Football Highlights USA Forwards Football Players in FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Football Photos Jozy Altidore USA Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 6 November 1989
Height: 185 cm
Shirt number: 17
Position: Forward
Current club: Hull City (ENG)
International Caps: 29
International Goals: 9
First international: South Africa - USA (17 November 2007)

Football Wallpapers Herculez Gomez USA Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 6 April 1982
Height: 178 cm
Shirt number: 9
Position: Forward
Current club: Puebla (MEX)
International Caps: 7
International Goals: 2
First international: Argentina - USA (28 June 2007)

Football Images Edson Buddle USA Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 21 May 1981
Height: 185 cm
Shirt number: 14
Position: Forward
Current club: Los Angeles Galaxy (USA)
International Caps: 4
International Goals: 2

Football Pictures Robbie Findley USA Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 4 August 1985
Height: 175 cm
Shirt number: 20
Position: Forward
Current club: Real Salt Lake (USA)
International Caps: 9
International Goals: 0
First international: Switzerland - USA (17 October 2007)

Football Highlights USA Forwards Football Players in FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Football Photos Jozy Altidore USA Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 6 November 1989
Height: 185 cm
Shirt number: 17
Position: Forward
Current club: Hull City (ENG)
International Caps: 29
International Goals: 9
First international: South Africa - USA (17 November 2007)

Football Wallpapers Herculez Gomez USA Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 6 April 1982
Height: 178 cm
Shirt number: 9
Position: Forward
Current club: Puebla (MEX)
International Caps: 7
International Goals: 2
First international: Argentina - USA (28 June 2007)

Football Images Edson Buddle USA Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 21 May 1981
Height: 185 cm
Shirt number: 14
Position: Forward
Current club: Los Angeles Galaxy (USA)
International Caps: 4
International Goals: 2

Football Pictures Robbie Findley USA Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 4 August 1985
Height: 175 cm
Shirt number: 20
Position: Forward
Current club: Real Salt Lake (USA)
International Caps: 9
International Goals: 0
First international: Switzerland - USA (17 October 2007)

Football Highlights USA Goalkeepers in FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Football Wallpapers Marcus Hahnemann USA Goalkeeper

Marcus Hahnemann Biography:
Date of Birth: 15 June 1972
Height: 192 cm
Shirt number: 23
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Wolverhampton (ENG)
International Caps: 8
International Goals: 0
First international: Trinidad and Tobago - USA (19 November 1994)

Football Images Brad Guzan USA Goalkeeper

Brad Guzan Biography:

Date of Birth: 9 September 1984
Height: 193 cm
Shirt number: 18
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Aston Villa (ENG)
International Caps: 16
International Goals: 0
First international: USA - Guatemala (19 February 2006)

Football Photos Tim Howard USA Goalkeeper

Tim Howard Biography:
Date of Birth: 6 March 1979
Height: 187 cm
Shirt number: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Everton (ENG)
International Caps: 55
International Goals: 0
First international: USA - Ecuador (10 March 2002)

Football Highlights USA Goalkeepers in FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Football Wallpapers Marcus Hahnemann USA Goalkeeper

Marcus Hahnemann Biography:
Date of Birth: 15 June 1972
Height: 192 cm
Shirt number: 23
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Wolverhampton (ENG)
International Caps: 8
International Goals: 0
First international: Trinidad and Tobago - USA (19 November 1994)

Football Images Brad Guzan USA Goalkeeper

Brad Guzan Biography:

Date of Birth: 9 September 1984
Height: 193 cm
Shirt number: 18
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Aston Villa (ENG)
International Caps: 16
International Goals: 0
First international: USA - Guatemala (19 February 2006)

Football Photos Tim Howard USA Goalkeeper

Tim Howard Biography:
Date of Birth: 6 March 1979
Height: 187 cm
Shirt number: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Everton (ENG)
International Caps: 55
International Goals: 0
First international: USA - Ecuador (10 March 2002)

Spain Football Team is The Winner of The FIFA Fair Play Award 2010

Spain Football Team Pictures

Spain Football Team Profiles

The Iberians have not rested on the laurels of their UEFA EURO 2008 victory, consistently bringing in new faces without renouncing their commitment to attractive short-passing football. Maturity, resilience and the ability to overcome adversity were all in evidence during their campaign, and few national teams in world football are blessed with squads of such depth and sheer talent. On top of wins in each of their ten games, La Roja were the European Zone's second top scorers with 28 goals while conceding a miserly five at the other end.
On a scale of one to ten, Spain's performance in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa can only be given top marks.

