THIS GUY

Who does this bull think he is? Bull, you're not Ron Artest, get the hell out of there. Remind me to never go to a bullfight ever again. I went to one in Mexico, huge mistake. It's cool for all of 30 seconds, until they just start stabbing it, and there's blood everywhere. It's like a train wreck, really.

I mean, the ups that bull had though? Could've made the Miami Heat that much better. He just went stir-crazy waiting for his big break, I guess. It happens...

Spain Wins The Cup

For the first time in Spanish football history, Spain has won the FIFA World Cup in 2010, beating the Netherlands in a two-hour extra time battle, 1-0.

This was easily the best match of the Cup this year. Both teams played stout defense, quick and sharp offense, and had their fair shares of runs but also missed opportunities. 4 shots on goal each, 6 corners for the Dutch, 8 for La Roja. The refereeing seemed to be top notch today, and the game was kept under control. Netherlands received 8 yellows and a red card, with Spain receiving 5 yellows.

Dutch players Arjen Robben and Wesely Sneijder played incredible games, giving their all for their country. Robben nearly turned the match in the other direction when his one-on-one with Spanish keeper Iker Casillas was turned wide left in the second half. Their downfall was their loss of composure towards the end of extra time, which they had seemed to have plenty of the entire match. Tenacious defense against a strong attacking Spanish team for 118 minutes is nothing to be ashamed of. Excellently played.

Spain has numerous opportunities to score, including a couple headers by Sergio Ramos sent over the crossbar. It seemed that Andres Iniesta was afraid to use his left foot for a couple scoring chances, but in the end, got the ball on his right foot and blasted it off the right hand of Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and in the back corner of the net. David Villa had a few chances to score, but seemed to be extremely anxious, spoiling them in different directions. The Golden Boot runner-up did not factor in the final score, but is certainly happy with his team's finish.

For the Netherlands, this is their third Finals heartbreak, but should walk away with their heads held high. Two of the world's top five teams squared off in a match for the ages. Spain wins its first Cup in its country's history, 1-0. El Plaza de Colon is going to party like its 1999 tonight. Viva La Roja.

Until 2014 in Brazil... Go World.

GOL!

ANDRES INIESTA SCORES FOR LA ROJA IN THE 118TH MINUTE! 1-0 SPAIN

It All Comes Down To This

By Sunday evening, one football team will walk away with their country's first ever World Cup. The two teams with the most World Cup wins, but no championships will square off in surely the most anticipated battle in recent Cup history. It's La Roja versus the Flying Dutchmen, Spain against the Netherlands.

The number two country in the world against the number four, respectively. For Spain, they have proven their talent up and down the field, from GK Iker Casillas making some world-class saves in big spots, to goals being netted by striker David Villa all the way to defender Carles Puyol. Fernando Torres, thought to be one of Spain's strongest players, has been shaky of late, coming on in the 80th minute of the semi-final match, only to be snubbed of a pass by midfielder Pedro. I think Spain is a very aggressive team, and if played right, can wear down the Netherlands defense and score late as they did against Germany for the killing blow.

The Netherlands, still undefeated or untied in the Cup have proven they want to be world champions. They are as hungry as any team I've seen to hoist the Cup above their heads. In 2006, Italy and France took the game to penalty kicks, one of the most amazing Cup finishes to date. Even if this game does not go to PKs, it will be more exciting and more nerve-wracking than any match in the history of the sport. Captain Gio van Bronckhorst will lead the Orange into action after his goal of the tournament in the semifinal. Strikers Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt have had a stellar run so far, and aren't ready to go home with a silver medal.

Final score, 2-1 Spain. If it goes into penalty kicks, this could be one of my last posts, since I'm not sure I could handle the stress and magnitude of that.

Game time Sunday at 2:30pm, from Soccer City in Johannesburg on ABC.

Germany vs Spain

An unstoppable force meets an immovable object in Durban today. Germany takes on Spain for the last spot in the World Cup Final. David Villa will look to score in his fifth straight game. Germany will have to step up their offense with the suspension of Thomas Muller, and we will see if Gollum can find the Ring of Power.

It will be an absolute battle for 90 minutes, if not 120. I see this one going into penalty kicks, with Spain walking away victorious.

