FIFA World Cup 2010: Five most memorable moments

The FIFA World Cup of 2010 was an event that was watched by many people around the world. The host nation South Africa may have had some troubles during the run-up to the tournament but the whole tournament was considered a success in general. As is always the case with such events, there were many memorable moments for spectators; some good, some bad, and some ugly.

With less than a year to go before the World Cup is held in Brazil, let’s take a look at 5 of the most memorable moments from the last World Cup:

Spain celebrate after winning the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

1) Spain break their World Cup duck – It’s amazing to think that before 2010, Spain had never won a World Cup. The nation always had a reputation for producing some top-class talent but had always been the perennial underachievers at the international stage until 2008 when they won the European Championships. Their rise to prominence in world football was well and truly complete when Andres Iniesta scored a goal in the 116th minute of the 2010 World Cup final, ensuring that Spain broke their World Cup duck. They were favourites to win the tournament so their victory didn’t come as a surprise but it didn’t take away from their achievement at all.

The goal that wasn’t: this picture shows that the ball did indeed cross the line.

2) Goal-line technology debate comes up… again – June 27th, Bloemfontein. England take on a much-fancied Germany side in the round of 16 clash. Germany are leading 2-0 in the first half before Mathew Upson pulled one goal back. A little before half-time, Frank Lampard sent a thundering shot towards goal that Neuer couldn’t hold. It hit the bar and crossed the line before coming back out. The goal wasn’t awarded, and England went on to lose the match 4-1. However, they were left wondering what could have been had the goal been given. The incident led to goal-line technology being introduced.

Luis Suarez pulls off a save that would make most goalkeepers proud.

3) Hand of… God? – The quarter-final between Uruguay and Ghana was an excellent match that was marred by one controversial incident. With the game level, Ghana won a corner. The corner resulted in a goal-bound header from Dominic Adiyiah which was going in but was saved by… Luis Suarez. The striker stuck out a hand and got himself sent off, therefore Ghana were awarded a penalty. Asamoah Gyan failed to convert the penalty and Uruguay would eventually win the match, beating Ghana 4-2 on penalties. It was Suarez’s first brush with controversy, but it wouldn’t be his last.

A fan blows a vuvuzela before the FIFA World Cup final.

4) Vuvuzelas – Prior to the Confederations Cup 2009 and the World Cup 2010, no one really knew what vuvuzelas were; after the World Cup, everyone had formed an opinion on them. Some saw them as adding to the atmosphere; others saw them as noisy distractions that could be done without. Players were particularly critical of them, with Lionel Messi saying that vuvuzelas hampered player communication. Hate them or love them, vuvuzelas added to the charm of the World Cup in a unique way.

Slovakia caused the biggest upset of the tournament by knocking Italy out of the tournament.

5) Slovakia knocking Italy out of the World Cup – Italy had won the World Cup in the most fascinating and extraordinary manner in 2006; their defence wasn’t quite as spectacular. They were drawn into a relatively easy group with Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia (the latter two countries were making their World Cup debut). Italy got draws against New Zealand and Paraguay and had to beat Slovakia; however, the debutants showed great spirit to beat Italy 3-2 and knock them out of the tournament, prematurely ending their title defence.