680News recaps 2010 FIFA matches before final game
Posted July 11, 2010 10:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – There were no headbutts in this FIFA World Cup, but from upsets to disappointments there was plenty to celebrate.
The tournament got off to a slow start and didn’t see a winner until day 2 when Argentina slipped past Nigeria 1-0.
The historic lack of goals in the first few days was a sign of things to come. With an average of just 2.3 goals per game, goalies were smiling and fans were on their edge of their seats.
Out of the 48 group stage matches, 31 games saw two goals or less.
Many blamed the Jabulani ball’s unpredictable flight path as the culprit.
Although the highest scoring team was Germany with 16 markers, the South Americans proved, once again, why they are arguably the most feared continent in international soccer. They represented half of the final teams.
While The World Cup has been widely seen as success for Africa, their teams disappointed on the pitch.
For the first time in World Cup history, the host nation failed to make it out of the group stage. The only African team to qualify was Ghana, making it to the round of 16.
But what will be the lasting memory for fans – the spectacular goals, the upsets or the officiating? Perhaps The World Cup South Africa 2010 will be remembered for giving the world vuvuzelas, the vociferous air horn that has been linked to permanent hearing loss.
