The World Cup in South Africa has come to an end and the haters’ critics are out in force. Spain two years ago won the European cup and now have their hands on the gold. Aargh the joys of being a Spaniard.
Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time in what many described as a bruising encounter. Fouls after fouls after fouls would test even the most conservative referees. At times the Dutch replaced the round ball for an ankle, chest and what ever else got in the way.
The Dutch plan was simple, unsettle the Spaniards and catch them on the break. To their credit, the game plan would have worked if it weren’t for the brilliance of Casillas who denied Robben on two crucial occasions at the death.
But like every Good vs Evil tale, Good prevailed and the Spanish were crowned champions of the world.
Most would agree that Spain were worthy winners and played the most attractive football. At times they resembled a PlayStation game with the ease they kept possession and passed the ball around.
After all is said and done, the World Cup in South Africa was a success.
Having watched the majority of the tournament from Australia, it amazes me how little respect the Australian media has for the game. Conspiracy theories (yes Lampard’s goal did cross the line, get over it), lack of knowledge for the game, lack of video technology, lack of flair, lack of this and lack of that. Why so negative?
Do these reporters know anything about the game?
Have they played the game?
Chances are their silver spoon kids that went to a prestige college and got into Journalism because their grades didn’t get them into Medicine. Pffft (not a word, rather a sound effect))
What the media needs to understand and to some extent the public, soccer is the world game. Nobody actually cares if it takes over Rugby or AFL here in Australia because it has conquered the world. The purpose of the world cup is not to sell soccer to countries like Australia, New Zealand and America, it doesn’t need you. If you think it’s boring, YOU’RE A MINORITY!
You don’t embrace it, so what!
You don’t want to write about it, so what! Millions upon millions fall over themselves to get the latest soccer news from every inch of this world.
Australian media needs to wake the fuck up!
On the eve of the biggest sporting event in the world, the Australian papers were filled with stories how an Australian Rules player fell victim to sleeping pills. How Mathew knights, coach of Essendon is feeling the pressures of coaching. How Arkemanis is playing in the VFA.
P-l-e-a-s-e, can we have some soccer coverage? 20 pages of AFL for every one page of soccer during the world cup is criminal. For those in the media that continue to mask the world game, FUCK YOU.
Finally…for all the anti-football journalism that we have had to endure someone who understands what its all about and gives the fans a voice.
The day after the World Cup final we were greeted with AFL on our back pages and had to flick through a further 3 pages to get to the World Cup final articles.
Embarassing to say the least!
Thomas great article!!
Preach it..I’m an American and thought we had it bad. Its a getting a little bit better with major league teams changing to smaller stadiums with grass pitches. More and more people each year are also starting to appreciate the game and not just the score. I actually started my own blog a week ago with the hopes of motivating young kids to get out and play regardless of there financial situation. I’m gonna upload videos of skills and sample training workouts. I currently still play soccer for a semi-professional team and never played for a money hungry premier team. I love what your doing and would love some any advice for a rookie.like myself