World Cup Round of 16 - Spain Falters Again (Spain 1 - France 3)

Boy, am I glad there's no World Cup for the next couple of days. Staying up till 5am almost every night is taking it's toil on me. Despite this game being a well played and somewhat exciting game, I almost fell asleep midway in the first half. Had to wash my face numerous times to stay awake.

It was a pretty darn good game between the Spaniards and the French. Both teams started off scrappy but soon found their rhythm. It was pleasing to the eye that both teams went all out for the win, not wasting time dicking around in midfield or waiting for openings. Both teams came to win, and took the bull by the horns.

Although goalmouth action was at a premium, there was plenty of delightful passing in and around the penalty area to make this a spectacle. Spain had taken the lead via a David Villa penalty midway in the first half, and France equalised before the break with Franck Ribery springing the offside trap to score.

Both teams looked headed for extra time at 1-1, when Patrick Veira, headed in a goal in the 83rd minutes to send the French estatic. Zidane sealed the victory in injury time with a wonderful solo goal, sending the Spanish for yet another disappointing World Cup.

For some inexplicable reason, Spain always manages to kick themselves in the arse when it matters. I thought this Spainish side would have been different, given the way they have played and the players in the squad. There seems to be quality all around, and this looks to be one of the mentally toughest Spanish sides ever assembled. Yet for all their promise, the Spanish have failed to deliver on the big stage yet again.