Spanish Armada triumphs

First Europe, now the world

Two of the world's most under-performing teams in modern football have finally reached the position they have all been fighting for so long. History will definitely be in the making as none of teams had won the World Cup before. For Nederland, they were never able to reach the final since a double attempt in the 1970s. To do so for the third time with a number of recognizable global talents in their team provided them with probably the best chance to break their duck in lifting the World Cup trophy. For Spain, they had just broken their hoodoo to reach the semi-finals and this was their first ever World Cup final that they're involved him. The Spanish similarly had a fantastic favourable chance to add a star to their crest with what seems to be the golden generation at their possible maximum potential. With a world-class keeper, established defenders, intelligent midfielders and a dangeros marksman, the Spanish armada looks set to be world conquerors after establishing their foothold in Europe 2 years ago. I backed Nederland since they're my 2nd personal favourite national team

Nederland and Spain carried with them the tag of being the advocates of fast attacking football and it was expected that the final encounter between them will produce plenty of attacking action from end to end. However, it turned out to be a cagey match with physical challenges flying everywhere. Referee Howard Webb was flashing yellow cards like they were coming from a waterfall. Although the Dutch were responsible for the majority of the cards being flashed, I still felt that the Spanish were reacting excessively and that the referee has in a few occassions missed blatant Spanish fouls on the Dutch.

In any case, the Dutch could be en route to win their first major trophy if not for Robben's miss of the century when he went one-on-one with Casillas. Incredible. I have no idea how Robben could miss that with the goalie at his mercy. He could have made history. That miss came back to haunt Nederland as the Spanish settled the deal with an Iniesta late goal in extra-time. Anyways, Kudos also to Casillas for making several excellent saves as he keeps a clean sheet for every knock-out game. Santa Ike, as he was hailed, truly deserves to be standing there to lift the World Cup trophy as captain after lifting the European cup two years ago.

That concludes the whole month of tournament as the late nights ended and people return back to their daily routines as they await for the opening of the Premier League.