Balls....

So that was it.... the 2010 World Cup is over, the flags have come down, the wall charts neatly folded and stored away in your keepsake box, never to see the light of day again.... On the plus side I guess pre-tournament favourites Spain kinda lived up to their billing and finally got their hands on the one trophy that really matters. South Africa organised a fantastic tournament and were a real credit to the entire African continent. And on the financial side, FIFA made huge amounts of money, slaps on the back all round....

On the negative side, what a boring final! There were the occasional flashes of skill, but it was a bit of a damp squid really. Why two nations who are perfectly capable of playing expansive, attacking football played so defensively is beyond me. Another negative was the lack of the pre-tournament "stars" living up to their billing. Were Fabregas (apart from that pass!), Ronaldo and Rooney? What is also sad was how quickly World Cup fever vanished from this nation the moment that England were knocked out. Looking at yesterdays Sunday papers it was hard to believe that it was final day!

On the humour side, there was plenty on offer to make up for some of the dire footballing skills on show. Here is my top 5:

1. The Argentina player who ran off to celebrate scoring, then turned round and head butted the camera!
2. Not sure which game, but there was an injured player and rather then wait for the stretcher he was picked up hand and foot and dragged to the side of the pitch.
3. The French team being sent home early. Lets be honest, they shouldn't have been there in the first place.
4. The sign "Daddy Loves Max in Halifax" sign held up as the Spain players came down the steps! Serious preparation required there.
5. England. 'Nough said...

Overall, let's be honest it wasn't a bad World Cup. It was a shame that the "Fair Play" FIFA go on about didn't exist - Ghana being denied by a Uraguay hand ball and all those yellow cards - but congratulations to Spain, here's to the next one in Brazil.....

Yours in sport Madgooner