The goal-scorer in Spain’s dramatic World Cup win over Holland, an ecstatic Andres Iniesta, had this to say on his game/tournament winning goal:
When I struck it (the ball), it just had to go in.
Sic.
The rest of his Spanish teammates have also shared their moment of joy. On the contrary, the Dutch were a dejected lot and angry too. Blaming the referee Howard Webb, Holland striker Dirk Kuyt said:
We are angry because we were so close. The referee was slightly more for them than for us. That ultimately cost us the cup.
But this World Cup will not be remembered for quotes of the finalists, as much as it is for the ones on Vuvuzelas, Paul the octopus and Maradona, Ronaldo and their outspoken ilk. Here are some:
Paul has had an extended period under the World Cup glare, and why not – after all unlike any of 32 teams, Paul’s the only one with a 100% World Cup record. In fact even on his greatest day, Iniesta didn’t forget to mention Paul, saying
The Octopus will now be very popular in Spain.
The Germans fans however have turned their backs on their once ‘beloved’ Paul. Their sentiment has been expressed by Der Western, a German daily which said:
Paul should be fried, barbequed or turned into a seafood salad or paella.
[Also read: Indian celebrities on Paul]
While Paul might have won over the world, the same cannot be said on the Vuvuzelas. The constant drone of the instrument has vexed players and viewers alike.
“It is impossible to communicate, it’s like being deaf”, said Messi on the Vuvuzela.
Twitter too, has gone viral with some snappy Vuvuzela tweets-The World Cup ball or Jabulani has been another talking point of this World Cup, so much so that FIFA had to acknowledge something’s amiss with the ball. [Read: Jabulani is ‘unpredictable': NASA]
Speaking on the Jabulani, which had earlier been tested in the German league, England defender Jamie Carragher alleged:
It has given them (German players) an advantage anyway. Certainly, that is true. It is obvious. The ball is very different. I am sure it has helped them.
His Liverpool team-mate and Danish defender Daniel Agger had a lighter take on the Jabulani, saying the ball made some outfielders look like “drunken sailors.”
Talking about drunker sailors, the Argentina coach tried his best not to act like one, and was almost successful until he opened his mouth (& we will not talk about Bobbi Eden as Holland lost).
Maradona, when asked about the affection he showers on his players, gave an unexpected reply, saying:
I like women! I’m dating Veronica. She is 31. She is blonde. She is very pretty! Don’t start rumors about me.
Before the fateful German night, when asked about Schweinsteiger’s ‘lack of respect’ comment, Argentina coach Maradona retorted in a strong German accent:
What’s the matter, Schweinsteiger? Are you nervoussssh?
Moving on, there was one who was expected to write the future (not Paul) at this World Cup – Cristiano Ronaldo. And just when we thought he failed miserably, came the news of his future – a son born from a secret mother, and who according to his sister Katia, will be called Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. He sure has his future written, if not for himself, then at least for the paparazzi-kind. Check out this video, where he tells this UK journalist:
Someday, someone’s gonna kill you! Be careful.
He was annoyed as the journalist kept probing him on the baby. Check this video to know Ronaldo’s reaction and how even Rooney came into the picture.
All said and done, Paul’s psychic powers, the Jabulani, Ronaldo’s and Maradona’s off-field antics and not to forget the Vuvuzelas – these will continue to be most-talked about for weeks to come.
Talking about the Vuvuzela, there’s a similar Brazilian instrument called corneta, one that could well make it to the World Cup 2014 in Brazil, unless of course there’s an edict, like the fatwa issued on Vuvuzela.
Which of these have made it to your favourite World Cup moments?