Well Paul has once again proved  his prediction mussel. He correctly predicted Spain as winners of the World Cup. Maybe the tide has turned for Lawro – his job is now surely under threat.

Maybe we’ll see Paul predicting Premier League games next season, but after one observation, if he does – I’d want to see our badge on the right box every time!

Spain become the first team to lose their 1st match and win the competition, and the Dutch lose their 3rd final out of 3.

The final was largely forgettable to be honest, IMO. There was a lot of “robust” challenges, some of which were pretty nasty. I don’t agree with removing the physical aspect of the game, and I enjoyed the football of the ’70s when footballers knew how to challenge, but I thought the Dutch were poor and it was very unlike them to play the way they did.

The  Spanish completed the classic “slow starters” way of winning the trophy, but I don’t think they can be denied. They are ranked the best team in the world and they are the holders of the European Championship – so well done and Viva Espania! (I bet I got that wrong!)

As far as the competition, it won’t be one I’ll remember for long. It has nothing to do with the fact that England played so badly, I just don’t think the tournament ever ignited. It threatened to with Argentina and Germany – but never did.

The ball was blamed by certain teams and you have to say there may well be something in it as the quality of many of the matches was not high, which is a shame considering the  prestige and coverage it gets.

There were some highlights though. Japan, New Zealand and the Aussies all did themselves proud with some wonderful performances and that 1st goal scored by South Africa on that Friday way back in the middle of June. Also Ghana can consider themselves unfortunate not to have been in the semi-final after the blatant hand ball.

What about South Africa. Well there were concerns regarding safety and infrastructure before the competition started, but you have to say they did a really good job. The quality of the matches doesn’t reflect on the hosts organisation of the World Cup. I don’t remember hearing about any trouble or any issues about transport. I suppose the only minor criticism is down to many empty seats, but that is more of a FIFA issue than South Africa.

So it’s the European Championships next in two years time!

If anyone who reads this blog actually went to South Africa, and would like to write  an article for Joys and Sorrows regarding their experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us via the contact page.

Kev