The Road to FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Far from taking their foot off the pedal, La Selección capped a flawless campaign with victory in Armenia and a 5-2 away thrashing of closest challengers Bosnia-Herzegovina. Belgium were subsequently dispatched 5-0 in La Coruna and a ticket to South Africa 2010 was assured with two rounds to spare after a comfortable 3-0 home win over Estonia. The return in Istanbul marked another 2-1 comeback triumph courtesy of goals from Xabi Alonso and then Liverpool team-mate Albert Riera. Following a 2-1 win in Brussels, when they fought back to clinch victory via an 88th-minute Villa strike, came a 1-0 success over Turkey in Madrid, the goal coming from Gerard Pique.
And though Armenia and Estonia were dispatched relatively comfortably, an away clash in Belgium and a double-header against EURO 2008 semi-finalists Turkey forced the Spaniards to dig deep for nine valuable points. Their narrow 1-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina - courtesy of a solitary strike from David Villa - was typical of the kind of gritty resistance they have had to overcome since Austria/Switzerland. The title of European champions inevitably meant that Spain's opponents redoubled their efforts to claim what would be a notable scalp.

Spain Football Team Coach

As a recult, the Spaniards have won every game but one since the former Los Blancos boss took charge, the exception being a semi-final reverse against USA at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009. Del Bosque continued Aragones' faith in the one-touch style that has traditionally characterised Spain's play and which relies upon midfielders of the highest quality. The experienced supremo has also hit the heights at club level with Real Madrid, winning two UEFA Champions Leagues (2000, 2002), two La Ligas (2001, 2003), a Spanish Super Cup (2001) a UEFA European Super Cup (2002) and the Toyota Intercontinental Cup (2002). Vicente del Bosque took over where Luis Aragones left off after the EURO 2008 triumph, keeping the same footballing philosophy and core of players which dazzled the continent that summer.

Spain Football Team is The Winner of The FIFA Fair Play Award 2010

Spain Football Team Pictures

Spain Football Team Profiles

The Iberians have not rested on the laurels of their UEFA EURO 2008 victory, consistently bringing in new faces without renouncing their commitment to attractive short-passing football. Maturity, resilience and the ability to overcome adversity were all in evidence during their campaign, and few national teams in world football are blessed with squads of such depth and sheer talent. On top of wins in each of their ten games, La Roja were the European Zone's second top scorers with 28 goals while conceding a miserly five at the other end.
On a scale of one to ten, Spain's performance in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa can only be given top marks.

The Road to FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Far from taking their foot off the pedal, La Selección capped a flawless campaign with victory in Armenia and a 5-2 away thrashing of closest challengers Bosnia-Herzegovina. Belgium were subsequently dispatched 5-0 in La Coruna and a ticket to South Africa 2010 was assured with two rounds to spare after a comfortable 3-0 home win over Estonia. The return in Istanbul marked another 2-1 comeback triumph courtesy of goals from Xabi Alonso and then Liverpool team-mate Albert Riera. Following a 2-1 win in Brussels, when they fought back to clinch victory via an 88th-minute Villa strike, came a 1-0 success over Turkey in Madrid, the goal coming from Gerard Pique.
And though Armenia and Estonia were dispatched relatively comfortably, an away clash in Belgium and a double-header against EURO 2008 semi-finalists Turkey forced the Spaniards to dig deep for nine valuable points. Their narrow 1-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina - courtesy of a solitary strike from David Villa - was typical of the kind of gritty resistance they have had to overcome since Austria/Switzerland. The title of European champions inevitably meant that Spain's opponents redoubled their efforts to claim what would be a notable scalp.

