The World Cup RECAP

FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa is over, and what a relief it is. This was the saddest display of "talent" I have ever experienced in a World Cup, and I have a list of the biggest disappointments in the tournament. These are MY biggest disappointments, so if you disagree, then let me know about it.

1. So-Called "Stars" - Ronaldo? One goal. Messi? No goals. Torres? No goals. Some of the highest paid footballers in the world were EPIC FAILURES in this tournament. When Landon Donovan scores THREE goals, and Messi fails to score one, I wonder why Messi is being paid so much. (Of course, Messi is an incredible player with amazing talent, but can anyone explain why he was blanked in the biggest football tournament in the world?)

2. Vuvuzelas - Well, specifically, I'm talking about my disappointment at the people who found them irritating. I mean, can you people NOT adapt to a changing environment? Sure, they were loud. Bring ear plugs. Sure, they were all match long. People LOVED the vuvuzelas, and the detractors are just party-poopers. I will miss the sound of the vuvuzelas as the distinct sound of South Africa. Never will I forget the sound of thousands of people blowing into these horns. I think it was a fantastic atmosphere. The disappointment was in the people who had agendas that were trampled by this popular activity. It all comes to the detractors' FAILURE to adapt. I feel bad for people who did not have fun at the World Cup because of these noise makers. Was it that hard to tune them out and watch the matches? Really? Sad.

3. The Play: I have not seen a more lackluster play by teams that were supposed to be the best in the world. Brazil plays anything but "beautifully," and hence, Dunga, their coach, is FIRED. France gets owned, on and off the pitch, and every France 2010 player should be banned from future World Cups forever. Argentina has some good play, but nothing like the hype suggested, and Maradona's cult of personality is over. I wish the play was inspiring. It was anything but. I wish the play was exciting. There were flourishes here and there, but overall, it was a tepid tournament, and one I hope is never repeated.

4. France: This country's national side deserves its own place on the list. Horrible play, a horrible coach, selfish and petulant players who disgrace the game, and the most pathetic exit I have ever seen from a contending team. When Anelka was sent home for calling the France coach a "son of a whore," the players revolted and refused to practice for their final match. A practice that was attended by a few hundred loyal fans of the French team. After signing autographs for a little bit, the players walked off the pitch and sat in their bus in solidarity for their sacked friend, Anelka. It was the final straw. Most of the main squad was left out of the final match, and the team was forced to fly coach back to France to meet a throng of questions, such as "Why did you disgrace your country like that?" It was awful, and I hope children are taught that this was not the way to behave no matter what happens. The French team deserves our scorn.

5. The Adidas "Jabulani" ball: I was willing to give the ball a chance, but when NASA scientists prove that the ball acted erratically in the elevation of South Africa, the verdict is clear: Adidas FAILED. Retire that abomination of a football, and start back at the drawing board.

In closing, none of my teams made it to the Final. I *did* have a bracket pool going where I picked Spain all the way, but I didn't win the pool because the winner also picked Spain to win.

This was a World Cup where South Africa shined, African culture shined, people had a great time at the matches, but the football was woefully lacking.

Let's hope Brazil 2014 is a vast improvement. We know they can play a beautiful game, so maybe they will inspire beautiful play from the teams in four years. Let's all hope.