World Cup 2010 Blog: “Liveblog: Netherlands v. Spain, World Cup Final” plus 6 more

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• Liveblog: Netherlands v. Spain, World Cup Final
• World Cup Final Predictions: Netherlands or Spain for the Win?
• The Netherlands & Spain: The Most Memorable Historic Moments.
• Match Review & Highlights: Germany 3-2 Uruguay
• World Cup Final: Netherlands v. Spain
• Liveblog: Germany 3-2 Uruguay, Third Place Playoff
• FIFA Says World Cup Referees Got it Right 96% of the Time

Liveblog: Netherlands v. Spain, World Cup Final Posted: 11 Jul 2010 12:00 AM PDT Welcome to our World Cup Final liveblog. This is it. The last game of World Cup 2010, at the end of which either the Netherlands or Spain will be holding the famous trophy. Read our full World Cup final preview and then make your World Cup final prediction. If you like our liveblogs then spread the work by clicking the social media buttons above right. It’s good karma. The liveblog will happen in the window below, which is where Chris and myself will be posting and also where you can leave comments.* The liveblog will get started just over an hour before kickoff. Enter your email into the window to receive an alert once the liveblog gets started… *Not all comments will be published, only those that contribute to the discussion. So please think before you type. Also, remember to leave your name before clicking send. Bet on the World Cup Final Don’t just take our word on the match. Check out match comments from carefully selected Twitter accounts: FAN RESOURCES   Netherlands Netherlands Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Netherlands Jerseys | Netherlands Tickets   Spain Spain Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Spain World Cup Jerseys | Spain Tickets

World Cup Final Predictions: Netherlands or Spain for the Win? Posted: 10 Jul 2010 05:00 PM PDT The World Cup final happens this Sunday, July 11th. Hopefully you already knew that. If not, read our World Cup final preview and get yourself up to speed. Everyone else, I have two simple questions for you: 1. Netherlands or Spain: Who do you think will win the World Cup? 2. Why? So we’re not accused of precition cowardice, Chris and myself pick our winners below: 1. Chris: 2-1 Spain. 2. Why: There’s something in the ability of the Dutch midfield to break up play, but there’s something even more in the ability of the Spanish attack – the one that derives from Catalonia and presses immediately in that 3 second window – which can get it right back. The Dutch still haven’t looked impressive yet outside of short bursts and Spain seem to be getting better by the game. It just seems the natural progression of their play throughout the tournament – plus you don’t pick against Paul. 1. Daryl: 2-1 Netherlands 2. Why: I think the Dutch possess the key attribute needed to win a World Cup, and that attribute is luck. I’m thinking Felip Melo’s own goal in the Brazil game, Wesley Sneijder’s shot taking a deflection (and no one noticing Robin van Persie being offside) in the Uruguay game, and Mark van Bommel’s slide tackles being impervious to yellow cards. After losing two finals in 1974 and 1978, I’m predicting third time lucky for the Netherlands. Here’s what the bookies have to say, though they only give numbers, not reasons: Now your turn: Who do you see winning the World Cup final? And why?

The Netherlands & Spain: The Most Memorable Historic Moments. Posted: 10 Jul 2010 03:31 PM PDT At the final whistle tomorrow evening one team will be suddenly celebrating its country’s greatest ever football moment – one which will culminate with confetti, a captain and a golden trophy. But the other team will be left clinging to the past: the recent run of getting to this World Cup final and the memories from years gone by. These will be a start – and a little reminder to the casual fans of what these two nations have brought to the game throughout the years. One recent, one not quite; one glorious, another bittersweet. Their most memorable moments yet, in video compilation. Oranje ‘74 The Dutch fans know this all too well: the perfect footballing machine, an imperfect result. We’ve gushed on this before, but it never seems to water down. The 1974 Netherlands World Cup team were footballing artists, bringing forth Total Football into total domination, a revolutionary system in which any player could play in any spot on the pitch. They were the toast of the 1974 World Cup, rolling into the final in West Germany against West Germany and mesmerizing the world with their second minute penalty – which they won with Germany yet to have touched the ball. Then, in the words of Johnny Rep: “We wanted to humiliate the Germans. It wasn't something we'd thought about, but we did it. We started knocking the ball around – and we forgot to score a second.” Germany didn’t, and the Dutch lost. The first in a string of two final losses. Total, except for that one big piece. Their highlights, including perhaps the most appropriate soundtrack in the history of YouTube. Spain ‘08 They were almost an afterthought going into 2008 for many; a brilliant collection of football talent, but one which still suffered from The Curse. From the opening whistle, they were the best team in the tournament and simply never looked back, curse or not. With decades gone since their first European Championships victory, they not only won the tournament, but set about creating a new identity for Spain: winners. Not just a trophy holder, but proper winners – a team which believed in itself and struck fear in its opponents. Finally they had the mental edge to do something outlandish. Something like get to their first ever World Cup final two years later. The chokers no more. Very few single trophies have set about evolving both the perception and reality of a nation’s football so much, but Euro 2008 did just that. Neither, of course, will erase the sting of an inevitable loss, but one will certainly have to help.

