So it’s FINALLY over the 2010 world cup has come to an end. Spain (team that I supported) has won the World Cup for the first time. So what was the experience like this time round.
Even before the World Cup started we had the tussle for TV rights, I was contemplating signing up but the telcos could not agreed with FIFA on this and in the end when every other country had booked their rights to the live screening of the World Cup, a deal was struck but the price to watch it was really and so I did not subscribe to get the matches on cable but instead resorted to the local pubs, McDonald’s and other places which screen the world cup live. The internet was another avenue if I did not want to get out of the house. I became more like an Internet Potato, than a couch potato. I just caught those games that I liked missed most of the 2.30am matches but caught some of the 10 pm ones. The lag was not that bad it was bearable but the quality at times was not very good.
The iconic instrument of the world cup has to be the damn Vuvuzela’s after watching the first few matches on the internet, I could hardly heard what the commentator was saying the noise made by that little horn was really loud and irritating. In my estate nearing the semi’s someone bought a vuvuzela and man blowing that shit at 3am in the morning is not fun but I guess it kind of help me stay up to watch the matches. Did not really want to complain about it since it’s like once every 4 years and it was just for those last few games.
What did I learn from the world cup about predictions ? Well for one thing, never volunteer to run naked in the streets in support of your team. The Paraguay model made that bet and her team lost. Maradonna said the same thing if Argentina won the world cup and they lost too – totally demolished by the Germans, I guess no one wanted to see Maradonna naked! – Then we had Paul the Oracle Octopus or what I call the Super Sotong, got 8 out of 8 predictions right that defies probability, I heard Singapore Pools are looking to put a wanted “Dead or Deep Fried” bounty on that Sotong. Little India had its share of sooth sayers, there was Mani the Predicting Parakeet but it only registered a 6 of 8 score which is actually better than most of the football pundits. Loads of copy cats are out there from crocodiles to a female Octopus, all trying to be the next real thing, I think I may have 1 of these Amazing Animals at home too, got to find Larry the Lizard, he keeps leaving his poo trail and it looks a lot like the Liverpool crest, could Liverpool win the Championship next season !!!
What about the teams? Well we all know the French “cheated” to get to the world cup and I guess Cheaters Never Prosper holds true as they are unceremoniously bundled out of the tournament with cup holders Italy. I was amazed at the Germans and their speed, it was incredible like the lightning blitzkrieg. The way they move with speed on the flanks, it was a beauty to watch, One consolation they would get from getting booted out in the semi’s is that Joachim Loew can wash his jersey now, it must really stink after 4 matches. New Zealand did not loose a game at the world cup although they are more famous for Rugby and the All Blacks. I’m not sure what their Football team is called … maybe the Black Balls … but they have my vote for surprise of the tourney together with Japan and South Korea. They can be proud. I felt sad for South Africa as they did not advance to the second round. Argentina played great football, it was just that no one wanted to see a Naked Maradonna. England as usual fell on their faces, maybe that’s why Rooney was voted ugliest player. Lastly what can I say about the team that plays “kuti kuti” football -- Spain. I used to play kuti kuti in school too, maybe I have spanish blood in me. Besides their passing game they were very discipline and had one of the best goalkeepers around. CONGRATULATIONS SPAIN on being the FIFA 2010 World Champions !!
Finally this is my chart at the end of everything.
I even colour coordinated the final 4 in their team colours. Well that’s it for the 2010 edition of the World Cup, Till we meet again in 2014 in BRAZIL, it’s time to get back into shape after a month of snacking and junk food.
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