A Football Report

You’ve already seen the video of all the red cards in the 2010 World Cup but now it’s time for something of another variety. Here are fifteen of the best assists from last month’s tournament. From Rafael van der Vaart to Robinho, check out the finest flicks, crosses and through-balls. My favourites are Felipe Melo’s, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s and Robinho’s. Which are your top assists from the World Cup?

By Eric Beard

In 2006, Marco Materazzi stood out to many as a villain for his unbecoming words that caused Zinedine Zidane to lose his cool, sparking the infamous headbutt. However, this time around, there are all sorts of villains. From the FIFA administration’s reluctance to provide referees with the tools to make correct decisions to absolutely atrocious calls made to handballs to cursed celebrities, South Africa has been the home to a whole lot of controversy. Here’s my list of 2010’s villains that were present in Africa.

Sepp Blatter and FIFA

Always happy to be the centre of attention, Blatter and his stubborn, old-school ideas have made neutrals and supporters of the likes of the United States, England, and Mexico outraged. Goal-line technology, in some form, is needed in football. At least when the stakes are this high. But Blatter, in his dictator-esque role, is no stranger to stubborn, illogical thought. Conservative in his ways, the winners of matches have been placed in jeopardy because of his reluctance to use some sort of video replay at the game’s biggest stage. Sepp, this is a disgrace to football. 

The Referees

From Jorge Larrionda (Germany-England) to Koman Coulibaly (United States-Slovenia) to Carlos Batres (Spain-Paraguay), blown calls have never been in such abundance in a World Cup. Sure, they’re only human and they’re not getting too much help from FIFA as there could be extra officials on the touchlines or even instant replay, but some of these mistakes have been unforgivable. It’s a hard job to be the man in the middle, but to many, these men are nothing but villains who don’t have to explain themselves.

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By Dominic Vieira, Writing from Portugal

It wasn’t easy selecting the best XI from the World Cup, especially because many players performed at such a high level. This squad plays under the 4-3-3 formation, the winning tactic used by the Spanish national team and its not a surprise that the team is dominated by them. 

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Posted by Eric Beard.  The interwebs are dangerous, but don’t worry, here’s the best of the beautiful game that I found this week.

Spain’s legendary announcer Camacho celebrating with uncontrollably passionate gestures [Dirty Tackle]

Emotion no substitute for clear thinking: Tim Vickery’s brilliant analysis on why Dunga and Maradona failed. [BBC]

Cristiano’s accidental son is American. Can we get him ready for 2022? [Who Ate All the Pies]

Are the Oranje favourites? Don’t act so surprised! [Yanks Are Coming]

Bandwagon World Cup fans are fine, until they start questioning the beautiful game’s legitimacy. [TwoFootedTackle]

Arne Friedrich scored his first goal for Germany in the World Cup, and now he’s on his way to Wolfsburg. [In the Stands]

Is AC Milan about to say hello to Il Deuce? [The Shin Guardian]

South Africa is showing us a new generation of legends [The Soccer Guys]

Dunga’s resignation letter [Fútbolita]

Does Roy Hodgson have his eyes set on Ashley Young? [Football Corner]