World Cup 2010 - Barometer

World Cup 2010 - Barometer

Who's Hot

  • Goals

    Unlike the 2006 World Cup, the goal flow has increased throughout the tournament. The first week was, if we are honest, a bit tough going, but after that the Jubulani ball worked wonders.

  • Vuvuzelas

    The wretched things have been a constant soundtrack and in some ways the symbol of the tournament. They helped make the tournament memorable and provided a talking point.

  • Feuds

    It was a month of discontent within many squads. The feuds were unedifying, and heartbreaking, but at the same time utterly enthralling, dramatic and not a little entertaining.

  • TV experience

    Both the BBC and ITV were largely competent, though the latter's failure to screen Steven Gerrard's goal against the US in HD was a massive clanger and completely unforgiveable.

  • The finalists

    A final contested by two teams who have never won the tournament sound like it might lack a sense of occasion, but happily that was not the case. The atmosphere and furore made it unique.

Who's Not

  • Crowds

    The crowds were less noticeable than in previous tournaments. That is partly positive, because it means they weren't fighting each other, but empty seats at a World Cup are unacceptable.

  • Jubulani ball

    The worst thing about FIFA introducing a new ball for the World Cup is not that it affected the game. It is that the teams moaned constantly. It wasn't the best, but who really cares?

  • Star players

    Some people revelled in the failure of many big name stars, citing it as indisputable evidence that there is no 'I' in team. But it was to the tournament's detriment, no doubt about it.

  • Officiating

    FIFA's head of refereeing claims the referees have got 96 per cent of their decisions right, a statement whose logic is only slightly flawed. But two words: goalline technology.

  • England

    It was a pretty depressing tournament for England fans, all told. Germany gave Fabio Capello's side a comprehensive reminder of what a team looks like and humbled the 'golden generation'.

Comment 1 - 1 of 1

Sort comments by: Most recent | Most rated

  1. Awaiting!!

    From Gokula Krishnan, on Thu 24 May 16:23
Sort comments by: Most recent | Most rated

Not already a Yahoo! user ? to get a free Yahoo! Account

Global World Cup coverage