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