Cornwall ON – I was expecting this to be a South American, World Cup, and with half of the last eight coming from there it seemed I was on to a good thing. But now?…. Of my four South American teams only one advanced, whereas all three European teams made it to the last four, establishing this clearly as an eastern hemisphere competition and not, as I had thought, a southern hemisphere one.
Germany, Spain, and Holland are all there to fight another day, and only Uruguay is there to represent South America. Both Brazil and Argentina are left to contemplate next time, in Brazil.
Of course, this didn’t happen without the officiating fiascos. The Paraguayan penalty should have been retaken for the same reason that Spain’s was subsequently re-spotted – Spanish players had encroached into the penalty area, which includes for penalties the semi-circle behind where the penalty is taken. In the first instance it was overlooked and the Spanish goalkeeper’s save was allowed to hold. What might have happened if the kick had been retaken? Might not the Paraguayans have scored?
And what about the Germans second, killer goal? – Clearly offside. But German luck is certainly in at this World Cup. Remember the equalizing goal from England that was waved off when it was so unambiguously over the goal line. This would have seen the English energized by their comeback and ready to go on and win. No, German luck is in, and I am guessing that they will make it to the final when they will meet?…
It is hard to pick a winner between Spain and Holland. Both have unbeaten records that boast of their skill and commitment. Spain is the European champion but that rarely presages the World Cup outcome. Holland, like Germany has been there often before. I believe I am now leaning to Holland. But whichever it is, the big question will be whether German luck can last?
I am going out on a limb when I say, “no it can’t.” I am uncertain whether it will be Spain or Holland, but either can beat the Germans.
David Rawnsley is President of the Char Lan Minor Soccer Association as well as Executive Director of FOSS, Friends of SD&SG Soccer and a district Referee, as well as co-founder of Char-Lan Women’s Soccer.
Soccer is his Passion, and we’re hoping to get several reports from him during the 2010 Fifa World Cup!
Sounds to me like you, David Rawnsley, are caught in old stereotypes. Even though Germany’s opponenents have been unlucky with a two or three calls it does not take away from what the German side has accomplished. You failing to give them any credit shows your blurred vision and understanding. You titles and affiliations don’t help that impression.