seats in delight as he produced a moment of breathtaking skill. He was in his pomp at Barcelona in 1996/97, aged just 20, and it is such a disappointment that he suffered the injuries that he did. Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima – you were and always will be ‘The phenomenon’.

I was born early in the morning on the 9th July 1982, the morning after the epic 3-3 semi final between France and West Germany, which saw the infamous Harald Schumacher ‘attack’ on Patrick Battiston after a glorious Michel Platini pass. I always credit this match as one of the reasons as to why football runs through my veins, considering I was born a few hours after the final whistle. However, looking at the whole 1982 tournament, Platini nor France nor West Germany were the stars of the show.

On the 5th July 1982, Brazil lost 3-2 to Italy in the quarter final of the World Cup. This Brazilian side is often credited as the greatest football side not to lift the World Cup (probably along with the 1974 Dutch side), which is no doubt a massive compliment to Paulo Rossi’s Italy – led by legendary manager Enzo Bearzot.

Enzo Bearzot was the second Italian to lift the World Cup trophy after Vittorio Pozzo who guided the Azzurri to victory in the 1934 and 1938 tournaments. Bearzot unfortunately passed away last month in Milan, aged 83 years old. Only Marcello Lippi has matched his great feat, ironically under the same type of controversial circumstances surrounding Calcio. The most well documented case is that of Paulo Rossi, who when at Perugia was involved in the infamous scandal known as ‘Totonero‘ in 1980, which saw the future Juventus star banned from football for three years, later reduced to two years. His inclusion in the 1982 World Cup squad sparked controversy and his performance against Poland and Peru did nothing to but infuriate his doubters even more.

A 2-1 victory over Argentina followed, which saw Claudio Gentile get to grips very early on with twenty two year old Diego Maradona, but the victory over Brazil was a massive surprise to the world of football. The then three times World Cup winners had scored thirteen goals in four matches and dispatched South American rivals Argentina in the process, beating the 1978 winners 3-1. The Brazilians had a number of superbly creative players in their side, including Sócrates, Zico, and Roma’s Falcão.

Brazil were stunned by Paulo Rossi’s hattrick, even though both Sócrates and Falcão hit back after Rossi’s first and second respectfully – however, destiny shone on the Azzurri, who no doubt felt that their 1970 defeat was now avenged. Bearzot, who was slated for the performance of his side in the first three games, was now only a single match away from the final. The ‘silenzio stampa’ looked like it was beginning to work.

Next up were Poland, who Italy easily beat 2-0 before facing West Germany in the final. Italy had played West Germany three times prior to the game in 1982, with the epic 4-3 victory in 1970 in favour of the Azzurri being the most memorable. Germany and Italy were both level on two World Cup wins, with Germany’s triumphs coming in 1954 and 1974, and the winner would join the Brazilians on three world cup victories. The Italians smashed three past the Germans in the final, with the second goal by Marco Tardelli remaining an iconic image even today. The ‘Tardelli cry’ is now down in World Cup folklore, as the Juventus man ran to the bench, shaking fists shouting ‘Goal! Goal!’. The midfielder’s war like cry highlighted the defiance of Bearzot’s side following extreme criticism prior to the tournament and in the early matches. The man born in the North East of Italy and who won a single cap for Italy was the champion of the world.

Italy lineup vs. West Germany 1982 World Cup Final Madrid

As mentioned at the start of this post, I was a mere two days old when Enzo Bearzot held the World Cup trophy aloft in Madrid on July 11th 1982. He retired as a manager in 1986 after the World Cup following a disappointing campaign where Italy were eliminated by France in the last sixteen. Bearzot was criticized for keeping a vast amount of the 1982 squad, who were deemed too old for the finals. Like any manager who has touched greatness, Bearzot was slated by the media and public in the early days, much like Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough were. Both Ferguson and Clough were strong believers in their own footballing philosophy and had strict principles that they believed they needed to adhere to that may be against what was perceived as ‘normal’ – Bearzot was from the same school.

John Foot described in the excellent “Calcio: A History of Italian Football” that Italians by nature are defensive cautious people, which is why they make excellent defenders – often cynical at times. However, Bearzot was a fan of the interchanging total football philosophy of the great Dutch team of 1974 and Ajax before that, rather than the traditional ‘Catenaccio’approach adopted by legendary Internazionale manager Helenio Herrera. A quote by Bearzot sums up my respect for the manager who didn’t subscribe to the defensive pragmatic style that some of his countrymen adopted: “I select my players and then I let them play the game, without trying to impose tactical plans on them. You can’t tell Maradona, ‘Play the way I tell you’. You have to leave him free to express himself.” He later went on to add: “Coaching Italy was a vocation which has become a profession. Football has become a science, but for me it’s still first and foremost a game.”