Spain Football Team Coach

As a recult, the Spaniards have won every game but one since the former Los Blancos boss took charge, the exception being a semi-final reverse against USA at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009. Del Bosque continued Aragones' faith in the one-touch style that has traditionally characterised Spain's play and which relies upon midfielders of the highest quality. The experienced supremo has also hit the heights at club level with Real Madrid, winning two UEFA Champions Leagues (2000, 2002), two La Ligas (2001, 2003), a Spanish Super Cup (2001) a UEFA European Super Cup (2002) and the Toyota Intercontinental Cup (2002). Vicente del Bosque took over where Luis Aragones left off after the EURO 2008 triumph, keeping the same footballing philosophy and core of players which dazzled the continent that summer.

Iker Casillas Spain Goalkeeper is The Winner of The Adidas Golden Glove Award in FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Iker Casillas Spain Goalkeeper Pictures

Iker Casillas Biography:
Date of Birth: 20 May 1981
Height: 184 cm
Shirt number: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Real Madrid (ESP)
International Caps: 111
International Goals: 0
First international: Sweden - Spain (3 June 2000)

Iker Casillas Spain Goalkeeper Photos

Since then Casillas's No1 status for club and country has never been in doubt, with the player travelling to two editions of the FIFA World Cup (Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006) and three UEFA EUROs (Belgium and the Netherlands 2000, Portugal 2004 and Austria and Switzerland Having lost his starting place to the more experienced Cesar Sanchez after a rare period of uncertainty, Casillas replaced the injured Cesar late on in the final in Glasgow and proceeded to thwart the Bayer Leverkusen onslaught with a series of phenomenal saves. A winner with Spain at the 1999 edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria, in 2000 Casillas was also voted Europe's best player under the age of 21, though it would be Madrid's 2001/02 Champions League success (the club's ninth win in the competition) that would cement his status among the world's finest shot-stoppers. And it was current national-team coach Vicente del Bosque who gave the custodian his top-flight debut in 1998/99, with Casillas making the Los Blancos' No1 jersey his own the following campaign and contributing to victory in the 1999/00 UEFA Champions League.
Born on 20 May 1981, Casillas earned his first call-up for the Madrid first-team at the age of just 17, having come all the way up through the youth ranks at the Spanish giants. The latest in a long line of Spanish goalkeeping greats is La Roja captain Iker Casillas, whose agility, speed, reflexes and cool head in one-on-one situations have earned him the nickname ‘San Iker' (Saint Iker) at club side Real Madrid.

Iker Casillas Spain Goalkeeper on Action

Under pressure after La Roja opened up with a shock defeat to Switzerland, Casillas has since answered his critics with a string of superb displays that have proved crucial to his Spain’s progress to a Final they have long dreamed about. The Spain Goalkeeper has conceded just two goals at South Africa 2010.

Iker Casillas Spain Goalkeeper is The Winner of The Adidas Golden Glove Award in FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Iker Casillas Spain Goalkeeper Pictures

Iker Casillas Biography:
Date of Birth: 20 May 1981
Height: 184 cm
Shirt number: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Real Madrid (ESP)
International Caps: 111
International Goals: 0
First international: Sweden - Spain (3 June 2000)

Iker Casillas Spain Goalkeeper Photos

Since then Casillas's No1 status for club and country has never been in doubt, with the player travelling to two editions of the FIFA World Cup (Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006) and three UEFA EUROs (Belgium and the Netherlands 2000, Portugal 2004 and Austria and Switzerland Having lost his starting place to the more experienced Cesar Sanchez after a rare period of uncertainty, Casillas replaced the injured Cesar late on in the final in Glasgow and proceeded to thwart the Bayer Leverkusen onslaught with a series of phenomenal saves. A winner with Spain at the 1999 edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria, in 2000 Casillas was also voted Europe's best player under the age of 21, though it would be Madrid's 2001/02 Champions League success (the club's ninth win in the competition) that would cement his status among the world's finest shot-stoppers. And it was current national-team coach Vicente del Bosque who gave the custodian his top-flight debut in 1998/99, with Casillas making the Los Blancos' No1 jersey his own the following campaign and contributing to victory in the 1999/00 UEFA Champions League.
Born on 20 May 1981, Casillas earned his first call-up for the Madrid first-team at the age of just 17, having come all the way up through the youth ranks at the Spanish giants. The latest in a long line of Spanish goalkeeping greats is La Roja captain Iker Casillas, whose agility, speed, reflexes and cool head in one-on-one situations have earned him the nickname ‘San Iker' (Saint Iker) at club side Real Madrid.