Match Review & Highlights: Germany 3-2 Uruguay Posted: 10 Jul 2010 02:34 PM PDT Though Germany were missing Philip Lahm and Lukas Podolksi with flu, and Miroslav Klose’s back injury prevented him making an attempt on Ronaldo’s World Cup goalscoring record, this third place playoff still provided the promised entertainment. Luis Suarez was back in action for Uruguay, and spent most of the game getting booed by the Port Elizabeth crowd. The two teams split five goals in an enjoyably back and forth game, but Germany will be taking the third place medals (see above) home with them thanks to Sami Khedira’s 82nd minute header. Goals below: Mueller 13′ (Germany) Cavani 28′ (Uruguay) Forlan 51′ (Uruguay) Jansen 56′ (Germany) Khedira 82′ (Germany) Goal videos via TVGolo

World Cup Final: Netherlands v. Spain Posted: 10 Jul 2010 12:45 PM PDT It all comes down to this match. Over 200 countries entered qualifying, 32 made it South Africa, and on July 11th, 2010, 2 remain. The 2010 World Cup Final will be the biggest, most watched match in sports. One team will become world champion, a title they will hold for four years. Will we see a final ruled by controversy, as we did in 2006? Will it be a cagey affair, or will we see a back and forth match like the one in 1986, when Argentina beat West Germany 3-2? Here are all of the important details on the World Cup final: Where: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa When: July 11, 2010 at 8:30pm local time (2:30pm EST) Who: Netherlands vs. Spain Travel to the World Cup Final MATCH PREVIEW The general consensus is that Spain has played the better football in this World Cup 2010, while the Netherlands has been more effective. Spain maintains possession and passes, passes, passes, which has so far been enough to dominate games and find just enough goals to win (except against Switzerland in the opening group game, which shows what can go wrong with Spain’s approach). The Netherlands has protected it’s weak(ish) back four with two defensive midfielders and a lot hard work from the full XI, while relying on their all star attacking talents (and a wee bit of luck) to win every single game they’ve played so far. Let’s get player specific. Spain’s dominance revolves around Xavi and Anres Iniesta. Xavi is like a valve controlling the flow of the game, and if he doesn’t find a hole in your defence to pass through then Iniesta will. If the two combine at the top of the box then say good night. On the end of all this is David Villa, who has five World Cup goals so far. Villa has been his usual deadly self, but long term striker partner Fernando Torres has not, and one of the big questions for Spain is whether they start with Torres and Villa up front, or just Villa and a five man midfield. The key players for the Netherlands have arguably been defensive midfield duo Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel. The latter can play a bit too, and also has an uncanny knack of tackling tough without getting booked. Not everyone enjoys seeing it, but that’s a skill right there. Further forward, attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder hasn’t quite bossed games in the manner of Xavi, but has proven time and again that he’ll deliver when needed. Whether it’s a perfect pass to the ever dangerous Arjen Robben, a long range strike or even a header from a corner. Sneijder is your man, and he’s currently level with Villa on five World Cup goals. KEY MATCHUPS David Villa vs Johnny Heitinga/Joris Mathijsen Whether Villa has a strike partner or not, the World Cup final could very well turn on how well the Ducth defenders handle him. Xavi & Iniesta vs Nigel de Jong & Mark van Bommel Essentially Spain’s creators vs the Dutch destroyers. Will Xavi be able to dictate the game with MvB in his face? Wesley Sneijder vs Sergio Busquets The tactics obsessed website Zonal Marking did a good job explaining Busquet’s expertise in the defensive midfield role in terms of positioning and spatial awareness. Remains to be seen whether that’s enough to close down the threat posed by Sneijder. Arjen Robben vs Joan Capdevila Spanish leftback Capdevila is not a bad footballer. But if you had to pick a weak link in this team, then he’s probably the name you’d circle. Robben is arguably the Netherland’s most dangerous player and certainly the most explosive. Best of luck Joan. Robin van Persie vs Carles Puyol/Gerard Pique RvP has struggled to impose himself on World Cup 2010, but has contributed just enough in the lone striker role to help teammates like Sneijder take the glory. Puyol and Pique have been monsters at the back and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see one or both of them eat RvP alive. if we’re talking literally then my money would be on Puyol. FURTHER READING Jan at the Netherlands blog has plenty to sink your eyes into, including Six Reasons Why Oranje Will Win the World Cup, and the collected thoughts of various players past and present. Corey at the Spain blog has a well thought out World Cup final preview assessing the Dutch threat and pondering potential Spanish lineups. Support your team in the final. Buy World Cup 2010 jerseys. Bet on the World Cup Final FAN RESOURCES   Netherlands Netherlands Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Netherlands Jerseys | Netherlands Tickets   Spain Spain Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Spain World Cup Jerseys | Spain Tickets (big thanks to Marco for the image at the top of this post)

