World Cup Rounup: The Trophy is Presented

Congratulations to Spain for winning the World Cup. The were truly the best team in the entire tournament. They didn't win it by dominant scoring, but by balance across the team with solid defense and potent scoring. They had the most brilliant, smooth, and exciting play of any team in the tournament. In the final match I was disappointed in the Netherlands play. They played overly physical and violent. It was no wonder that they picked up the red card in overtime with the way they had played. I expected a much more matched time of possession between the two teams. It would have likely led to a more entertaining game of attacks and counterattacks. I understand the defensive alignment of the Dutch was based on the American and Swiss successes in the last two years against Spain, but they didn't even try to create sustained scoring efforts throughout most of the first half. I feel sorry for the Dutch as they are now the team that is cursed at the World Cup. Hopefully in four years time the Dutch will be back to make another amazing and deep run at the Jules Rimet trophy.