Expert Blogs

A new world champion on a new World Cup continent. An eighth name has been added to those already engraved on the base of the FIFA World Cup trophy. No more monkeys on generations of Spanish backs.
 
The great underachievers finally lived up to the hype. In a war of attrition with the Netherlands, Spain won the decisive battle and with it the biggest prize in world sport. Mostly it was ugly, but then wars are never for the faint of heart.
 
It was never going to be a classic. Both finalists knew there was far too much at stake to allow their opponent to play to their strengths. The opportunity to become world champions comes with conditions.
 
The Dutch had to deny, destroy and distribute. They learned not to make the same mistakes of the Germans before them and - for all but four minutes of two hours - the game plan had the desired effect.  
 
The Spaniards had to ride the storm they knew was coming. No flowing, one-touch football on a chilly, autumnal night in Johannesburg. Patience and perseverance were ultimately the keys to success.
 
It may be hard on the Dutch, but thank goodness the World Cup Final was not decided, again, by the lottery of a penalty shoot out. The Netherlands had their chances but Andres Iniesta had the talent and composure to convert with time running out.
 
For Spanish fans this is the crowning glory. The result, of course, is all that matters but, in truth, it was not a match that will live long in the memory. Symptomatic of this World Cup, tactics triumphed over flair in South Africa.
 
Did we ever witness a true end-to-end thriller? If we did, I must have missed it. Too many teams played not to lose and in 64 games I can't recall a single match that had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
 
In a World Cup full of surprises, there was drama a-plenty. We wondered if the shocks would ever stop as big egos were bruised and some forever scorched. France, Italy, England, and Brazil were just a few who dreamed too big and delivered too little.
 
The vibrant South American express was halted only at the penultimate stop. The African challenge, with the benefit of 'home' advantage, was hugely disappointing despite the best efforts of Ghana's Black Stars.
 
We were presented with a World Cup more visually stunning than any other. We saw everything from every angle at every speed. We saw everything we were supposed to and a few things we weren't.
 
The artists and the villains were revealed cheek by jowl for the entire world to see. Tragically, the baddies are ruining it for the goodies. The cheaters, divers and actors are slowly, but surely, wrecking their own product.
 
They've been at it for a while. With a little foresight, technology will finally put a stop to their scurrilous antics. FIFA has the evidence. It can and must impose a retroactive punishment to fit the crime - one that will deter the desperados once and for all.
 
South Africa's legacy will ultimately benefit the game going forward. The sport's governors have been forced to put goal-line video technology back on the agenda knowing it can no longer be ignored. 2014 will surely be different.
 
Match officials do the best they can. This World Cup has proved, beyond doubt, they need help. When the whole world can see the whole of the ball has crossed the line, it is senseless to deny a referee that same resource.
 
Frank Lampard will probably never win the World Cup as a player. But when he is retired and watching the tournament like the rest of us, he'll be able to tell his grandchildren it was his 'goal' in 2010 that changed football forever.