Barrie's View

In the 1994/95 Premier League, nee Premiership season, Blackburn Rovers under Kenny Dalglish, with Jack Walker’s money made record signings as they lifted the title in only its third season. Tim Flowers fee was a record for an English goalkeeper, Graeme Le Saux the same in defence. And up front was £5,000,000 English transfer record signing Chris Sutton, partnered by Alan Shearer.

A decade later, Chelsea won their first Premier League title. This came during Roman Abramovich’s second season as the Blues owner. An over-proportional transfer budget left Chelsea as many people’s favourites.  Over £100,000,000 was spent during his first year in charge, in which Claudio Ranieri was in charge. Failing to win the Premier League that season lead to his sacking and the arrival of Jose Mourinho. Another £90,000,000 later and the Special One delivered the goods during his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge. More than £50,000,000 spent the following season would ensure Chelsea defended their title before Mourinho departed.

In between Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea’s successes, Sir Alex Ferguson has spent a fare few million at Manchester United, creating the most successful side of the past two decades in English football. Across the city from Old Trafford lies the newly built City of Manchester Stadium, host of their rivals who are looking to become only the fifth Champions of the English Premier League since its establishment in 1992.

Since being taken over by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan two years ago, Manchester City have spent over £300,000,000 on players. From British record signing, Robinho, to fringe players like Craig Bellamy and Jo, to recent summer arrivals, Jerome Boateng, Yaya Toure and David Silva. Their plans to increase the line between the rich and the poor has succeeded. Their plans to win the Premier League are in development.

Where Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United and Chelsea have successfully spent and won the Premier League title, Manchester City do not want to join the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle who have spent high figures but not succeeded. The fine line between success and failure is finishing 1st and 2nd for Manchester City. Roberto Mancini may not be expected to win the league title this season, but you can expect him to be out of the door if he does not bring it in two.

Recent reports have linked Manchester City to James Milner and Mario Balotelli. It seems Manchester City are capable of bringing almost any player to the club (with the exceptions of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo so far). Even Fernando Torres has been linked. Completing the signing of the World Cup winner this summer would make Manchester City a serious contender this season.

Manchester City are currently 5/1 to win the Premier League; the same price as you can get on Roberto Mancini being the next Premier League manager to leave his post.

Joe Cole’s decision to join Liverpool this week came as a surprise to a few people. With three Champions League bound teams; Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham all fighting for his signature at one point, the former West Ham and Chelsea midfielder chose to see out the remainder of his prime as a Liverpool player.

With Manchester United not guaranteeing him first team football, Tottenham may have also been in the same situation and Arsenal most certainly would have been. Liverpool, needing to rebuild under Roy Hodgson was a good fit for the England international. With Yossi Benayoun going in the opposite direction and towards Stamford Bridge, Joe Cole is set to be Liverpool’s starting left winger next season, subject to injury. It has also opened up the door for both Ryan Babel and Albert Riera to leave.

Arsenal’s Depth in Midfield

After an injury-prone squad that Arsenal had last term, and the number of youngsters stepping up the ranks, it has left Arsenal with a large number of midfielders to select from this season. Should Cesc Fabregas stay for another season, it leaves fewer opportunities for the likes of Jack Wilshere to break into the first team. A problem many clubs would like to have, but a problem indeed for Arsene Wenger to negotiate.

The Regulars

To state the obvious, El Capitan, Cesc Fabregas will remain the heartbeat of the team next season. Everything goes through the World Cup winner, and often he’s the one finishing a move. Alongside, and protecting him as often been either Abou Diaby or Alex Song. Both have shone glimpses of stardom, but as with a lot of this current crop of Arsenal players, consistency has been an issue for them. If Barcelona hadn’t have been so persistent in trying to sign Fabregas, Arsenal fans could have continued their dream of either of these two becoming a legendary partnership in the side for a decade or so to come.

Arsenal have a number of options on the wings. Andrey Arshavin has success down the left wing, or as a left forward in a similar style to Thierry Henry without the pace. Cutting inside from the left on his right foot is his strongest point, while his weaknesses came when deployed in a lone striker role. Wenger must not make the same mistake again this season. On the right, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Eboue have all played their recently.

