FIFA World Cup 2010 - Spain Wins - Paul The Octopus Retires

[NDinL.A.]

Spain or the Dutch have the quality and could easily win it... but Germany is obviously the class of this tourney right now... if it continues to play out as it has to this point Germany will lift the Cup.

as for the unis... I think they all look pretty nice for the most part... I like ours a lot too... Argentina's are nice... and I liked Cameroon's, they straight up looked like their flag...

I think the best thing that has happened, at least for Spain's psyche, is that the Germans have looked so incredibly dominating. They are clearly, and deservedly, the favorites. Spain has played this whole tournament against teams that have played AT LEAST 9 men behind the ball, and it's like they are pressing, pressing, pressing the entire game to score that one goal which they hope will turn into 6 goals.

But now, hopefully knowing that basically most of the world considers Germany the favorites, they'll play with the same freedom and tranquility that they played with in the Euro2008 tourney, and the same creativity and unselfishness that they showed in their beautiful goal yesterday.

That's my HOPE, anyways. So far it's been as if they are playing the 1st halves of every game with 2 gigantic hands across their throats.

As for Germany, if you watched the Argentina game closely, after the 1st 10 minutes, Argentina completely dominated the game all the way until the 2nd goal. The Germans had nothing, couldn't possess the ball, and were praying for the counter. The same thing happened against England. But man, when they get out on the 'fast break', it's like the '87 Lakers with Magic running the show dishing to Worthy, Scott and Cooper on the wings. Just amazing goals with unbelievable selflessness that you normally don't see from so many superstars.

The Germans can be had if Spain doesn't allow an early goal and they come into the game relaxed and confident (and if Iker can hold on to the fuc*king ball!!!!) Also, Mueller being out certainly doesn't hurt!

 

[johnnykillz]

NDinL.A.,

You must be talking possession after the beginning of the second half, because the ball was controlled on Argentina's defensive side of the field for about 50% of the first half.

After the first ten minutes of the second, Argentina had good possession for a bit, and then imploded.

Here's the rundown overall:

Argentina Germany

20(7) Shots (on Goal) 18(6)
20 Fouls 14
5 Corner Kicks 4
5 Offsides 0
53% Time of Possession 47%
2 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
2 Saves 7

Essentially, We're looking at about 5 (5.4) minutes total of possession time in which Argentina had the ball more than ze Germans.

 

[johnnykillz]

Holland over Uruguay today was no surprise, although the fight in them was impressive. Now ze Germans...

 

[jason_h537]

Wanted the underdog to win but i was surprised by the fight in Uruguay. The Dutch played sloppy as well, need to clean it up if they expect tp beat Spain or Alemania in the big one

 

[ACamp1900]

Germany making England and Argentina look flatlaughable on the break over and over again is damn impressive... I expect them to do it to Spain again tomorrow... but you never know when momentum will shift... talent wise it's an even match... momentum wise... it's Ze Germans all the way.

Spain must stop the break.

 

[jason_h537]

Germany making England and Argentina look flatlaughable on the break over and over again is damn impressive... I expect them to do it to Spain again tomorrow... but you never know when momentum will shift... talent wise it's an even match... momentum wise... it's Ze Germans all the way.

Spain must stop the break.

Talent Wise: Spain

Momentum Wise: Germany

Germany has found their stride in the cup and have talent but no team has as much talent as Spain. Torres has been playing like sh-- all cup. we will see

 

[NDinL.A.]

Germany making England and Argentina look flatlaughable on the break over and over again is damn impressive... I expect them to do it to Spain again tomorrow... but you never know when momentum will shift... talent wise it's an even match... momentum wise... it's Ze Germans all the way.

Spain must stop the break.

It's like watching the '87 Lakers...ze germans have a mean-ass fast break and they ALWAYS make the extra pass for the goal.

Taking my 76 year-old pops to a local pub tomorrow (or maybe the ESPN Zone in LA...I work right by it) to watch the game. Can't wait!!!

 

[johnnykillz]

You're a good guy NDinL.A..

I hope you and your father have one for the ages.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

It's like watching the '87 Lakers...ze germans have a mean-ass fast break and they ALWAYS make the extra pass for the goal.

Taking my 76 year-old pops to a local pub tomorrow (or maybe the ESPN Zone in LA...I work right by it) to watch the game. Can't wait!!!

I might show up. If you notice a four legged creature sitting alone at the back of the bar, just look away. I drink alone.

(Skip past the into...)

YouTube - George Thorogood And The Destroyers - I Drink Alone

 

[Rocket's Rocket Fan]

I finally don't have class at the same time to watch a match, and thank God its the Germany Spain match. I picked Spain to win it all so I hope they can pull this one off.

 

[Rocket's Rocket Fan]

GOAL FOR SPAIN!!! 1-0 in the 74'.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

GOOD GOD. I've been watching the entire game. Stepped away for two minutes, and missed the goal. Spain has owned the entire game.

I don't see NDinLA anywhere. Oh snap, I'm at home in front of my TV...

 

[Rocket's Rocket Fan]

Well its Spain and the Dutch in the World Cup Final. It should be a lot of fun to watch.

