the odd fellow

Being stuck with one hand sucks and I’m still trying to get the hang of typing one-handed. I simply had to share my thoughts on the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

It’s been a mixed bag tournament-wise, very team-oriented. No individual stars have really set South Africa alight save for maybe Muller (GER), Villa (ESP), Messi (ARG), Forlan (URU) and Honda (JPN)…nothing like Gascoigne in 1990, Robbie Baggio, Bebeto and Romario in 1994 or Ronaldo (the real one) in years after. Goals were slow at first but once everyone got used to the Jabulanis, I guess things looked up.

It’s great to see more teams stepping up while the older powerhouses concede their place on the big stage. A young and exciting German side captured third and look set to rule at international level for years to come; Uruguay became the sole South American survivor ahead of Brazil and Argentina; Italy and France capitulated early on while England again flattered to deceive. A young Ghana side (youngest squad with average 24.1 years of age) was unlucky for a missed penalty and the goalline handball and USA impressed beyond expectations as well.

Still the two finalist deserve their place. Holland has been unbeaten throughout and have been steady as they progressed, mixing a nose for goal with plenty of bite when not in possession; but total football, they’re not. Cut out Sneijder or make Robben cry and that’s probably enough. This article by Football 365 vouches quite well for Spain and why their style of play is near-perfect.

I’ve always enjoyed watching Spain, even before their recent successes. They’re not out to destroy a game, or maul opponents; they’ll always attack. But they always seemed to choke. Since the 2008 Euros, or slightly before that, they’ve been clicking though. Maybe it’s this new generation who’re mainly from Barcelona, but somehow the Spanish youth system is producing a lot of technically gifted players who can hold possession, see a pass and importantly deliver it. Credit for that strangely goes to a Dutch master Johan Cruyff.

Spain is fortunate they have the right personnel in the right positions – defence is solid yet quick, speedy and skilful strikers and wingers, and intelligent passing midfielders who are also strong on the ball. But it is this possession and pass philosophy which I think keeps them a step ahead. Watching them play is like watching The Matrix. That’s why I think, and hope, they will lift the trophy tonight. Plus, Paul the Octopus says so.