>Spain wins 2010 World Cup
The analysts called it an ugly win and the fouls would suggest so, but they expressed content at the “best team” deservedly winning the 2010 World Cup. Mark it up as two major trophies in the past two years for Spain who also won Euro 2008.
Andres Iniesta scored the lone goal in extra time to as Spain defeated the Netherlands in another 1-0 game for the Spaniards. They became the first team in World Cup history to win the tournament after losing its opening match.
>Goalkeepers most impressive in final
Though it might not have been the quintessence of “the beautiful game,” I came away totally impressed with both goalkeepers. Spain’s Iker Casillas and Netherland’s Maarten Stekelenburg made 5 saves a piece, each seemingly better than the last.
Casillas’ leg stuffed a breakaway attempt by Arjen Robben, who seemed to determine to score the goal that would have brought Netherlands its first cup.
Stekelenburg stood strong on many set pieces and corner kicks late in the game, especially on some plays that seemed to be defensive break downs by the Dutch. Even the game winning goal, which was the result of turnover just outside the penalty box, glazed off the fingertips of the Dutch goalie and just barely tickled the net on the far post.
It might not have been the prettiest final, but let’s not take away from an unbelievable defensive effort by both men in the net.
>Xavi is good
I know it’s already been said, but Spain’s Xavi is the best soccer player we’ve (the soccer-apathetic North Americans) never paid attention to. He flies under the American fans’ radar because he’s more known for setting up goals than scoring them. I can’t recall the exact stat at this time, but the World Cup telecast for the final said that Xavi had set up 25 shots on goal, eight more than any other player.
If you’ve never paid close to attention to him, it seems like the ball turns into a heat-seeking missile off his foot and always finds a teammate. In the World Cup semifinal against Germany, it was his assist that found teammate Carles Puyol that led to 1-0 victory.
The final against Netherlands was no different, as he sent a corner that at first appeared to miss its target, only to sail over all Dutch defenders to find an uncovered Sergio Ramos. Unfortunately, Ramos’ header had a little too much on it as it sailed over the Dutch goal unchallenged.
It was also his assist to Lionel Messi that made his Spanish club team, Barcelona, champions of Europe in 2008-2009 as well. My first exposure to him came in EURO 2008, where he earned player of the tournament. Indeed, a gifted playmaker that we Americans do not see enough of.
Maybe it’s a player like Xavi is the reason we don’t appreciate the beautiful game as much as we should in the States. We can name the defensive specialists, role players, and set up men in every one of our sports. But if a soccer player isn’t scoring goals, then, well, he just isn’t standing out. Xavi is the antithesis of that American apathy towards beautiful soccer skills.
>New York Red Bulls set to sign Thierry Henry
How has this flown under the radar in the States for so long? SI.com reports that The New York Post says a press conference will be held this Thursday introducing the international soccer star. No clue on any other details, whether this is a loan by his club in Spain, Barcelona, or if he plans a Beckham-like plight to perhaps make the MLS relevant.
Either way, Henry’s arrival can be nothing but good for the MLS and American club soccer IF he can stay healthy.
Got some splinters? Take a seat on the ‘Pine’ and share ’em.
Rey-
just to support your appreciation of Xavi- if I remember the stat correctly, he completed 599 passes during the tournament- 599… I don’t care if they were back and forth with a teammate 3 feet away- 599 freakin’ passes completed!
For some reason I have never been a big fan of Iker Casillas- as a keeper he has never been fundamentally soundest keeper, but no argument about his success the past couple of years! He has a great defensive group in front of him, but it all starts with the guy in front of “the ol’ onion bag”. Stekelenburg did the Dutch proud as well, keeping them in the match from early on.
I thought the referee had a thankless job to do, but in hindsight he may have wished he had red carded the Dutch Karate kicker instead of thinking about the situation and choosing to only award the yellow. While it would have been devistating to the Dutch early in the final, very few experienced soccer fans would have complained. As I watched the play, I said to nobady in particular: “that should be a red card, but will he give it now?” As we know he didn’t, but would that have cleaned the game up? It sure would have opened up more space for the Spanish and tired out the Dutch early, but I understood why the ref would not want to affect the game so strongly, so early…
Overall, I was a big fan of ESPN’s coverage both in the booth and in the studio. I was hoping to see Ruud and Martinez in the studio together, but at least they were there at times. I loved the various perspectives that were mixed in, although Lalas and Steve Mac wore on me as the tournament came to a close. But what fantastic coverage and support by the network!
Sorry to have been away from the bench for so long… any news from LeBron lately?
I know nothing about goaltending, but Casillas stopping that penalty kick in the semi-final game? Wow!
Muels – great stat on Xavi. I might not understand soccer all that well, but if you honestly sit down and watch him play with either Barca or Spain, even the most novice of soccer fans have to realize his ability.
Not sure about the card. I guess the World Cup FINAL would be a good time to decide to leave your cards in your pocket as ref, though. 28 fouls alone on the Dutch side followed. Yikes.
I was impressed with ESPN’s coverage even thought I wish Lalas would try to be a little more of an ambassador for US Soccer. It seemed like any chance he had he bashed Bradley.
Oh – and latest reports state that LeBron is having a lemon glazed salmon tonight with grilled asparagus and a baked potato (and don’t gorget the vitamin water).