Viva La Monde :)

Seems like it was only a few days ago that we were all counting down to the biggest month of football on the calender. I was hesitant about completing this blog as this is to be the last one I will do and it's made me realise that it's all over. It's a sad moment as for the last month or so it's become a huge talking point between men, women and children. Everybody in my work who wouldn't all know about football got involved and excited about it, which was great to see.

People have made the point that the standard of the World Cup might not be as high as the European Championships. I will take that point and it is very true but the World Cup is and always will be about more then just football. It is about uniting the World. For those moments in which a little South African boy can dream of one day reaching the heights that Iniesta reached. The world comes to a standstill to witness the beautiful game. It truely allows everyone to dream that no mountain is unreachable. The World Cup allows countries like New Zealand to show fight and spirit and lift the whole country. No other competition has the power to allow players to become God like to their fellow man. Look at Roger Milla and his goal 20 years ago. It is not forgotten to this day and is unlikely to be forgotten in another 20 years. It is for these reasons that make the World Cup truely the best competition in the World.

2010 World Cup

Top 5 Moments

1. Spain. The champions played some great stuff despite the fact they didn't score as much goals as some of the rest. It's a joy to watch these guys. Xavi and Iniesta in a class of their own. Love Cassilas, Villa. Delighted to see them win.
2. Van Brockhorst goal. Amazing finish brilliant.
3. Germany. Showed that you can never rule out the Germans no matter what. Ballack or no Ballack.
4. New Zealand .Equalising against Slovakia. A brilliant moment in which a never say die believe was on show. Anything can happen in Football. Unlucky to not make the last 16.
5. Atmosphere and Fun. South Africa put on a great show and represented the best competition in the world with pride. Great to see football in a new continent. vuvuzela and Jabulani footballs helped make this world cup one of the most memorable. The emergence of Paul the Octapus aswell.

To conclude I predicted at the start of the tournament that Spain would go the whole way and create history. They did it and David Villa became joint top goal scorer. Also my predicted man for player of tournament made a great attempt grabbing 5 goals and reaching the final. Well done and hard luck Wesley Sneijder. FIFA represents a lot of controversy but Overall I loved this World Cup as it really represented the motto "For the Game For the World".

A new name on the trophy

Its been quite a while since my last post.I picked Brazil to win this tournament and they got knocked out by Holland. It was another important reminder that football is a mental game and that those players with the best mentality,ultimately suffice!!

"Show me a player with skill and show me a player with character.....and I will pick the player with character every time!"

Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United Manager)

We have seen some wonderful teams fall from grace in this competition already. Some very skillfull players have not been on form.I think that the two teams remaining have both of these qualities that Sir Alex quoted. Perhaps Spain do not get enough credit for their character,it took a lot of guts to turn things around after the Switzerland defeat. People talk about the pressure getting to England but Spain have been the favourites throughout the whole competition. They have wonderful players all over the pitch.Xavi and Iniesta......what else can you say.Xabi Alonso has impressesd me this year. He had a fantastic season with Real Madrid. David Villa has produced on the biggest stage. However, all of these players won't be remembered unless they go on and win the World Cup.

Holland have these qualities too. Robben is a magic player. Van Persie has not light it up yet but the final is as good a chance as any. Wesley Sneijder has been amazing,his passing,touch and shooting!!!Kuyt is one of those characters who will give his all and never give up. Holland have these players in abundance. Van Bronckhorst is playing his last ever football game (although a lot of player's who have said this,have changed their mind). This guy is a great pro and I for one would love to see him finish on a high.

As for my prediction......well its too hard to see past Spain.Its a country I have lived in for 3 months and visited a lot during my teens.The people are great,passionate and show great pride in their country. It would also be great for their economy.As a Manchester United fan,it is also a pleasure to see how far Pique has come.I wtahced him a lot in the reserves and he has become an awesome defender.Who knows,maybe he will pop up with a goal.

Gary

Great Final

Ro V

Charlie

Charlie and Ro former best pals will be turning on one another this sunday as they have a chance to put thier name on the Wollstonecraft Hall of Fame and become a Wollstonecraft World Cup Winner.

Paul seals victory for Spain.

So it seems the Prophet has seen what the future will bring. Yes Paul has predicted that the Spanish will lift the great price this coming Sunday. He has become public enemy number one this week when he predicted the Spanish would beat Germany. This guy knows his stuff having predicted all of Germany's results perfectly this World Cup. He has also called Germany to beat Uruguay and become the Bronze team fromSouth Africa 2010.

Let's hope these last two games will be incredible and spectaculor for all of us. Saturday is no real pressure for both which should allow a good game. Sunday is an all European final and both teams want it bad. The Spanish are favourites but the Dutch remain undefeated and will definetly want to remain so.

Also delighted Howard Webb is the referee this Sunday. Having met the man in real life I got a lot of respect for him. He is a legend and one of my hero's. I hope he represents England better then the English team. The former Policeman won't put up with Van Bommel's crap.

Plenty of Match Winners for both sides so I hope we get a great game. I said Spain from Day one so going to stick with them.

Viva Espana

Conor

Ro V Dani

Dani

V

Ro

Dani is ready to take on Goliath in this battle of skill &determination. Former housemates but no love will be shared when they step out on field. Dani needs to fight Cullen Style.

Ro's Dodgey Predictions

With the world cup now at fever pitch, Dani ruthlessly disposed by Ro last night, who will be next to take on the might of the orange army. Charlie or Amy? Not even I can attempt to call which way this one will go.

In other news, Port Utd now have a speedy new attacking midfielder making headlines in all the papers. All interested parties should contact Gary Daly "Licensed FIFA Football Agent"

Charlie V Amy

Amy

Versus

Charlie

Semi Final 2

Charlie and Amy face off in this contest for a place in the Grand Final. Amy has been scoring lots of goals in this competition and keeping us all entertained. Charlie on the other hand has been winning without being too convincing. Charlie may well be friends with Amy and her boyfriend Tom but there will be nothing friendly about this affair.