Iker Casillas Spain Goalkeeper on Action

Under pressure after La Roja opened up with a shock defeat to Switzerland, Casillas has since answered his critics with a string of superb displays that have proved crucial to his Spain’s progress to a Final they have long dreamed about. The Spain Goalkeeper has conceded just two goals at South Africa 2010.

Thomas Mueller Germany Football Player is The Winner of The Adidas Golden Boot Award and Best Young Player Award in FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Thomas Mueller is The Winner Of The Adidas Golden Shoe Award

Muller finished on five goals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but claimed the top scorer accolade thanks to no fewer than three assists, leaving him ahead of Spain marksman David Villa and Dutch hitman Wesley Sneijder, both of whom finished on five goals but with only one assist apiece. Thomas Muller’s opening goal for Germany against Uruguay in the third-place play-off proved enough to earn the Bayern Munich starlet the adidas Golden Boot.

Thomas Mueller is The Winner Of The Hyundai Best Young Player Award

"I think I Quite apart from pace, vision and exceptional technical ability for a relatively big man, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility, with more than creditable displays both in attacking midfield and wide on the flanks. Muller repaid the coach’s faith with a total of 13 league goals, although the 20-year-old offers considerably more than effective finishing skill. The fast-starting 1.86m forward instantly became a first-team regular. Searching for the right man to operate in the hole behind the central striker in a 4-5-1 formation, the Dutch supremo settled on the promising young reserve.
However, Muller’s stellar ascent began for real with Louis van Gaal’s arrival at Bayern. A fringe member of the senior squad in Munich from summer 2008, he received a first taste of Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League action under Jurgen Klinsmann. The German FA (DFB) quickly spotted his goal-scoring ability and highly effective playing style, handing him frequent appearances at junior international level. A native of Upper Bavaria, Muller joined Bayern at the age of just ten. Thomas Muller has exploded onto the top flight scene in his first full season as a pro, and surely has the potential to be a major discovery for Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
There can be no avoiding comparisons with the legendary Gerd, from journalists and fans alike, but this eloquent and intelligent young man seems to have his feet firmly planted on the ground. There are easier surnames for a German footballer to possess than Muller, especially if you happen to be a Bayern Munich striker.

Thomas Mueller Germany Football Player Pictures

Thomas Mueller Biography:
Date of Birth: 13 September 1989
Height: 186 cm
Shirt number: 13
Position: Midfielder
Current club: Bayern Munich (GER)
International Caps: 8
International Goals: 5
First international: Germany - Argentina (3 March 2010)

Thomas Mueller Germany Football Player is The Winner of The Adidas Golden Boot Award and Best Young Player Award in FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Thomas Mueller is The Winner Of The Adidas Golden Shoe Award

Muller finished on five goals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but claimed the top scorer accolade thanks to no fewer than three assists, leaving him ahead of Spain marksman David Villa and Dutch hitman Wesley Sneijder, both of whom finished on five goals but with only one assist apiece. Thomas Muller’s opening goal for Germany against Uruguay in the third-place play-off proved enough to earn the Bayern Munich starlet the adidas Golden Boot.

Thomas Mueller is The Winner Of The Hyundai Best Young Player Award

"I think I Quite apart from pace, vision and exceptional technical ability for a relatively big man, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility, with more than creditable displays both in attacking midfield and wide on the flanks. Muller repaid the coach’s faith with a total of 13 league goals, although the 20-year-old offers considerably more than effective finishing skill. The fast-starting 1.86m forward instantly became a first-team regular. Searching for the right man to operate in the hole behind the central striker in a 4-5-1 formation, the Dutch supremo settled on the promising young reserve.
However, Muller’s stellar ascent began for real with Louis van Gaal’s arrival at Bayern. A fringe member of the senior squad in Munich from summer 2008, he received a first taste of Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League action under Jurgen Klinsmann. The German FA (DFB) quickly spotted his goal-scoring ability and highly effective playing style, handing him frequent appearances at junior international level. A native of Upper Bavaria, Muller joined Bayern at the age of just ten. Thomas Muller has exploded onto the top flight scene in his first full season as a pro, and surely has the potential to be a major discovery for Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
There can be no avoiding comparisons with the legendary Gerd, from journalists and fans alike, but this eloquent and intelligent young man seems to have his feet firmly planted on the ground. There are easier surnames for a German footballer to possess than Muller, especially if you happen to be a Bayern Munich striker.

