And so it ends, Spain are the new World Champions!
Throughout the competition the team in red and yellow have been amazing to watch with their tiki-taka, even though the goals didn't pour in like it should. But man, just watching all the intricate passing splicing open defences really gets your heart beating. Wish that Arsenal will be able to find that same spirit and attacking verve, although Barcelona are definitely the ultimate team, now that they have Villa to go with Messi and Iniesta and Xavi and Xabi... just wow!
The whole world watched, even the non-fans (haha kwun). I think its clear to say that the power of sports, soccer in particular, really does reach beyond that rectangular pitch. Miracles are achieved. The crime rates drop in Africa. North Korea is invited to the global party. A whole nation watches live footage of an octopus having a meal.
And well, a nation who has woefully underperformed in past years finally ascends their throne. When Iniesta buried the ball in the net with a superb volley (with an assist from Fabregas), there was no holding back the celebrations, the tears on Casillas' face flowed freely.
At 5.30am Singapore time, when Casillas clutched that small golden trophy, and thrust it above his head, the world gave a roar of approval that will be heard long after the drone of the vuvuzelas die out.
(special thanks to RI for this marvelous holiday!)