Samir Nasri isn’t a winger for me. He should play in the centre, playing the balls out to the wide men. He’s got skill and a clever touch, but lacks the physical element and pace to his game. If Fabregas stays, it could be a frustrating for Nasri being deployed out of position. Tomas Rosicky is another option in any midfield position, except holding. A skilful player, injuries have prevented him becoming a regular to date. Injuries to the Arsenal midfield have helped Theo Walcott break into the first team. That and his hat trick for England against Croatia. A player who hasn’t lived up to his transfer fee in the four years at the Emirates now, Arsene Wenger’s patience should be running out on the frustrating forward. He was out of form last season leading to Fabio Capello omitting him from the England World Cup squad. He hasn’t progressed since joining the club and another disappointing season would likely see a larger section of supporters on his back. Could his time be running out at Arsenal? Emmanuel Eboue is always an option on the right hand side of midfield…

Looking to Break Through

When Aaron Ramsey was breaking into the Arsenal first time last season, a broken leg out an end to that. The skilful Welshman looks to have a bright future ahead of him provided he fully recovers from a serious injury sustained at the hands of Ryan Shawcross.

A player who’s impressed for Arsenal in the cup competitions but only been giving two opportunities in the league, Jack Wilshere has a bright future ahead of him. If Arsene Wenger cannot guarantee him regular first team football this season, and I suspect he cannot; Jack needs to be sent out on loan again. First team football at Bolton done him a world of good last season. Still only 18, I think he’s good enough to be a first team player for a number of Premier League sides. There’s a few lower half sides that play the ball on the floor where he would fit in well, keeping him away from the Reebok Stadium where he gets a headache from watching the ball fly over his head.

Others who have barely had a look in but are on the books at Arsenal are Fran Merida, Henri Lansbury, Jay-Emmanuel Thomas, Nacer Barazite and Emmanuel Frimpong. Lansbury, Emmanuel-Thomas and Barazite have previously had successful loan spells in the Championship but may be nothing more than Carling Cup players again this season. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is a big lad who Wenger should be looking to mould into the next Patrick Vieira. While there’s little experience to help develop him in the first team at Arsenal, he is their best hope so far of adding a bit of steal to the Arsenal midfield that year-on-year gets overawed by Chelsea and Stoke. Merida made a handful of substitute appearances at the end of last season and needs to increase that number this year if he is to have a future at the club. Despite Frimpong leaving his team mates to challenge for headers, he is an energetic midfielder who can make a tackle.

Cole Made the Right Career Choice

Joe Cole had little chance of first team football week after week at Arsenal. Fabregas is the only one sure of that in the current Arsenal midfield. And with Marouane Chamakh being added to the squad up front, it could see one less place for midfielders in the team more consistently this season.

A lot of excuses have been made about England’s poor performance in the World Cup. The players commitment, the manager’s tactics, and a large contingent of football fans are blaming it on the high proportion of foreign players playing in the Premier League.

The Impact of Overseas Players

Back in the early and mid-90′s when the Premier League began, as the Premiership, a maximum of three non-British players were allowed per team. Famously there were only 13 foreigners who did start the opening day of the Premiership back in 1992.

England’s Performance at Euro 92

Back in 1992, the England team were worse off than they were today. Finishing bottom of their group which consisted of France, Denmark and Sweden, with Tomas Brolin putting the final nail into the national team’s coffin during that tournament. Brolin would later sign for Leeds in the Premiership and turn out to be one of the worst foreign imports this country has seen.

England Failed to Make USA 94

Still, that was better than World Cup 1994 when England failed to even reach the finals. Graham Taylor did not have the likes of Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Steven Gerrard to pick back then. Instead, the likes of Carlton Palmer, Andy Sinton and Stuart Ripley were called upon. The quality of English players has improved as the number of foreign players has risen. As has the enjoyment and viewing figures of the English Premier League itself.

Figures Getting Out of Hand

That said, with more than half of the Premier League now made up of foreign imports it is becoming of a joke. The Arsenal squad barely has an English name to them, and the likes of Winston Bogarde, Jared Borgetti and Mineiro all made their Premier League debuts the wrong side of 30 and went on to make a limited number of appearances. Were there really no better domestic players to pick from? And are really short of British talent that we feel the need to bring in the likes of Hilario, Mustapha Riga and Philipp Degen to keep our benches warm?

The One-Time Luxury

When the likes of Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, Georgi Kinkladze, Juninho, Igor Stimac, Aljosa Asanovic, Dennis Bergkamp, David Ginola, Gianfranco Zola and co came over to embrace the Premiership, it was seen as a luxury as they entertained us with tricks we weren’t use to seeing from the likes of Neil Ruddock, Graham Hyde and Tony Cottee. The luxury has since long warn off and it feels like it has become a necessity to sign players from overseas.