Thomas Mueller Germany Football Player Pictures

Thomas Mueller Biography:
Date of Birth: 13 September 1989
Height: 186 cm
Shirt number: 13
Position: Midfielder
Current club: Bayern Munich (GER)
International Caps: 8
International Goals: 5
First international: Germany - Argentina (3 March 2010)

Diego Forlan is The Winner of The Adidas Golden Ball Award FIFA World Cup 2010

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player on Celebration

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player Pictures

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player Photos

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player on Action

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player Wallpapers

The 31-year-old Forlan took the starring role in his country’s heroic performance at the FIFA World Cup finals. The Uruguay striker topped the prestigious poll of accredited media representatives ahead of the Netherlands’ Wesley Sneijder and Spain hitman David Villa. Diego Forlan has been named Best Player at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Diego Forlan Biography:
Date of Birth: 19 May 1979
Height: 181 cm
Shirt number: 10
Position: Forward
Current club: Atletico Madrid (ESP)
International Caps: 69
International Goals: 29
First international: Saudi Arabia - Uruguay (27 March 2002)

Diego Forlan is The Winner of The Adidas Golden Ball Award FIFA World Cup 2010

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player on Celebration

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player Pictures

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player Photos

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player on Action

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player Wallpapers

The 31-year-old Forlan took the starring role in his country’s heroic performance at the FIFA World Cup finals. The Uruguay striker topped the prestigious poll of accredited media representatives ahead of the Netherlands’ Wesley Sneijder and Spain hitman David Villa. Diego Forlan has been named Best Player at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Diego Forlan Biography:
Date of Birth: 19 May 1979
Height: 181 cm
Shirt number: 10
Position: Forward
Current club: Atletico Madrid (ESP)
International Caps: 69
International Goals: 29
First international: Saudi Arabia - Uruguay (27 March 2002)

Spain Football Team New Champions FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Final FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010
SPAIN vs NETHERLANDS (1:0)
Andres Iniesta (116')

Andres Iniesta Hero Spain Football Team

He accused his compatriots of playing ‘anti-football’ and he wasn’t wrong. Even Dutch legend Johan Cruyff criticised his own countries attitude towards the game. I have to admit that I felt sorry for Johnny Heitinga as he wasn’t the dirtiest player in the Dutch side but Webb was right to send the Everton star off. It’s a mystery how he has played for so many top clubs.
How he manages to get through a full 90 minutes on a football pitch without getting sent –off is beyond me. It seems the only talent he has on a football pitch is to kick the opposition. He Then there was the horrible Mark Van Bommel. How Howard Webb didn’t send Nigel De Jong off for his Kung-Fu kick on Xabi Alonso I don’t know.
The Dutch were lucky not to go in at half-time with nine men. There is tactics and then there is playing like animals. I have never seen an international team as dirty as Holland did against Spain last night. Before the game started I was hoping the Dutch would claim victory but after a few minutes of the game I could no longer support the dirty Dutch side.
They thoroughly deserved their 1-0 extra-time victory over Holland. Spain has finally lived up to their immense potential on a football by winning the World Cup.

Victory Celebrations Spain Football Team

Although they suffered a few scares from Dutch attacks I always felt that their style of play would win through. Spain showed a more positive approach right through the game and was less aggressive and dirty than their opponents.

Spain Football Team With Trophy FIFA World Cup 2010

They are without doubt the best team in international football. The Spanish’s style has become the most admired in the world and they deserve to be World Champions just for the way they play the game. However their goal came from a typically superb Spanish move. In this game they weren’t even given the chance to play nice passing football.
I mentioned in one of my recent articles that I thought Spain had rather grinded their way through the tournament.

