2010 FIFA World Cup: Memories to Last a Lifetime

The "wounds" of Germany's defeat to Spain are still quite fresh. These wounds will heal by the time the next edition of the World Cup begins. This World Cup, though, provided some wonderful memories.

When Miroslav Klose scored Germany's second goal in their first match against Australia, plenty of clouds of doubt seemed to have moved apart.

Germany went on to beat Australia 4-0 and Klose's race towards Ronaldo's World Cup record of 15 goals had just begun. At the end, the striker fell just one short and finished with 14 goals.

Germany's wins over England and Argentina will long live in my memory. Both the victories came about due to lovely counter-attacks from the Germans. Diego Maradona's "favourite ball boy," Thomas Mueller, greatly played his part in these counter attacks and will surely play his part in Maradona's nightmares....

He planted his name in the World Cup history books by carrying off both the "Best Young Player" Award and the Golden Boot. Mueller, for me, was one of the best players to watch this tournament.

Diego Forlan's goals, along with his style of play, will be in my mind too. And Luis Suarez' reactions after being sent off and seeing Asamoah Gyan miss the penalty were simply too hilarious to forget.

South African Siphiwe Tshabalala will also live in my memory after his brilliant goal in the opener. The vuvuzela, which seemed to annoy most people, is rather a "lovely" and "unforgettable" drone that is going to live with me.

The Dutch abandonment of total football in favour of "winning football," and Mark Van Bommel's constant fouls, made me fall asleep and laugh aloud respectively. Bastian Schweinsteiger's runs, Mesut Oezil's goal against Ghana and Arne Friedrich's rise are a few more memories that will live in my mind.

What else?

Diego Maradona's hugs and kisses, the story of Robben Island, Jong Tae-Se, Oscar Cardozo, and Iker Casillas' tears, Brazil's 45 minute melt-down against the Dutch, Chile's bravery and Switzerland's only victory are some more memories. Slovakia and New Zealand's performances as well as Landon Dononvan's last minute goal against the Slovenians are some things I will definitely not forget.

Some outrageous goals were also scored in this tournament, especially by Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Diego Forlan, and David Villa.

But what might be the most unfortunate thing is that I will perhaps remember the final of this tournament, and many other matches, as examples of poor officiating, diving and "anti-football." Portugal provided us with some of the most boring matches in living memory.

Still, I would like to say "Thank You" to South Africa for hosting the tournament wonderfully. The first World Cup on the African continent was a success, and despite some boring matches, the positives by far outweighed the negatives.

So, finally, goodbye South Africa. Thanks for the wonderful memories!