The Premier League has been a better league for the influx of foreign players. It’s a privilege to see the likes of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas, Michael Ballack, Steven Pienaar and co plying their trade in England.

Manchester City have already started the influx or extra players from overseas into the Premier League this summer, with Jerome Boateng, David Silva and Toure Yaya already signed.

So, willkommen, bienvenido and bienvenue to our newcomers to the English Premier League. And while we’re on that note, benvenuto, bem-vindo, velkomen, yokoso, g’day…

Much has been made of Emile Heskey’s call ups to the England national team over the years. Criticised by many England fans, the current Aston Villa striker has called it quits on national football after a dreadful World Cup campaign. His last game for England, coming on as a substitute when 4-1 down to Germany.

Since leaving Liverpool 6 years ago following a big money move from Liverpool, his career has been full of wasted chances and less work ethic. A player who use to cause defences problems with his size and strength, Heskey has been falling over shadows for a long while now.

Hot property after four full seasons at Leicester City in the Premier League, Emiles Heskey made an £11,000,000 move to Liverpool in March 2000. He scored more goals in his first full season at Liverpool than at any other point in his career. This included his only professional hat trick in a 4-0 drubbing of Derby County at Pride Park.

A month before that he played in England’s 5-1 thrashing of Germany in Munich in which Heskey himself scored England’s final goal. A game in which all 5 goals were scored by Liverpool players. A two-time winner of the League Cup with both Leicester City and Liverpool, Emile Heskey’s trophy cabinet includes FA Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup winners medals. His goal against Denmark in the 2002 World Cup also means he has more World Cup goals than Wayne Rooney. Heskey use to scare defences… nearly a decade ago.

As a striker, he had the privilege of partnering Wayne Rooney in the 2010 World Cup having scored just 3 league goals domestically all season. He was ahead of Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent to name just two in the pecking order. A player who has played for England under 6 managers, there was something he was doing right that most of us could not see. Making his England debut in 1999, his England career has spanned over 3 decades; an achievement even David Beckham hasn’t matched. He wasn’t all that bad was he?

In 62 international appearances for England, Emile Heskey has scored just 7 goals. While some of those appearances include playing on the left wing, predominantly as a striker, his record is woeful. He had just 27 shots on target whilst wearing an England shirt. He has even scored less goals internationally than both Jose Luis Chilavert and Rene Higuita. They were goalkeepers.

Currently contracted at Aston Villa, Emile Heskey has been rumoured with moves away from the club this summer. At 32 years of age, his Premier League days are numbered.

Germany football legend Jurgen Klinsmann. A World Cup winner, European Championship winner, domestic league and cup winner. Even a fan favourite down at White Hart Lane, in between his days at Inter Milan and Bayern Munich. He is one of the most famous German faces from the 90′s. Following his successful playing days, Klinsmann then took up the role as the head coach of the German national football team. He lead them to the semi finals of the 2006 World Cup, eliminated by future Champions, Italy, in extra time.

Roberto Baggio. The ponytail of Italian football throughout the 90′s. Domestic league and cup winner, UEFA Cup winner as well as European and World Footballer of the Year in 1993 amongst other individual honours. Fondly remembered at Fiorentina, Juventus and Bologna, Roberto Baggio, like Jurgen Klinsmann is one of the greats. Since retiring in 2004, in his late 30′s, Baggio has lived a relatively quiet life, although has been linked to a role with the Italy under 21 setup recently.

And then there’s England’s star of the 90′s; Paul Gascoigne. An FA Cup winner in 1991 with Tottenham Hotspur is the most-respected medal in his trophy cabinet. A star of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996, Paul Gascoigne had a big money move to Lazio at one point and a successful time at Glasgow Rangers. Following the glamour days, his career finally dwindled out at lowly Boston United before a short and unsuccessful management spell at Kettering Town. Since losing that job, he has suffered with alcoholism, health and mental problems.

So, while former German and Italian football icons are making success in football management or keeping a low profile, England’s footballing hero of yesteryear is, as recent as last weekend, reported to be drunk and putting himself in the way of a murderer on the run. It’s a sorry state of affairs, much like the England national football team in recent weeks.

Signing for Terry Venables’ Tottenham Hotspurs in 1988 was the worst move of Paul Gascoigne’s career. The lack of discipline by his manager towards the world class player only enhanced the rich, glamour life Gazza was living. In London of all places. The party’s and drinking sessions that have been around the blocks about Paul Gascoigne are stunning. Football was such a fun life and career for such a talented player. But it ruined him. Venables’ ill-discipline lead Gascoigne to the uncontrollable person he is today. A man who’s end may not be too far around the corner.