Enzo Bearzot: Born 26 September 1927 Died: 21 December 2010 World Cup Winner: 1982

Russia have seen off challenges from England, Spain/Portugal and Belgium/Netherlands to host the 2018 World Cup finals. Russia have promised to ‘make history’ as the first Eastern European nation to stage the World Cup since the first tournament in 1930 – which was won and hosted in Uruguay. Russia comfortably defeated Holland/Belgium and Portugal/Spain in the second round, whilst seeing off a humiliating first round exit by England. The 2022 World Cup hosts were also announced, with Qatar beating off challenges from the United States and Australia.

England’s poor showing was surprising considering the level of improvement for the 2018 finals compared to the ill fated 2006 bid, which ultimately went to Germany. In bidding for the World Cup for 2006, England were eliminated in the second round following five votes in the first and only two in the second. However, the English FA were accused of arrogance and not doing enough to ‘win over’ the FIFA delegates. This time round, England pulled out all the stops and were considered to be the strong favourite ten months ago. Since then then Lord Triesman accused Spain and Russia of bribery, the Sunday Times identified two delegates of cash for votes and Panorama’s infamous documentary entitled ‘Fifa’s Dirty Secrets’ – which reportedly irked the majority of the FIFA committee. Other than England’s very own Geoff Thompson it is believed that Japan’s Junji Ogura may have provided the other.

There was also shock in the announcement of the World Cup for 2022, which was grated to the smallest nation ever to host a tournament – Qatar. The country’s population is around 1.5 million and will reach sweltering heats in June/July time. This sparked a cynical reaction on Twitter earlier today – with some football fans stating that FIFA may opt to move the finals to the more cooler winter months, which of course would disrupt the domestic season for a number of European teams.

There is no doubt that football is the World’s game and should be loved and enjoyed by everyone – including both Russia and Qatar. However, it would be naive to believe that this was FIFA’s main objective when awarding the finals. I salute the Sunday Times for bringing this to the attention of the World, despite Sepp Blatter’s clear annoyance at the story. Blatter and Warner are untouchable in today’s game and are making vast sums of money out of the game – ensuring their own rules are adhered to as they go along. Both men are one of the biggest dangers to world football and the future of the game. The sooner FIFA is regulated and up front about finances – we will be able to improve the game world wide. Until that day Blatter and co will be laughing all the way to the bank.

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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Holland have beaten Uruguay 3-2 in the first World Cup semi final. The result means that the World Cup final will be an all-European affair as it was in 2006. This is only the second time in World Cup history that consecutive finals have been all-European; the last time it happened was in the 1934 and 1938 finals.

Holland opened the scoring thanks to a 35 yard rocket of a shot from their captain, Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Muslera stood no chance as the ball thundered into the top right hand corner from the left side of the pitch. Before half time Uruguay were level as the their captain, Diego Forlan struck a left footed shot from 25 yards with power and although Sekelenburg in goal got a hand to it, he couldn’t keep it out.

Uruguay had been comfortable all game, in particular it was admirable how Caceres as a make-shift left back thwarted Robben from making a real impact in the game. Midway through the second half, Sneijder scored to give Holland the lead again, his shot was deflected off Maxi Perreira but as it went towards the goal Robin van Persie stuck out a leg to try to shoot and although at best the ball may have ever so slightly brushed his shin it still went in. Uruguay were far from happy as van Persie was in an offside position at the time – swinging a foot at the ball does make him active in the move but the linesman didn’t raise his flag.

Within minutes of their second goal, Holland were out of sight. Kuyt cut back on the left hand side and played a cross in, Robben was unmarked and guided the ball in off the post with an accurate header. Uruguay looked deflated and withdrew Diego Forlan – no one has contributed more to their World Cup adventure than him.

With Uruguay pressing, and the game becoming stretched, van der Vaart and Robben both had chances to extend the lead. Uruguay pulled a goal back in injury time as Maxi Pereira’s left footed shot from the edge of the penalty area skidded into the left hand corner. Although they lumped the ball forward desperately, Uruguay could not get a late equaliser and Holland progressed to their first World Cup final for 32 years.

Holland have got this far playing without really hitting top form. They have been grateful to an own goal against Denmark, a goalkeeping howler against Japan and a goalkeeping error against Brazil. In Sneijder and Robben they do however have two of the tournaments most effective players. Sneijder is the tournament’s joint top scorer with 5 goals and he has pulled the strings for Holland throughout the campaign. Robben is their go-to man, the player who can produce something from nothing, he beats a man with ease and makes hard things look easy – although he gets stick for going down very easily he has been exciting to watch. The Dutch’s luck has stretched to Mark van Bommel – who has managed to survive the quarter final and semi final with only a booking. It is baffling how he was not sent off in either game after putting in some reckless tackles.

The Dutch will be confident going into the final. Some of their key men are in form and they have no players suspended. Robin van Persie who is yet to make a real mark on the tournament will be hoping to time his form perfectly and peak in the final. Holland seem to have great team spirit about them and this will have been a big factor in them getting this far.

The winners of Spain vs. Germany tomorrow will join Holland in the final. Johannesburg better be prepared for an Oranje invasion on Sunday – the Dutch are in the World Cup final.

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