After taking a month off to enjoy the FIFA World Cup I find myself ready to make the one and only post about the tournament. The final was far from enjoyable. The Dutch came out with a physical style of play that aimed to break-up the elegant passing game of Spain. De Jong committed one of the worst fouls I have ever seen in a final, escaping with a yellow. These tactics were not beautiful and will not be defended here. But in spite of the Dutch tactics, Spain failed to act honestly. They committed rough tackles, delayed play, and challenged the referee from the opening whistle. As an adamant German supporter, I feel Germany was the best team in the tournament and should have raised the Cup, but they did not.
So here are the three reasons I can never support Spain:
1: They beat Germany.
This was a close and hard fought game. Both teams put together attractive football, constantly trading barbs and generating some impressive chances and exciting counter-attacks. As entertaining as this game was I wish Uzbek referee Irmatov would have kept his cards in his pocket in the previous match so Mueller could have participated. Both teams had to play with the resources they had available, but the presence of Mueller only would have made this match better. At the end of the day Spain beat Germany and that makes me despise them.
2: Their Jerseys
After battling through 120 minutes of physical play, Spain emerged victorious as World Cup Champions. An honor usually accepted with a classy humility. Spain bombastically proclaimed their triumph in a truly classless act by donning new jerseys with a world champion star resting above the crest. No other Champion in the history of the game has done something so narcissistic and self-serving. Wearing a championship kit prior to raising the cup is putting the cart before the horse.
3: Iniesta
This is the biggest reason I despise Spain. In minute 86, he engages in a reckless tackle on Sneijder which clearly warranted a yellow card in this game. Now to be clear, I am in no way pardoning the Dutch's style of physical play during the match, but in remaining consistent with what was a yellow card in this game, he should have been booked. But he takes his play to an unacceptable level in minutes 109 and 111 when he embelishes the contact by Dutch players. Minute 109 earned Heitinga his second caution and Spain a man advantage. The contact was minimal and after Iniesta realizes he won't get the ball he goes down begging for justice. Robben did the same thing earlier and received a caution for looking for a foul. Then in minute 111 Iniesta falls to the ground, this time without any contact. Adding insult to injury Iniesta, the most dishonest Spanish player on the pitch gets the winning goal. I dismiss you and your "Italian Style" antics. Iniesata tainted what could have been a respectful victory from the Spaniards.
So the Cup is behind me and I will let the excitement build towards Brazil 2014.
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