Whether any other manager, Sir Alex Ferguson included would have changed his ways remains unknown. But for such a great player and cultural icon that Paul Gascoigne once was, it’s a shame to see him in the state and condition he is in today, just 8 years after last playing in the Premier League and 6 years after hanging up his boots.

In a World Cup that European nations prevailed in, Spain concluded the tournament by winning the trophy. The favourites from the beginning, Spain’s possession football prevailed as they gave their opponents few opportunities throughout the tournament. And they got better as the tournament went on. Just like in Euro 2008, Spain go another tournament without conceding a goal during the knock out stages.

The first time European nations have won back-to-back World Cup’s since Italy done it themselves between 1934 and 1938. For the fifteenth time in nineteen World Cups, a European nation has finished third. An exciting glorified friendly saw Germany come from behind to beat Uruguay 3-2 on Saturday night. Thomas Muller wrapped up his young player of the tournament award with his fifth goal of the tournament. Miroslav Klose’s back ache prevented him from tying Ronaldo’s all time record 15 goals in the World Cup.

Earlier in the tournament we had the disappointments from France, Italy and England, but Europe pulled through, finishing with the top three nations in back-to-back World Cup’s after Italy, France and Germany lead the way 4 years ago.

This World Cup had very little to offer in terms of classic matches, but rather the colours and noise of the vuvuzela will have to be remembered from this World Cup. For me, I will remember it as the most profitable tournament in my life in terms of gambling. To date anyway. Prior to the Netherlands’ victory over Brazil in the quarter final, bet after bet was coming off. Generally, it turned out to be a very predictable tournament, for me anyway.

France’s limp performance saw the runners up from 4 years ago finish bottom of Group A. A group that also saw the hosts failing to progress from the initial group stage for the first time in the history of the World Cup. All as predicted in our Group A preview.

The most unpredictable team of the tournament and the one that cost me the most money was New Zealand. They picked up 3 more points than I expected too, costing me a 0 points bet as early as their first game. Holding their own against Italy and Paraguay stumped me too, but nothing too serious.

The biggest winners for me in this World Cup were Germany. From their opening game against Australia, Germany were overvalued for all of their games, except their second game against Serbia when the odds plummeted. Victories over Australia, Ghana, England and Argentina were all at fantastic prices, as well as them winning Group D, as they did.

My money was on Spain and Brazil from the get go and while Spain started slowly and the Brazilians shot themselves in the foot against Netherlands, it turned out to be a good call in the end. Going against the many punters I met backing Argentina, Netherlands and even England.

A brief summary of the nations in the order they finished is as follows:

Spain: The first European nation to win the World Cup outside of Europe, Spain were the deserved winners, especially in the final. They came into this tournament as favourites and didn’t disappoint. Also the first nation to win the World Cup after losing their opening game.

Netherlands: A great effort in reaching the final, especially as their solo striker Robin van Persie only scored 1 goal in 7 games. Three finals and three times runners up now.
Germany: Expectation has been set for the future after a successful World Cup from a predominantly young team. Handing record World Cup defeats to Australia and England, they were one of the masters of the 4-2-3-1 formation and excellent on the counter attack.
Uruguay: The country half the population of London gave a good go at winning their third World Cup, reaching the semi finals before going down to an in-form Netherlands team. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have been two of the highlights, but a hard working midfield and solid defence was key to their run.
Argentina: Were never serious contenders for the World Cup in my eyes. They had all the flair and fire power, as was proven against the likes of South Korea and Mexico. But the first time they faced a tactically solid and disciplined unit in this World Cup, Germany rolled them over.
Brazil: Dunga’s safeguard approach backfired as Brazil failed to provide any ammunition up front when they needed it against the Netherlands in the quarter finals. A second successive World Cup elimination in the last eight, this Brazil side looked headed for glory before a defensive meltdown in what turned out to be their final game.
Ghana: With the whole continents support behind them as they were the only African nation to qualify from the group, Ghana were involved in a lot of the tournaments highlights and ultimately heartbreaks. Asamoah Gyan’s missed extra time stoppage time penalty will live long in the archives, but Ghana return home as national heroes.
Paraguay: Providing one of the best defensive performances from South America, Paraguay kept 3 clean sheets in their 5 games, but an Oscar Cardozo missed spot kick against Spain in the quarter final lead to their exit.
Japan: A technically gifted unit that benefited from hosting the competition in 2002, Japan surprised some people in the World Cup by making it out of the group stage. An unlucky goal conceded against the Netherlands was their only defeat, with comfortable victories over Cameroon and Denmark. The first of two unfortunate nations to be eliminated on penalties.
Chile: An exciting side to watch, Chile’s attacking nature caught up with them when they were comfortably beaten by Brazil in the second round. They don’t like losing either and that’s when their tempers started to flare.
USA: Proud Group C winners, even if half of their own country didn’t know what was going on. Fortunate for an equaliser against England, fortunate stoppage time winner over Algeria. Luck caught up with the USA in the knock out stages as Ghana eliminated them in the second round.

