Delight

I didn't want to make any voiced prediction over the result of the World Cup final, because it really seems like whoever I back will crash out of the competition.

It's probably more down to my inadequate prediction skills (unlike Paul the Octopus) than any relation to bringing bad luck. I am not that 'influential'.

France crashed out. Cameroon, which I backed as most likely the best performing African side, was the first to be eliminated. Then England was defeated after I backed it to overcome Germany (and Argentina). Then backing Argentina and Brazil for q-finals, both crashed out. Germany, who defied my expectations, won me over after the Argentina spectacle. I took it as my choice for the title. They crashed to Spain.

My choice was Spain. I'm glad they won. They peaked at the right moment. Though they were never clinical in finishing, they were consistent in their game.

The Spain now brings back memories of the France a decade ago. France emerged in 1998, winning the WC title on home soil before claiming the Euro 00 after it. Spain won Euro 08, then followed with WC 10. Both countries in both periods were in some sort of a golden era. Think the likes of Barthez (yes), Zidane, Thuram, Petit, Henry... Then Casillas, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa.


The difference that can possibly prevent Spain from slipping off the radar like France did in 2002 is the immense strength in depth (allowing for bench players to rotate with the first-team players without decreasing quality) and good managers. Vicente del Bosque is a great manager which Real Madrid didn't appreciate and his Spanish team has just delivered the first ever title (also their first semi-final or better appearance with the exception of the 1950 low turnout edition).

The rough antics of the Dutch failed, and beautiful football (albeit not clinical throughout the competition) won. All neutrals, you may cheer. For the team that produced the best quality of football (Germany pale only in style though) deservingly won.