Quarters Are Set

The Round of 16 finished up yesterday with 2 wickedly exciting games. Paraguay-Japan gave us out first penalty shootout of the tournament, and two of the world's best, Spain and Portugal fought it out for 90 minutes, the world number one living up to their ranking. So we're all set for the quarterfinal match-ups starting Friday at 9:30am EST.

The first match is between the Netherlands and Brazil. Brazil seems to be heating up of late, really finding their stride, and really working together as a team. Netherlands is one of two undefeated or untied teams in the tournament, and they play with such poise, precision and determination, it will be tough to stop them. I think in the end, Brazil will become frustrated at seeing their runs killed over and over by the stalwart Dutch defense, and what will ultimately bring them down will be a strong counterattack from The Flying Dutchmen. I wouldn't be surprised if this game ended 3-2.

Netherlands advances.

Later in the day at 2pm EST, Uruguay will take on Africa's last hope, Ghana. As we saw in the Ghana-USA game, Ghana's speed is tough to beat, but they can be worn down. Uruguay is a tough defensive team as well, and they may not have to tweak their game plan much to be successful. Both attacks will be fun to watch, but when it's all said and done, i think Uruguay will walk away, 2-1.

Uruguay advances.

Saturday, the match-up of a lifetime hits the pitch, when Germany faces Argentina. Argentina is one of the strongest looking teams in the field, and are still my favorites to win it all. The attacking force of Klose, Ozil and Podolski is tough to stop, but with the chemistry La Albiceleste are working with, I think shutting them down will be more than reasonable. The magical Lionel Messi is still looking to break through and net his first goal of the Cup, and will look to send Argentina into the semis. Although both teams seem to score at will, I think we'll see a 1-0 game.

Argentina advances.

Finally, powerhouse Spain takes on Paraguay. Only one South American team has been eliminated so far, but this match will be quite a contest. Spain did the seemingly impossible when David Villa scored against Portugal to advance in a 1-0 win. Their world number one ranking could also be somewhat of an advantage for support. Paraguay is an excellent team. They struggled against Japan but were tough defensively and used every attacking chance to its fullest, This game will be exciting, but I think another 1-0 win is in sight for La Furia.

Spain advances.

Go World.

Round of 16

All the first round group stage games are complete. Now its time for the real World Cup action, the knockout stages. The field of 16 is set, and the match-ups range from two unlikely opponents, to old rivalries, to expected finals meetings.

I'll obviously be looking forward to the matches tomorrow, first to see who will be the USA's potential next competition, then to see if they can get past Ghana to play another round.

Picks: Uruguay to face USA. I don't think South Korea can keep up any longer, and Uruguay seemed to have no trouble in their group play. As for the USA, I know Ghana will have the support of an entire continent as their 12th man, but I think the US has too much momentum, and are too ready to move on.

On Sunday, perhaps the four biggest names in the greatest sporting event on earth will square off. England, the dark horse of the tournament, up against Germany, 2006's third place finisher, and Argentina, my personal favorite to win, against Mexico, who looked uncharacteristically shaky in group play.

Picks: Germany to face Argentina. Some big names have already fallen from the tournament, and England's performance in Group C doesn't give me any confidence in them. And many people have had their shots to take at Diego Maradona, but I think his knowledge of the game has rubbed off on La Albiceleste and will give them yet another reason for the upper hand against Mexico.

To start your Monday off right, the powerhouse Netherlands team, winning all three group stage games, will take on Slovakia, capitalizing on Italy's early exit from Group F. Then perennial favorite, Brazil will take on fellow South Americans, Chile.

Picks: Netherlands to face Brazil. The Netherlands have just rolled over their competition, and seem too strong to be stopped by the Slovaks. While Chile battled valiantly against La Furia, I don't think that Brazil will go down easy. They know what is at stake, and have not played fewer than 5 matches since 1990. They are experienced, and I have no doubt they want to establish themselves as the top South American team.

And the final day of the Round of 16 on Tuesday, features Paraguay and the surprise nation of Japan. The later match will be another pre-Cup potential Finals match-up. A hungry Portugal squad will face the favorites, star-studded Spain.

Picks: Paraguay to face Spain. South American is harvested respect from the entire world, and I don't think that Japan's style of play will hold up for 90 minutes against Paraguay. Brazil-Portugal will probably be the most exciting game of this round. The two teams are heavily favorited, but since flopping doesn't appear anywhere on the stat sheet, the Portuguese will be headed home at night's end.