Portugal: A very defensive-minded system that saw Portugal progress from their group with 3 clean sheets. Despite scoring 7 goals against North Korea, they failed to score in their other 3 matches. Their goalkeeper was solid, but they under utilised their outfield talent that included Cristiano Ronaldo.
England: The nations worst performance since 1958 at a World Cup. The team looked pathetic and uninterested in playing in the biggest tournament of most of their careers. Not many nations can say they played without pride in 2010, but England can. Wayne Rooney is still without a World Cup goal to his name, and Emile Heskey remains one behind goalkeepers Jose Luis Chilavert and Rene Higuita in terms of goals at international level. There’s problems that need to be addressed throughout the ranks before England can live up to their tag as serious contenders for any future tournaments.
Mexico: Regular qualifiers, but it always ends their. Happy with their victory over France that all-but-saw them through to the knockout stage, Mexico never looked like standing up to Argentina when they went out in the second round.
South Korea: Beneficial of hosting the tournament 8 years ago, South Korea are a strong footballing nation. Good at set pieces and technically sound, South Korea struggled against the South Americans but are a country looking to break in amongst the top nations in future years.
Slovakia: Another over achiever in this World Cup, after drawing their opening game with New Zealand, Slovakia saved their best until their last group game when a huge 3-2 victory over Italy saw them finish as group runners up. They were lifeless against the Netherlands, but Robert Vittek’s penalty with the last kick of that game meant he came away with more goals than both England and France from this World Cup.
Ivory Coast: High expectations, but failing to beat Portugal in their opening game cost Sven-Goran Eriksson and his Ivory Coast from progressing out of the group stage. Two clean sheets from three games makes their defence look stronger than their attack which includes Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou.
Slovenia: Eliminated by Landon Donovan’s stoppage time winner against Algeria, Slovenia were made to pay for throwing away a 2-0 lead against USA and then being the only nation to lose to England in this World Cup. A good effort in qualifying, but they fell short once they reached South Africa.
Switzerland: Beating Spain in your opening game and breaking Dino Zoff and Italy’s record for most minutes without conceding at the World Cup. Switzerland started well but failed to even make it out the group stage after they self-destructed against Chile and then failed to beat lowly Honduras.
South Africa: After a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in their second game, but a spirited victory over France in their final group game gave them something to go home with. The biggest result in their history, South Africa have been fine hosts even if most of Europe can’t stand vuvuzelas.
Australia: I wasn’t expecting much of Australia with a weak unit in a tough group. After a hammering to Germany in their opening game they bounced back with a solid point against Ghana before beating Serbia to no avail as they went out at the group stage.
New Zealand: The only unbeaten nation at this year’s World Cup. They surprised many people, especially me.
Serbia: After qualifying well, Serbia were confident of causing a few surprises this year. However, it panned out just the same as 4 years ago when they didn’t show up this time. A surprise victory over Germany came in between defeats to Ghana and Australia as Serbia disappointed once again.
Denmark: Failing to make it out of the group stage for the first time, Denmark’s national team needs a few star players if they’re to come back strong in 4 years time. Defensively suicidal at times during the tournament, this was their worst showing at a World Cup.
Greece: Frustrating to watch, Greece seemingly wanted to play for a 0-0 in every game, even when they fell behind. Fortunately, Dimitrios Salpingidis broke the trend as he scored Greece’s first ever World Cup goal against 10 man Nigeria. Otto Rehhagel resigned after his unexplainable tactics of holding for what they had when trailing to Argentina.
Italy: Despite entering the tournament out-of-form and with a lack of goals, Italy were my biggest disappointment in the World Cup. Predicting them to be eliminated in round two, Italy managed to finish bottom of a group that included Slovakia and New Zealand. It’s time for fresh, young players to break through in the coming years.
Nigeria: Disappointing from the start, many people thought Nigeria would be Africa’s strongest nation at this World Cup. Nigeria proved them wrong with poor discipline and wasteful in front of goal. Things were so bad, president Goodluck Jonathan wants them suspended for 2 years.
Algeria: Fortunate to come up against a woeful England, Algeria offered limited in the way of excitement in this World Cup as they went 3 games without scoring a goal. Their other two results were 1-0 losses which makes them the dullest team in the tournament in my mind, despite receiving 2 red cards.
France: A woeful time for the French, saw arguments in the camp during the tournament. Far from the team they were in 2006, lead by Zinedine Zidane, this French nation will undergo a rebuilding under Laurent Blanc. He may be the right man for the job.
Honduras: The second nation to go through the World Cup without a goal, Honduras were one of the weakest nations as expected. A wasteful Chile made their goal difference more respectable, while their unlikely point came against a disappointing Switzerland.
Cameroon: One of two nations finishing with 0 points this year, Cameroon were slow to start, looking unprepared and disorganised. Despite having the fire power of Samuel Eto’o up front, this nation has fallen along way since the days of Roger Milla and the quarter finals in Italia 90.
North Korea: Little was expected in a group that saw them beat by Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast, North Korea ended up where many people expected them to, as the worst nation in the 2010 World Cup.