Spain Goalkeeper Iker Casillas With Trophy FIFA World Cup 2010

Barca will be a deadly next season with Xavi, Iniesta, Lionel Messi and David Villa all lining-up for the them. They have such a good understanding on the pitch and the little playmaker seems to never give the ball away. His midfield partner Xavi is decent as well.
Maybe after winning the trophy he will finally get the recognition he deserves. He should now be considered amongst the best in the world. He deserved to score the winner for his contribution throughout the competition. He gets his fair share of goals but his talents lay in his ability to pick a pass and create chances for his teammates.
However he seems to get overlooked for the big individual awards because of his position. His vision, skill and general footballing brain has leaded him to win every trophy there is to win in the game. I believe the 26 year-old is underrated. Many of the big name stars have failed to show up in this tournament but one player who has been superb for the Spaniards is Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta.

The Champions FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Their side has let them down so many times and they have now made up for all those disappointments with the ultimate victory, winning the World Cup. Even the usual sceptical Spanish fans can now relax and enjoy their victory. I’m sure nobody got any sleep in Spain last night. Their national side has finally fulfilled their footballing destiny.
Spain has never seen a celebration like it. Spain has waited for a long time for this victory and it was a popular victory. Spanish keeper Iker Casillas broke down in tears at the end of the game and Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal admitted that he was in tears after the victory. The moment Spain won the trophy was an emotional one for most Spaniards.

Spain Football Team New Champions FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Final FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010
SPAIN vs NETHERLANDS (1:0)
Andres Iniesta (116')

Andres Iniesta Hero Spain Football Team

He accused his compatriots of playing ‘anti-football’ and he wasn’t wrong. Even Dutch legend Johan Cruyff criticised his own countries attitude towards the game. I have to admit that I felt sorry for Johnny Heitinga as he wasn’t the dirtiest player in the Dutch side but Webb was right to send the Everton star off. It’s a mystery how he has played for so many top clubs.
How he manages to get through a full 90 minutes on a football pitch without getting sent –off is beyond me. It seems the only talent he has on a football pitch is to kick the opposition. He Then there was the horrible Mark Van Bommel. How Howard Webb didn’t send Nigel De Jong off for his Kung-Fu kick on Xabi Alonso I don’t know.
The Dutch were lucky not to go in at half-time with nine men. There is tactics and then there is playing like animals. I have never seen an international team as dirty as Holland did against Spain last night. Before the game started I was hoping the Dutch would claim victory but after a few minutes of the game I could no longer support the dirty Dutch side.
They thoroughly deserved their 1-0 extra-time victory over Holland. Spain has finally lived up to their immense potential on a football by winning the World Cup.

Victory Celebrations Spain Football Team

Although they suffered a few scares from Dutch attacks I always felt that their style of play would win through. Spain showed a more positive approach right through the game and was less aggressive and dirty than their opponents.

Spain Football Team With Trophy FIFA World Cup 2010

They are without doubt the best team in international football. The Spanish’s style has become the most admired in the world and they deserve to be World Champions just for the way they play the game. However their goal came from a typically superb Spanish move. In this game they weren’t even given the chance to play nice passing football.
I mentioned in one of my recent articles that I thought Spain had rather grinded their way through the tournament.

Spain Goalkeeper Iker Casillas With Trophy FIFA World Cup 2010

Barca will be a deadly next season with Xavi, Iniesta, Lionel Messi and David Villa all lining-up for the them. They have such a good understanding on the pitch and the little playmaker seems to never give the ball away. His midfield partner Xavi is decent as well.
Maybe after winning the trophy he will finally get the recognition he deserves. He should now be considered amongst the best in the world. He deserved to score the winner for his contribution throughout the competition. He gets his fair share of goals but his talents lay in his ability to pick a pass and create chances for his teammates.
However he seems to get overlooked for the big individual awards because of his position. His vision, skill and general footballing brain has leaded him to win every trophy there is to win in the game. I believe the 26 year-old is underrated. Many of the big name stars have failed to show up in this tournament but one player who has been superb for the Spaniards is Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta.

