It's been almost 3 weeks since Spain edged Holland. It was the classic good versus evil morality tale. The Oranje reveling in the role of villain -- to the tune of 8 yellow cards -- and Spain's Iniesta starring as the hero with his match-winning goal in overtime. However, unlike all those movies, plays, pantomimes and books, we could not know how it would end. Had Arjen Robben poked in one of the two opportunities that fell his way, we would be explaining why Spain failed and how the Netherlands won every match in qualifying and at the tournament proper.
However, I sense that the permanent footballing memories from this tournament will be of the Germans. For the second straight World Cup, we are discussing the exuberance and flamboyance of Germany instead of its traditional tactical prowess, strength and determination. The ways they brushed aside Australia, England and, particularly, Argentina were wonderful exhibitions of incisive, attacking soccer played at top speed. This type of praise will be enough, I hope, to ensure the continued beautification of its style. Even if, by Germany's lofty standards, failing to make the Final in two consecutive tournaments is almost unprecedented.
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