Andres Iniesta’s strike in the 116th minute broke the deadlock in a scrappy World Cup final this evening that saw 13 players booked and Johnny Heitinga sent off.

There were few opportunities in a cagey first half. Sergio Ramos had a header saved by Maarten Stekelenburg in an ill-tempered first half. Mark van Bommel fortunately only to receive one yellow card for several cynical first half fouls. Nigel de Jong surprisingly only received the same colour for a karate kid on Xabi Alonso.

Clearer cut chances came in the second half, albeit few and far between. Arjen Robben was denied one-on-one by the outstretched leg of Iker Casillas in the Spanish goal. David Villa was later denied a few yards out by Johnny Heitinga. David Villa’s failure to score in this game left him joint top scorer with Thomas Muller, Diego Forlan and Wesley Sneijder this year, leaving two of my bets settled by dead heat rules and therefore making my profits minimal.

Carles Puyol gave Arjen Robben the chance to go down outside the area as the Bayern Munich winger raced towards goal. For once, he stayed on his feet and Iker Casillas took the ball away from his feet. Sergio Ramos missed a free header from a corner with quarter of an hour remaining.

It wasn’t the easiest game to referee and Howard Webb done his best not to spoil the World Cup final with an early sending off. He had no choice when Johnny Heitinga tugged back Andres Iniesta when about to go through on goal in extra time. The fifth player to be sent off in a World Cup final. And unlike Marcel Desailly, he wasn’t going to end up a winner.

Cesc Fabregas had earlier missed a one-on-one, but he took in Fernando Torres’ poorly cut out cross and set up Andres Iniesta who smashed home the winner with 4 minutes remaining. The stadium erupted as Iniesta was buried beneath his team mates in celebration. The Netherlands never came close after.. There was bad news for Fernando Torres as he appeared to tear his hamstring in the final minute.

Far from a classic final, the one positive to come out of this match was how tight and tense it was. Football prevailed from this one, as Spain one of the most exciting teams in the tournament came out on top of the cynical Netherlands nation that tried preventing Spain from playing with foul after foul.

Credit to both coaches, especially Vicente del Bosque who guided his nation to success, as he did with Real Madrid before being harshly sacked. He never panicked after their opening round defeat and his Spanish side wore down opponents, winning every knock out game 1-0.

Spain become the eighth different nation to win the World Cup and only the third nation to hold both the World Cup and European Championship trophies at the same time, following West Germany and France.

With the Premier League stars disappointing at this year’s World Cup, not a single one of them made it onto FIFA’s shortlist for the 2010 Player of the Tournament award, also known as the Golden Ball. The contenders are as follows:

1. Wesley Sneijder

The bookmakers narrow favourite, Wesley Sneijder has been the driving force in the Netherlands midfield that has helped them reach the final. With the freedom to roam in the midfield, he has caused endless problems to defences in his 6 games, currently joint-top scorer with 5 goals. His tournament will be remembered for a brace against Brazil in the quarter final unless he can score the winner in Sunday’s final. However, his season will be remembered for winning the treble with Inter Milan. No signs of fatigue in Sneijder’s game carried into the World Cup.

