Most Memorable Moments From The 2010 World Cup

The magic in South Africa has come to a dramatic end. Four long years must pass before the World Cup begins again in Brazil. As we say goodbye to the 2010 World Cup, here are the ten most memorable moments from South Africa.

10.) Spain win first World Cup in their history

The Spanish side were considered a favorite to win the entire tournament and after a shocking loss to Switzerland in their opening game, Spain became the first team to win a World Cup after losing the first game. They also became the first European team to win outside of Europe.

9.) Paul the Oracle Octopus

The German Octopus gained notoriety toward the end of the tournament. The octopus was given two boxes with food in it. One box had the flag of Germany and the other box had the flag of its opponent. Whatever box of food Paul picked, that team was his prediction to win. During the 2010 World Cup, Paul correctly predicted eight matches, including the Final. His Finals prediction was watched by millions. He has officially retired from being an oracle.

8.) The Jabulani Ball

The Jabulani was criticized all throughout the World Cup. It caused goalkeepers headaches and many players just could not get comfortable with the ball, leading to strange trajectories and missed shots. The only player to truly master the ball, Diego Forlán, won the Golden Ball and was tied for the lead in goals (5).

7.) Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal for host South Africa in opening game

Not much was expected of Bafana Bafana and it was assumed they would struggle in group play. However, they opened the tournament with a bang when Siphiwe Tshabalala hammered in the first goal and followed with a premeditated celebration dance. That goal inspired Bafana Bafana for the rest of the tournament and although they did not advance, they did their nation proud and finished third in Group A.
Tshabalala Goal

6.) The fall of France and Italy

2006 World Cup Finalists France and Italy both failed to advanced out of group play. Former World Champions Italy struggled and was deemed too old. The French side had a myriad of problems. Nicolas Anelka was sent home after arguing with coach Raymond Domenech. Captain Patrice Evra had issues with a trainer. Managing director Jean-Louis Valentin resigned. The French bowed out of the World Cup with a 2-1 loss to South Africa.

5.) England’s failure

The 2010 World Cup was supposed to be England’s time. They cruised in qualifying and had what was thought to be an easy draw in Group C. However, goalkeeper Robert Green bobbled a Clint Dempsey shot to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Wayne Rooney failed to score a goal. Frank Lampard had a goal not counted against Germany. Nothing went right for The Three Lions and it culminated an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Germany.

4.) Vuvuzelas

Nothing quite captured the culture of South Africa more than the vuvuzela. Love them or hate them, they have made an impact worldwide. The noisemakers were everywhere at the World Cup and were perhaps the most discussed non-football topic during the tournament. Vuvuzelas will be here to stay.

3.) Luis Suárez’s handball to prevent a last second Ghana goal and victory

In the final moments of extra time in the quarter-finals encounter between Ghana and Uruguay, Luis Suárez intentionally used his hands to prevent a goal for Ghana, resulting in a red card and a penalty shot for Ghana. Asamoah Gyan (who had converted two previous PKs in the tournament) missed the resulting penalty kick, sending the game into a penalty shootout. Uruguay ended up winning 4-2 in the shootout and Suárez’s handball has been dubbed the new “Hand of God.”

2.) Landon Donovan’s game-winning goal in 91st minute against Algeria

In perhaps the most important moment in U.S. soccer history, Landon Donovan kicked in the game-winning goal in the 91st minute to send the U.S. to the Round of 16. After a dramatic match with close chances, it looked as if the United States was readying themselves for another failure at the World Cup until Donovan’s magic. The goal may have helped create more soccer fans in the U.S.

1.) Officiating

Nothing was talked about more than the officiating at the 2010 World Cup. The U.S. was robbed of two goals in group play by phantom offsides penalties. Argentina scored a goal on a clear offsides penalty that was not called. Frank Lampard’s goal against Germany clearly passed the line, but the referee did not rule it as a goal. The bad calls has prompted FIFA into looking at goal-line technology and other methods for correcting and reviewing bad calls. Perhaps this will directly lead to changes at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.