Liveblog: Germany 3-2 Uruguay, Third Place Playoff Posted: 10 Jul 2010 09:33 AM PDT Welcome to our liveblog of the alternate reality World Cup final, also known as the third place playoff match between losing semifinalists Germany and Uruguay. Read up on the game with our Germany vs Uruguay preview, visit the Germany blog for an excellent quote from potential all time World Cup goalscorer Klose and the Uruguay blog for some rousing South American pride. Whatever happens in this game, I’m mostly hoping it will be a chance to enjoy one last look at two of the more enjoyable teams of World Cup 2010 and wave a World Cup farewell to players like Thomas Mueller and Mesut Oezil for Germany, Diego Forlan and Luis “boo?” Suarez for Uruguay. The liveblog window is below, where that man Chris will keep you updated. Don’t just take our word on the match. Check out match comments from carefully selected Twitter accounts: FAN RESOURCES   Germany Germany Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Germany Football Jerseys | Germany World Cup Tickets   Uruguay Uruguay Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Uruguay Jerseys | Uruguay Tickets

FIFA Says World Cup Referees Got it Right 96% of the Time Posted: 10 Jul 2010 08:23 AM PDT Referees have been unpopular as ever at World Cup 2010. It’s basically in the job description. Yet data released by FIFA today seems to suggest that World Cup referees’ decision making has been pretty close to that of the android lifeforms most want to see them replaced with: Referees were right 96 percent of the time at the World Cup, according to a study by FIFA’s referees’ committee. The study looked at key decisions such as free kicks, penalties and goal decisions but did not examine minor rulings such as throw-ins. The data was collected by video examination carried out by referees committee members and FIFA instructors, Jose Maria Garcia-Aranda, head of refereeing for the sport’s governing body, told Reuters. Does 96% sounds a tad optimistic? I’m thinking specifically about Maurice Edu’s mysteriously disallowed goal, Frank Lampard’s goal that no one noticed, the Carlos Tevez goal that should have been ruled out for offside, and the Wesley Sneijder goal in the semifinal that probably should have been too.

World Cup 2010 Blog: “David Beckham’s World Cup XI” plus 8 more

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• David Beckham’s World Cup XI
• Preview: Germany v Uruguay, 3rd Place Game.
• World Cup Final: Octopus vs Parakeet
• Coca Cola Is Ready To Move On To 2014
• In Defence of the World Cup Third Place Playoff
• World Cup Best Young Player Shortlist
• World Cup Golden Ball Nominees
• UAE Has The Right Idea, Declares A Fatwa On The Vuvuzela
• Paul The Octopus Gives The Final Order: Get Ready For A Spanish Celebration.

