Octopus Paul Is Right Again: Spain Wins Its First World Cup

M.today

Johannesburg, July 11:  Andres Iniesta struck deep into the second half extra time to give Spain their maiden World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in a drama-filled summit clash here. 

The psychic, mysterious octopus named Paul had predicted Spain’s victory in final three days back.  

 

Iniesta scored the winner in the 116th minute after both the sides were locked goal-less in the regulation 90 minutes in an ill-tempered grand finale which saw the ejection of Dutch defender John Heitinga in the 110th minute for his second booking and another 12 yellow cards being shown. 

 

 

On the other hand, the Netherlands failed to erase their agony of finishing losing finalists twice in 1974 and 1978 and remained world football’s underachievers.  

Spain also became the first European country to win the World Cup outside their continent, a feat which could not be achieved by Italy, Germany, England and France. 

 

 

It has been fabulous two years for Spain who won the European Championships in 2008 -- their second after 1964 -- and has now become world champions. They are the only second side to be the reigning European and world champions at the same time after France -- 1972 European Champions and 1974 World Cup winners. 

 

Forlan Wins Golden Ball, Mueller Golden Boot

Uruguay’s Diego Forlan won the best player of the tournament award on Sunday after lighting up the World Cup with some wonderful goals that helped his team become South America’s only semi-finalist.

 

 

The blond-locked striker won legions of admirers -- not least among South African women -- for his fantastic play on the pitch and courteous attitude off it where he always made time to sign autographs and chat with fans or journalists.

Forlan took 23.4 percent in the "Golden Ball" poll organised by world soccer body FIFA and voted for by journalists. Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder was second with 21.8 percent and Spain’s David Villa third on 16.9 percent.

 

All three got five goals, making them joint top scorers along with Germany’s Thomas Mueller.


Mueller took the "Golden Boot" award given to the top scorer, using assists and number of minutes played as a tie-breaker.

The German was also named Best Young Player.

As well as winning the World Cup, Spain also took the FIFA Fair Play Award. Their captain Iker Casillas won the "Golden Glove" prize for best goalkeeper.

Forlan’s award will cheer Uruguayans after their side lost agonisingly to Germany 3-2 in the third place playoff.

Forlan struck the bar with a typically spectacular free kick in the last touch of the match.

Shakira Delights Fans At World Cup Close

JOHANNESBURG :  Shakira had fans dancing in their seats as South Africa began saying farewell to the 2010 World Cup in pulsating fashion. The highlight of the closing ceremony at Soccer City was to be an expected appearance by Nelson Mandela.

 

 

The anti-apartheid icon has kept a low profile during the monthlong tournament, having decided against attending the opening game on June 11 following the death of his great-granddaughter.

Shakira, backed by South African Afro-fusion band Freshlyground, did one last rendition of the cup’s theme tune, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" after a lights show and fireworks.

Also performing Sunday was Grammy Award-winning cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

AP