The Champions FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Their side has let them down so many times and they have now made up for all those disappointments with the ultimate victory, winning the World Cup. Even the usual sceptical Spanish fans can now relax and enjoy their victory. I’m sure nobody got any sleep in Spain last night. Their national side has finally fulfilled their footballing destiny.
Spain has never seen a celebration like it. Spain has waited for a long time for this victory and it was a popular victory. Spanish keeper Iker Casillas broke down in tears at the end of the game and Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal admitted that he was in tears after the victory. The moment Spain won the trophy was an emotional one for most Spaniards.

Football News Ten Nominees for The GOLDEN BALL Award at The World Cup South Africa 2010

Lionel Messi Argentia Football Player

I can’t help but feel he is in the top ten just because of who he is. 23 years old – 48 caps I thought he was getting better as the tournament went on and that we would see something special from the little genius before it ended.As it turned out he was totally ineffective against Germany who totally nullified his threat.

David Villa Spanis Football Player

Is there a better striker in the world. He has shown what a top player and big game player he is. The bad news was that Villa was the only one of their players who looked like scoring and the good news was that he looks like scoring every time he gets the ball.He starred at Euro 2008 before missing the final through injury and he has starred again here. 28 years old – 64 caps I said earlier in the tournament that there was good news and bad news for Spain.

Wessley Sneijder Netherlands Football Player

If he can lead Netherlands to victory on Sunday then his driving performances and his goals will probably deserve it.He has won the Serie A title and the Champions League this season so if he adds the World Cup I suppose you could say he hasn’t done too badly. 26 years old – 66 caps Surely the only man who can stop Xavi winning this award.

Xavi Hernandez Spain Football Player

He simply doesn’t give the ball away and he is behind everything his team do at club level with Barcelona and at international level with Spain.Barcelona are arguably the best club side in the world and Spain are arguably the best national side in the world and this little man makes them both tick. He has completed more passes than anyone else in the tournament and only needs to complete about thirty in the final to break the record at any World Cup. 30 years old – 90 caps This player is a master of the art.

Mezut Ozil Germany Football Player

He had a great tournament though and will definitely come again. Against the fantastic Spanish midfield he couldn’t get the ball and was taught a lesson. He came to the tournament as someone that not many people knew about and then by the time he played England and Argentina he was being talked about as a superstar who the opposition had to make special plans for.Neither team did and he had two excellent games. 21 years old – 16 caps The youngest and least experienced by far of all the nominees.

Bastian Schweinsteiger Germany Football Player

He has totally re-invented himself as a player and has become one of the finest midfielders in the world.He was at the heart of two performances that were as good as anything we have seen at the tournament when his Germany side absolutely blew England and Argentina away. 25 years old – 80 caps It was a shame that his side had to lose because his performances deserved a place in the final.

Diego Forlan Uruguay Football Player

31 years old – 68 caps This man has a twin brother who played for Manchester United a few years back and that brother is nowhere near as good as him, that’s for sure.Forlan has shown in Spain that he is a top class striker, twice winning the golden boot, and he has proved it in South Africa on the biggest stage of all.

Asamoah Gyan Ghana Football Player

It should also be remembered that he stepped up to take the first one in the penalty shoot-out and despatched it confidently.He scored three goals and played a wonderful role as a lone front player for Ghana who were by far the best African team at the tournament. 24 years old – 44 caps Gyan will unfortunately be remembered most for missing the last kick of the game penalty that would have taken his country to the semi-finals.

Arjen Robben Netherlands Football Player

Knowing that he is going to do it and stopping him from doing so is quite another matter.Scored the goal that took them to the final with a rare header. He plays out on the right and all opponents know he is going to cut back in on to his left foot. He is totally left footed but that hardly matters when his left foot is as good as it is.He missed the first game but has come back into the side and given Netherlands another dimension. 26 years old – 51 caps Another player who almost missed the tournament after he injured a thigh in a warm-up game.

Andres Iniesta Spain Football Player

He is getting better with each game and I fully expect him to star in the final tomorrow. He was a doubt for the tournament with an injury and he hasn’t looked fully fit. He has only been brilliant whereas his normal level is ‘absolutely’ brilliant. 26 years old – 48 caps Although Iniesta is a technically gifted player who has a telepathic understanding with club and country colleague Xavi, I’m not sure he has quite produced his best at this tournament.