David Beckham’s World Cup XI Posted: 09 Jul 2010 08:09 PM PDT We saw David Beckham looking very coach-like on the England bench at World Cup 2010. There was even a (made up) rumour that Beckham would be replacing Fabio Capello as England manager after the team’s World Cup exit. That rumour seemed to mysteriously disappear the second Argentina exited the tournament and proved that inexperienced coaches are probably not the way to go. However… what better and more basic way to judge David Beckham’s coaching talents than by looking at the World Cup Best XI he chose for Yahoo!? Assuming Beckham really did make this selection himself (my uneducated guess is he didn’t write the explanations in the article but did select the XI), he’s gone for Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera in goal, with a back four of Sergio Ramos, Ashley Cole, Carles Puyol and John Mensah. His midfield contains Bastian Schweinsteiger, Wesley Sneijder and Xavi, and his attacking line up is Thomas Mueller, Digeo Forlan and David Villa. On the bench he’s got Michael Bradley, Maicon and Leo Messi. Which would be an interesting conversation to watch take place on the sidelines if nothing else. I’m not 100% sure how Beckham’s team would line up, but here’s my best guess: Muslera Ramos – Puyol – Mensah – Cole Schweinsteiger Xavi – Sneijder Mueller – Villa – Forlan I know, Forlan doesn’t really play on the left. Beckham’s team is actually a little like a Rubik’s Cube of footballers. Everytime you think you have a formation, someone is out of position. Which actually sounds a lot like the England team for the past 10 years, so maybe Becks really is the perfect man for that job.

Preview: Germany v Uruguay, 3rd Place Game. Posted: 09 Jul 2010 12:40 PM PDT BIG PICTURE The big picture is the story of a few small pictures. The most prominent and historical is Miroslav Klose's pursuit of the all-time goal scoring record, currently sitting one behind Ronaldo at 14, but maybe not sitting much at all with a back injury going into the game. On an individual level, it's an enormous game for Klose and Germany – who will be feeding him Jabulanis ad nauseam should he play. The other striker being watched is Diego Forlan, arguably one of the favorites for Golden Ball as player of the tournament despite on the losing end of the semifinal, and his propensity for shooting from absolutely anywhere on the pitch, including corners, which makes spectating fun. And then there are the subplots: the return of hero/villain Luis Suarez + hands; the potential Golden Ball runs of both Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil; the chance to see just how much of a difference Thomas Mueller makes in this side; and one last chance to see this phase of an evolving Germany, who will be one of the co-favorites for Polkraine 2012 and perhaps Brazil 2014. WHAT'S AT STAKE Pride and final standing, but those are relatively minimal to the outside observer. A losing semifinalist is a losing semifinalist, whether they win the consolation game or not. A win will help, but ultimately it does not change history. So the rest is for individual glory. OUR PREDICTION We won't see Uruguay recreating their tactics against France or Germany continually being pressed back into their own third a la Spain, which means this one should be enjoyable with a decent number of goals. So….3-2 Germany. Because Paul picked them too. And Klose gets one. FAN RESOURCES   Germany Germany Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Germany Football Jerseys | Germany World Cup Tickets   Uruguay Uruguay Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Uruguay Jerseys | Uruguay Tickets

World Cup Final: Octopus vs Parakeet Posted: 09 Jul 2010 12:39 PM PDT Paul the octopus has spoken, and he’s chosen Spain to win the World Cup. But Mani the parakeet has answered, and he’s chosen the Netherlands. One of them is going to be wrong. Yep, we have a new non-human World Cup prognosticator on the scene, and it’s a 13 year old parakeet from Singapore who predicts the winner by picking up one of two cards. According to this Associated Press story on The Guardian webiste: If the bird’s many new believers are right, Holland will win their first World Cup. Mani grabbed a card in his beak today and flipped it over to reveal the Dutch flag. The 13-year-old parakeet has become a local celebrity after its owner, M Muniyappan, claimed Mani accurately forecast the World Cup’s four quarter-final games and Spain’s semi-final victory over Germany. “He’s a special bird,” Muniyappan said.