2. David Villa

Closely behind Sneijder in the bookmakers race for the Golden Ball, is joint-top goalscorer David Villa. Entering the tournament as the favourite for the Golden Shoe, Villa hasn’t disappointed to date with 5 goals. A spectacular opener against Chile got his and Spain’s tournament started. Despite a cautious approach from the European Champions, they’ve reached the final without conceding a goal in the knock out stages, as they did in Euro 2008. Villa has scored the opening goals against Honduras, Chile, Portugal and Paraguay to date. He is 4/1 to score the opener in the final.

3. Xavi

His odds have been cut substantially this week as Xavi is third favourite for this award. Alongside club and country team mate, Andres Iniesta, Xavi has created several chances in this tournament. He complements the Spanish midfield and has completed the most passes in the tournament. Simply one of the best passers of the ball in football. The player of the tournament at Euro 2008, Xavi hasn’t scored a goal in South Africa but is rightfully a contender for the award and I expect him to make the top 3 if Spain win their first World Cup on Sunday.

4. Andres Iniesta

Alongside club team mate, Xavi, as mentioned above, Andrea Iniesta has also controlled and complemented the Spanish midfield in this tournament, as the pair did in Euro 2008 and have for many years for both Barcelona and Spain. They are the reason for Cesc Fabregas only being good enough for Vicente Del Bosque’s bench. It’s hard to make a case for him winning the Golden Ball though, rightfully behind fellow countrymen David Villa and Xavi.

5. Arjen Robben

Despite missing the first two game with a hamstring injury, Arjen Robben has caused every full back he has come up against problems. His first goal in this tournament was a trademark Robben goal; cutting in from the right wing against Slovakia before sweeping home from outside the area. He ran Brazil ragged in the quarter final, enticing Felipe Melo into a red card. He then headed in the winner against Uruguay to book the Netherlands into their third World Cup final. His play acting has been the low point of the tournament, with more rolls and screams than even Cristiano Ronaldo. But in terms of quality, Robben is up there and has the potential to be the difference maker in any match.

6. Thomas Muller

The Bayern Munich and Germany right winger has all but wrapped up the young player of the tournament award, as I nominated pre-tournament in my Group D preview. Was missed in their semi final defeat to Spain, Muller came into the spotlight by scoring twice against England in the second round. He also scored a fine goal in their opening game victory over Australia and then started the scoring in their 4-0 victory over Argentina in the quarter final. Still in contention for the Golden Shoe, he’s not going to win the Golden Ball without playing in the final. Young player of the tournament is a great achievement for him.

7. Bastian Schweinsteiger

My choice for German player of the tournament, Bastian Schweinsteiger has done an excellent job in protecting his backline, starting up counter attacks, and as he done against England in particular, causing opposition defences real problems. With great ability on the ball, he can see and play a pass. He would be amongst the favourites for this award if Germany reached the final. However it’s not going to happen for the Young Player of the Tournament in 2006. Rightly amongst the nominations in 2010, Schweinsteiger’s performance in South Africa has been greatly appreciated amongst German fans and neutrals. A class act in his second consecutive World Cup.

8. Diego Forlan

Alongside Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan helped Uruguay to their first World Cup semi finals since 1970 in Mexico. A player who’s certainly not had problems adapting to the new ball, scoring 3 out of 4 of his goals from outside the penalty area. An outsider for the Golden Shoe, he is more than a long shot for the Golden Ball. He, alongside the rest of his team will come back home as heroes. A great set piece taker and striking the ball, Forlan has caused defences problems throughout the tournament. A heart breaker to the hosts when he put two past South Africa in their 3-0 win. Forlan also scored the equaliser in normal time against Ghana in the quarter final and the opening penalty of the shoot out as they eliminated the last African nation last Friday.

9. Lionel Messi

One of two nominees who didn’t reach the last four, Lionel Messi had a solid tournament without living up to pre-tournament expectations. Amongst the favourites for the Golden Shoe, Messi failed to score a single goal in the tournament. When he wasn’t being closely man marked or brought down, Messi showed glimpses of what he’s shown us at Barcelona over the years. Failed to make an impact versus Germany in Argentina’s final game at this year’s World Cup, his nomination falls somewhere short of the eight previous mentioned candidates.

