From 1648 to 2010, Its Spain v Holland, For the World Cup Final

In the 15th century the idea of Spain was synonymous with empire. While Spain once ruled the world, or at least became the first European colonial power - in the modern era, with football coming into international popularity at the turn of the 19th century, Spain, the nation, the idea, has never dominated world football, until now?

In Real Madrid and Barcelona and deeply profound footballing culture across the country, dominated by strong regional identities, what can now be described as ‘the Spanish approach’ has gained ascendancy in international football. In La Liga, Spain has the most talented league in modern day world football. Interestingly, the Spanish approach has much to do with their Dutch connection and links between Dutch notions of Total Football in the 1970s and the arrival of Johan Cruyff from Ajax, Amsterdam to Barcelona FC in 1973.

A Word from Fergal

Well - I think everyone knew that Germany wouldn't be able to do to Spain what they did to other teams. When you look at the other teams and how Germany performed it was misleading. England? Very overrated. Argentina? Everyone said how weak their defense was. Spain have 7 or so Barca players who all know each other well and play with each other during the year so their passing is immaculate but they nearly blew it yesterday because of selfishness.

They were very cautious of Germany going on the break and the way they've been playing this cup shows an ability to change play to match their opponent. They have shown they can GRIND out a result. On the other hand you have Van Persie and Robben for the Dutch - lethal - but then you have Pique and Puyoul in defence and the Spanish have the best midfield in the world and AMAZING depth on the bench. So...if I can find a bookie with good odds - I'd put $100 on Spain!

Funny story...I texted Karam yesterday if he was at the game. As the text was coming through that he was 'behind the Germany goal', the Spanish were already celebrating Puyol's amazing header. Feeling bad for a second i retexted and asked Karam if he missed the goal because of me....his answer? "Yes - you fuck!!!"

This moment is brought to you by "stolen life time moments that you can never get back by O'Gorman". How will Karam spin this for his grand kids? "There I was witnessing history but I was texting????" or "I was on on the sideline with my boots on, ready, just in case they needed me and then from the abyss of the edge of the box I saw his curls spring into action in a flash of red brilliance....."

The later sounds like a good spin... I did see his locks as I heard the roar of the crowd... Damn you Fergal!

Ask.... Paul

Tangerine Dreams, Jan Rules Again in Cape Town

HOME. If you are a Dutch fan and you were not basking in Amsterdam on what looked like a lovely summer’s evening, then the only place to be last night was Cape Town. I was in Johannesburg, the city named for a Dutchman, and there were few tears for Uruguay, a team for whom most locals felt achieved their semi final berth through cheating. 

While I contend that the rule of law functioned perfectly well in assuring Suarez received his marching orders and Ghana a rightful penalty that would have seen them progress to play a first time African semi final if converted, for both footballing history, world history and the significance of the tournament for South Africa and beyond, in my view it was all for the best that Uruguay were sent packing and Holland booked their place at Soccer City this coming Sunday. Diego did his best to break hearts again, but the Dutch had enough on the night.

Semi Final Form: The Fighting Spirit v the Oranje Machine

HOME. Since 1930, including this year, there have been 19 World Cup Finals. 

Of those 19 finals, Germany are the most successful of the current Last Four having played in 12 previous semifinals, going to 7 finals with 4 World Cup victories. 

Next is Uruguay, who won the tournament in 1930 and 1950. 

The 1950 edition interestingly enough was played without semifinals or even a final as the top four teams from the group stages played in a round robin format with Uruguay finishing top. 

Uruguay’s last proper semifinal was in 1970 in Mexico when they lost to Brazil 3-1.

Spain were part of the 1950, last four round robin, finishing 4th. This is their first proper semi-final.

Holland have played in three previous semifinals, in 1974 and 1978, both times winning their semis before going on to lose in the final against Germany and Argentina respectively. 

Trying to Make Sense, For History's Sake

HOME. This past week, I had the unbelievable fortune of watching three pulsating football matches between Cape Town and Joburg. Spain vs Portugal on Tuesday in Greenpoint, Ghana vs Uruguay on Friday at Soccer City and Spain vs Paraguay on Saturday at Ellis Park. 

Over this period, my understanding of how this tournament was going to unfold was rocked to the ground by Holland’s unlikely defeat of Brazil and the Germans one two three four punch out, knock out of Argentina in Cape Town.