An epidemic of soccer fever swept the globe this summer with the commencement of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Soccer fans everywhere celebrated the event and flocked in droves to South Africa, the host nation of the cup. Competing countries send their most elite players in hopes of demonstrating their skill in the world’s most popular game and possibly capturing the elusive World Cup trophy.
The American team has experienced a fair share of heartbreak in the tournament, however the team had a remarkably good showing this year. The relatively young Americans were led by World Cup veteran and professional soccer star Landon Donovan, midfielder Clint Dempsey and goalkeeper Tim Howard. Close matches against England, Slovenia and Algeria vaulted the US men’s team to the single elimination round. After a hard-fought game against Ghana in stage two, the US team lost by a single goal in extended play.
Spain and the Netherlands faced off in Soccer City, Johannesburg for the World Cup Final July 11. The game was decided by a goal in the 116th minute by Spain’s Andres Iniesta earning Team Spain the World Cup. Although the World Cup is over for now it will return with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.