10. Asamoah Gyan

The scorer of Ghana’s first goal at this year’s World Cup, Asamoah Gyan’s penalty against Serbia got Ghana going. The heart beat of their attack, Gyan has worked tirelessly up front. Scoring 3 goals in this tournament, he will remember his 121st minute penalty miss against Uruguay for the rest of his life. That cost Ghana becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi final, but it did not stop him and his team mates flying home as heroes. He’s got character and is hard working, along with Kevin Prince Boateng, they have caught the eye of some big clubs during this tournament.

A strong contender for player of the tournament so far, Wesley Sneijder has been the driving force in the Netherlands midfield that has helped them rich their third World Cup final.

On Sunday, Wesley Sneijder and his 22 team mates hope to become the first Dutch side to lift the World Cup. In doing so, Wesley Sneijder would become only the second player to lift the World Cup and Champions League trophy in the same year, following in the footsteps of Christian Karembeu and Roberto Carlos.

Should the Inter Milan playmaker do so, he will become the first player the win the treble and World Cup in the same year after he won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Champions League under Jose Mourinho in 2010. At age 26, there would be little else left for the former Real Madrid player to achieve.

The Netherlands’ number 10 is currently joint top scorer in the World Cup, along with Spain’s David Villa who his side face in Sunday’s final. The World Cup and Golden Shoe could be settled in the same match if either get on the scoresheet. Other contenders for the Golden Shoe are Germany’s Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller and Uruguay’s Diego Forlan, each with 4 goals competing in Saturday’s third place playoff.

Wesley Sneijder started his scoring run in his second game when his blistering shot from outside the area against Japan was misjudged by goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima and slapped into his own net. Fortune there, but there was nothing fortunate about his second, tapping into an unguarded net in their second round victory over Slovakia. His brace again Brazil caused one of the shocks of the tournaments in the quarter finals. His first was again fortunate as his cross scraped off the side of Felipe Melo’s head and into the net. He later headed home a second as he continued his quest as the unlikely Golden Shoe winner.

Alongside Arjen Robben in the Netherlands midfield, these two will be considered the biggest threat to the Spanish defence on Sunday with Robin van Persie looking unfit and still without a goal in these finals. Their distraction will take some of the pressure and eyes off Dirk Kuyt, the nations joint-top goalscorer in qualifying.

If the Netherlands can pull off a surprise and win the World Cup on Sunday, Wesley Sneijder will achieve what tennis fans may call a Grand Slam, and a success that may never be matched.

As the two previous World Cup winning nations who made it to the semi finals made it no further this week, Sunday’s 2010 World Cup final will be settled between the Netherlands and Spain, neither having previously lifted the precious trophy.

The Netherlands booked their place in the final on Tuesday evening with an exciting 3-2 victory over Uruguay. Giovanni van Bronckhorst opened the scoring with a goal of the candidate strike, 40 yards out. That was matched with a spectacular long range equaliser from Diego Forlan before half time on his “weaker” left foot.

The Dutch looked in control of their semi final and re-took the lead through Wesley Sneijder before Arjen Robben’s header appeared to put the match beyond doubt. Maxi Pereira scored a stoppage time consolation as Uruguay were able to get the ball into the Netherlands penalty area afterwards but failed to equalise.

Bert van Marwijk has guided the Netherlands to their first World Cup final since they lost to Argentina in Argentina in 1978. 4 years earlier they lost to the hosts in West Germany. Sunday will be their third World Cup final, and for once they won’t be facing the hosts. The coach has done a great job in moulding the team together without the usual trouble between players that has occurred over recent years at major tournaments.

This evening, Spain lived up to their expectations as tournament favourites by defeating Germany 1-0 in a chess match. Both sides found it difficult to break down, with Spain limited to close range efforts and Germany rarely troubling Iker Casillas’ goal.

Once again it was a Barcelona player on the scoresheet as Carles Puyol headed home the only goal of the game from a corner with little more than a quarter of an hour remaining. There were doubts whether Joachim Low’s side would be able to fight back from a goal behind. In fairness, there wasn’t a great deal of time left for them today, but they did look short of ideas and were fortunate not to concede a second on the counter.

Unfortunately for me, my money was with Germany to qualify from this one. Not jumping on the bandwagon, I have followed prior to and during this tournament with great detail. They remain the most profitable nation for me in this tournament, despite tonight’s loss.

Spain meet the Netherlands for the first time in a major tournament as one of them will become the eight winner of the World Cup. On Saturday, Germany face Uruguay in the third place playoff match. Germany finished third four years ago.