The Road To Nelspruit. Thanks http://mixedzones.blogspot.com/
That famous piece of TV commentary capped England’s World Cup win in 1966. That happened before even I was born. Just sayin’.
Spain’s win on Sunday was A Good Thing. Unless you were Dutch, of course. There is little not to love about these Spaniards/Catalans except the fear that these guys become the New Brazil, ie, Spain shirts become pret a porter fashion de rigeur for the trenderati. Possible bonus? Andres Iniesta gets to release his wines commercially.
Others have whined about this World Cup. Others have praised. Some critics complained abut South Africa without leaving their couch in another country while others (OK, journalists) complained the whole time they were actually in South Africa.
Did you know South Africa was not at all like Germany in 2006? Well, let me tell you…
Personal Highlights?
Best Game Attended
South Africa v Mexico at Soccer City, right after Siphiwe Tshabalala scored. Vuvuzela madness. I think. Working at a tournament is a very different experience than as a fan.
Or maybe Slovakia v Italy at Ellis Park for its sheer don’t-believe-I’m seeing-this factor.
Worst Game
Germany v Australia for its personal embarrassment. Then Australia v Serbia because I was writing a match report for The Guardian and my computer froze right on 75 minutes just as all hell broke loose on the pitch. As Australia were eliminated the only thing I really cared about was how long that little Acer would take to reboot.
Player of the tournament
I heart David Villa, Diego Forlán, and Brett Holman. Landon Donovan also crossed over from my personal dark side to the light.
Goal of the tournament
That I saw live? David Villa against Chile.
Personal highlight
Sardines at Nuno’s at Melville; The riot in Durban when you really knew you were at a World Cup; roadtripping with Tony Harper and Michael Church; Tony Harper’s insatiable quest for coffee; South Africans; Visiting a township outside Johannesburg where the kids demanded their photo be taken.
Lesson for 2014 (this format is borrowed from The Guardian btw)
Brazil is not South Africa is not Germany.
Relax, people.
Best video coverage of World Cup ever -
I know it’s over but ESPN, BBC, SBS and, YES, Supersport (with Gary Bailey) – you lose.
[video]
Why South Africa Was The Worst World Cup Ever -
Some pundits claim South Africa was the worst World Cup ever. They could have at least travelled to South Africa before passing judgement. But, on one level, they were right. Tragically so.
“They missed an incredible experience, they missed an incredible World Cup. Just stay in your corner and sulk.” — Danny Jordaan, World Cup LOC CEO, on World Cup skeptics who stayed home. He is right.
“We have surrendered national sovereignty to a gang of old, white men in Geneva who conceive of South Africa principally as a sound stage on which a month-long commercial for their sponsors is to be filmed”.” — Damn those South Africans for trying to spoil the party. The party that’s, um, being held in their own house. Interesting local perspective on the World Cup here: http://newfranktalk.book.co.za/blog/2010/07/06/introduction-to-the-people-vs-phillip-how-the-anc-sold-us-for-a-cup/
Australia's 2011 deal with Germany denied by FFA -
An email from a secret “consultant” has revealed a deal betwen Germany and Australia that FFA has long denied. Oh.