 

[jason_h537]

Defense wins championships. Spain really controlled the match from the beginning, they controlled the ball, milked the clock played excellent defense and could have probably won 3-0 if they pushed it. Especially toward the end, Germany was falling apart. Take that you Nazi bastards

 

[johnnykillz]

I concede defeat. Spain looked really stand magnificent. The dutch really stand not much a chance.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

I concede defeat. Spain looked really stand magnificent. The dutch really stand not much a chance.

Dude. You doubted Spain?

 

[NDinL.A.]

I concede defeat. Spain looked really stand magnificent. The dutch really stand not much a chance.

Who wouldathunkit? I don't blame you one bit for thinking the Germans would win...THEY SCORED 4 GOALS AGAINST BOTH ARGENTINA AND ENGLAND! They were absolutely on fire.

But like I said, Spain seemed to be freed by not being the overwhelming favorite. They played like they did in Euro2008 and in qualifying matches. And really, that was domination! As a diehard fan, it was amazing to watch. They completely dominated from the opening minute. Pedro over Torres was a risky choice, but it turned out to be brilliant (the final ball-hogging play notwithstanding).

I must say, I was very disappointed in the Italians, errrrrrrrrr, Germans. They played 9-10 men behind the ball and only looked to counter. Those last 15 minutes, they proved that they had the quality to hold the ball and attack, but they were so scared of Spain's attack that they must have thought the only way to win was through a counter or through PKs. They had a couple of nice counters, but other than that...they just watched Spain touch-touch-touch-touch the soccer ball around them to death.

What a day for my dad! He beamed throughout the match. Watched it at the ESPN Zone in downtown LA. He was the oldest man there, but by far the proudest. He was still glowing an hour after the game.

On to the Dutch, who have a fantastic team and deserve to be in the final. Let's hope they play attacking soccer and give us a show for the ages!

 

[ACamp1900]

those who think Spain has this won are kidding themselves... the dutch can easily win this thing... as can Spain... it's an even match.

hell the Dutch were rated higher coming into this World Cup were they not???

 

[NDinL.A.]

those who think Spain has this won are kidding themselves... the dutch can easily win this thing... as can Spain... it's an even match.

hell the Dutch were rated higher coming into this World Cup were they not???

no, they were ranked #4, vs Spain's #2.

But yes, they are loaded and will be a great foe. EITHER TEAM can win this game!

 

[TDHeysus]

The Netherlands are giant killers!!! down with Espana!

Besides, this guy is going with Holland...isnt that weird?
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[johnnykillz]

Wow. Uruguay really lasted against Alemania. Ze Germans have placed third. This seems such a far cry from where I felt they were headed.

I hope you're right TD and ACamp-er. Holland over Spain! I can't wait.

 

[jason_h537]

Spanish are the Conquistadors for a reason, They will dominate just like they did against Alemania. Espana wins its first World Cup manana

 

[TerryTate]

Forlan's goal was nasty

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

The last free kick to end the game was amazingly close. I can only imagine the reaction in Uruguay

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

11:30 Cali time.

IT'S GAMETIME!

My U.S.A. and my Mejico are out. Let's goooo Espana!

snicker...

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Such an incredible save by Spain's goalie Casillas at the 61:30 mark. So far Spain owns the game, but the Dutch/Netherland/Holland (which the fuck one is it) leads the game in theatrics and cheap shots.

69:17 mark Spain had a golden opportunity and I may have alerted the neighborhood with my OOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!. Cops may appear soon.

Freaken Netherlands trying to stay in the game with drama theatrics. Friggen shame. If you can't beat em, cheat em.

82 minute mark. Looks like Holland/Netherlands/Dutch gonna try to fake their way into penalty kick game. Uh oh, fast break as I type...

95:10 mark. Another Spain OOOOOHHHHHH!!!! - cop alerting chance at goal. This game CANNOT go into penalty kicks. Spain owns it. They need to punch it in.

100:33 mark drew me out of my wheelchair. Spain blew another chance. Hey, I can walk!

109:08 finally a red card! Missed kick, but let's go Espana!

116:00 ggggggggooooooooooooolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Espana!!!!!!

ESPANA EL CAMPEON MUNDIAL!!!!!!!!

 

[BGIF]

Espana 1

 

[ACamp1900]

well that really sucks.

Robben had Puyol's arm around him on that break in the box and should have had a PK... oh well... I won't remember this WC by USA's great comebacks, won't remember it Spain's constant late heroics, or even those stupid horns that I wont even try to spell... I'll remember it by some of the most consistently horrid officiating I can remember in any sport, ever... and that includes the NBA which I consider a clinic on horrid officiating... as a fan of the MLS, SPL and international soccer everywhere it was sad to see that become such a rightfully earned headline.

oh well, congrats to Spain. They are the Champs

 

[Rocket's Rocket Fan]

I called it. Spain won it all.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Kept flipping back between ABC and U.S. spanish station Univision. Gotta admit Univision was a bit more exciting, if only I could keep up with their full speed spanish.

Justice was served in this game. The better team won.