World Cup Roundup Voltydse.

Voltydse means "full time" in Afrikaans, and thus we have reached our final World Cup Roundup post.

Germany v Uruguay

The third place match was arguably more exciting than the actual final, with the play more open on the pitch. Thomas Muller proved that he is one of the up and comers on the world soccer stage, getting his 5th goal of the tournament (just 8 games), as he scored the game first strike. However, it would be two goals to answer from the South Americans by around the 50 mark, including one from Forlan that would briefly put the Euros on their heels. Luckily, Marcell Jansen was able to capitalize on a mistake from the Uruguay keeper to even things, and a Khedira header in the 82nd would put Germany up 3-2. With just a tiny bit of extra time added, it looked all wrapped up until Uruguay was given a free kick from just outside the box. It would be the last kick of the game. Forlan stepped up and sent in a brilliant ball, but it banged off the cross bar, the final whistle blew, and Germany huddled humbly in celebration. Solid win. Too bad it was for the bronze.

Netherlands v Spain

Sorry, Daniel, it didn't go down well. The game was a long battle with chances both ways that never quite panned out. Both keepers were on their games, and both offenses missed some golden opportunities. 3 on 1s, 1 in all alone against a goalie, and still we were all knotted at nil birds after 90. My favorite part of the first 45 was the Dutch player going cleats up into the chest of his Spanish counterpart when going up for a challenge. God, that looked like it hurt. Watching on ESPN Mobile TV while pounding a Double Charburger at my local Habit, I thought for sure we were headed to a shootout after 30 minutes of scoreless extra time. Then, it happened. Jan Hitinga had been sent off with his second yellow after pulling a fool down recklessly, and the Spain-os took advantage of their man up status. In the 116th minute, Iniesta gathered up a ball and sent in a missile to the upper corner of the goal, sending Madrid into a huge fiesta. It was a thrilling strike, a fair goal, and an okay finish to a really fun World Cup.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed the LSF's coverage the World Cup this time around. See you in 4 years.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē