Mike’s World Cup 2010 – The Final

Mike’s World Cup 2010 – The Final Blog

So here we are with the WC 2010 Final approaching. It seems like only yesterday that I was watching South Africa and Mexico play out a draw in the opening match.

And shortly, the modern day gladiators of Spain and The Netherlands will be facing off to fight for the biggest prize in World football. Congratulations to both Nations.

I have some good and some bad memories of the competition.

Politics aside, South Africa has put on a superb show for this event and the atmosphere has been great, even if you hate the sound of the vuvuzelas.

Perhaps some of the pitches could have been better prepared but the general party spirit and apparent friendship has shone through and made this a memorable competition.

As is to be expected, football wise there have been highs and lows.

I was impressed with the fighting spirit of the USA, Mexican and Japanese teams among others but a little disappointed with the overall standard of the African teams, except Ghana. I had really expected them to show us how much they have developed

The young German side impressed me (excluding the Serbia game) until the semi final, and the capitulation of Brazil against the Dutch was quite staggering.

I really fancied them to go all the way but they seemed to give up after gifting the Dutch a goal and a way back into the game. Not a proud performance methinks.

England performed as badly as I expected (no – worse actually. Their match against Algeria was the worst game I have ever seen and I am a Brighton and Hove Albion supported so I know a bad game when I see one).

And the Italians and French disappointed – perhaps this was a WC for the younger teams.

So I give the 2010 competition a 10/10 for atmosphere, colour and fun and around 8/10 for the actual football.

As far as the Final goes, I hope we are spoiled with a great game, although I am not sure we will get one. Both the Dutch and the Spanish play to win rather than to entertain.

I just prefer the Dutch team and I hope they win – it has been a long time coming.

My heart is with them but my head says the Spanish tactics of playing possession football may be enough to see them shade it.

I just wish the Spanish would try to score from time to time, not just keep possession

In their semi final against Germany, they had so much possession yet, despite all of their fancy build ups, they scored from a set piece. If Alonso hadn’t played, I doubt they would have had a shot at goal.

My forecasting throughout the WC has been indifferent to say the least. Nevertheless, I intend to continue to make a fool of myself one more time and predict the actual score.

I propose a win in favour of the Spanish with a 2-1 scoreline.

But I hope my Jonah effect will lead to a resounding Dutch victory!

Anyway, I hope you have all enjoyed the WC as much as I have and I thank you all for reading and contributing to this Blog. It has been fun.

Special thanks to Carolina Gambler for giving me the space.

I will be sorry when the final whistle blows and the competition is over for another four years – I might even have to start speaking to the wife again!

Editors Note: Mike is a longtime member at My Poker Blues and resides in England.

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