The 10 Biggest Letdowns of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

South Africa 2010 was a dazzling affair that boasted some amazing football. But, sadly, it wasn't all glitz and glamor. A number of traits failed to live up to their standards and potential and resulted in a big letdown.

The highs of the World Cup have been documented considerably, but now it's time to revisit some of of things and moments that annoyed and disgruntled us as we watched from a lounge chair.

Not that the World Cup was bad or boring—it was marred by a few glaring errors and issues, but nevertheless, the footballing world was somewhat satisfied.

So, without further adu, "The Ten Biggest Letdowns of The 2010 FIFA World Cup." Enjoy.

10. The Jabulani

Each World Cup, the likes of Adidas and Nike work tirelessly to create a new, official World Cup ball. South Africa welcomed the Jabulani, a rounder, slimmer ball that moves viciously in the air.

Did they ball really need to be changed so immensely? The Jabulani ensured keepers made unnecessary errors—Rob Green of England to name the least—and made free kicks and long shots hard and uneventful as well as passing wayward.

9. The French

A shaky, unimpressive qualification furthered by poor squad selection by coach Raymond Domenech created a potential French struggle in South Africa, but Domenech's team still boasted quality players capable of advancing deep into the tournament.

But poor displays mixed with poor communication via manager and players—plus constant arguing in the French camp—saw "Les Blues" finish at the bottom of group A and leave the tournament with barely a whimper.

8. African Nations

Bar Ghana, Africa's four other nations were dismal. Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Algeria managed a mere one win between them. If it wasn't for the "Black Stars," Africa would of been completely humiliated.

With the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Alexandre Song, Salomon Kalou, and a host of other quality players on show for their respective nations, the footballing world expected better from Africa.

7. The Italians

Italy came into the 2010 World Cup as defending world champions. Having won the Cup in 2006, Italians had high hopes that their national team could repeat the feat. Sadly, the aging Italian side was unable to perform, failing to advance from a group that they should have dominated with their eyes closed.

Located in Group F, the Italians faced Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia. Somehow, with draws against Paraguay and standout New Zealand, followed by a shocking loss to Slovakia, the Azzuri finished at the bottom of their group and as the laughing stock of the World Cup.

6. The English

With a strong coach in Fabio Capello at the helm, England was expected to be a serious title threat in South Africa. Sadly, this was not the case, as the squad only just managed to escape their seemingly easy group. The Three Lions faced Germany in the Round of 16.

Poor performing and lackluster refereeing saw England quickly eliminated and the English fans bemused, wondering how such a top team could perform so poorly.

5. Poor Formations and Selections

Some moments left citizens of the footballing world scratching their heads. Especially some coaching decisions. Australia's Pim Verbeek opted to play a 6-4-0 which resulted in a 4-0 thrashing by Germany.

England's Fabio Capello refused to use key players, just like Cameroon's Paul Le Guen. In the final, Netherlands' Bert Van Marwijk opted to play "kick Spain" rather than actual proper football. These options somewhat detracted from the Cup's atmosphere.

4. World Class Players

One of the most exciting prospects of a World Cup is the chance to see world class players come up against each other and strive for greatness for their national team.

The international stage has seen such dominant domestic players fail miserably, and that was the case again in South Africa. The footballing world was hoping to see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, and more perform at their best for their respective nations, but the stated above were all lackluster, resulting in fans contemplating if they were really that good.

3. Lack Of Technology

FIFA's choice of staying in the dark ages and refusing to utilize technology with video referees and such ensured the controversy and debate that resulted. Frank Lampard's ferocious shot against Germany in England's Round of 16 match was disallowed after the linesman and referee adjudged that the ball had clattered into the bar and then back into play.

This was despite the fact that the whole world was able to see the ball had bounced a meter over the goal line.

The lack of technology that would have surely seen the correct decision, and possibly would have saved England's Cup, has ensured that FIFA is considering implementing technology changes. But alas, the damage is sourly done.

2. The Vuvuzela

South Africa also welcomed the vuvuzela, a long horn that makes a sound like a herd of angry wasps. It seemed every fan in every stadium bought one at the World Cup. So, during every match televised, the only sound that could be heard along with the commentators was the sound of off-pitched angry wasps.

It was dreadful and boring and, by day three, all were sick and tired of the endless droning. No longer could you hear the players screaming, the fans chanting, the boos and aahs.

All pray the vuvuzela is banned from other sporting competitions.

1. Refereeing

It's a thing that can ruin every single sporting event. From little kids to the World Cup, poor refereeing can obliterate the excitement of a terrific Cup and turn it into a lifeless debate.

South Africa had some of the poorest refereeing many had ever witnessed. Ridiculous send-offs, consistent inconsistency, the failure to send off when necessary—the list is endless.

Thankfully, players kept their heads and were able to play around the abysmal refereeing.