It's the thirteenth, and second to last, World Cup post. I have to say, I'm fairly proud with the way we've kept up with the Cup on our first go around. All appreciation must be handed out to ESPN Mobile TV for helping me watch the games live from my mobile at work. Let's examine the thrilling semifinals.
Netherlands v Uruguay
We were all kind of sure the Dutch would push through to the finals, as my cousin predicted, and we got what we wanted. Van Bronckhorst put his name on the score sheet to thrillingly open the game up in favor on the Oranje. The ball was sent fiercely into the corner for the lead. After that, the Dutch kind of hung back and lost their edge. Eventually, former Red Devil Diego Forlan took advantage. After picking up possession around 40 yards out, Forlan charged into the allowed space and put home a twisting turning shot that leveled things going into the half. Most were sure that Uruguay was on the verge of shocking the world, and it was their effort that led people in that direction. However, the second half would quiet the mouths of the Dutch doubters. Andrew's boy Sneijder tallied a netter on a deflection and three minutes later, Robben headed home the goal that would secure the Dutch spot in the final. While Uruguay pulled within one with Pereira's goal from the edge of the area, it wasn't able to find the all-important third goal, and the Oranje and Dutch everyone went into wild celebration. A month after his prediction, my cousin's dreams are still alive.
Germany v Spain
The idea of a Germany/Netherlands final had even my hald German wife feeling some exctiement about soccer. She already started planning the viewing party on Sunday, if the Germans could cruise past Spain with another 4 goal effort. Guess what? At about 1:25 pm PT, the party was cancelled. After an evenly matched 0-0 first half, all that was noticed was the Spain seemed to possess the ball better and longer than their opponents. Right quick after a Toni Kroos attempt was denied, Spain went into attack. After earning a corner, Xavi put a beautiful ball right to the head of Carles Puyol for the game's golden goal in the 73rd. Despite having plenty of time to mount a US-esque comeback, and save our party, Germany looked almost apathetic in the final throws of the semifinals, and basically the Spanish defense was simply too much to break through. ESPN flashed to near rioting conditions in Spain, as they celebrated their win and first ever trip to the final. As for me, I pressed delete on the evite I had filled out but not yet sent.
3rd Place Match:
Germany v Uruguay
I might shock some of you here. I'm picking Uruguay on Saturday. I think the Germans will be so deflated after their loss to Spain that it will be hard for them to get up for this fairly meaningless third place match. Uruguay has shown flashes of brilliance, and while it hasn't been the brilliance of Germany, it may be enough to defeat the European squad who already seemed to have used up all their goals in their multiple 4 tally blowouts earlier on.
World Cup Finals:
Netherlands v Spain
How can I go against family? I'm picking Holland to win it all, and put an end to their Nation's soccer suffering. Excuse me while I go off on a Dutch tirade:
"Oranje zal verplettern de Spanjaarden. Het zal ook niet dicht. Xavi is onze teef. We eten cookies te vieren. Spanje zal worden overwonnen. Laten we pannenkooeken als overwinnaars!"
Ah, that felt good.
Nederland voor het leven!
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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