World Cup

That The Hindu 's love for sports knows no bounds is evident from its extensive coverage of the 2010 World Cup football. While I went through the paper avidly in the mornings, I felt the sports page was transformed into a large green turf, wherein two teams locked horns with a never-say-die spirit. I could relive the thrilling visuals of the beautiful game. The agony and ecstasy of the players, the restlessness of the impatient coaches, the cheer from the stands and the ear-shattering noise of vuvuzelas were all caught in the art of narration.

Venu C. Nair,

Kochi

***

Finally, the electrifying World Cup reached its climax with Spain winning it (“Viva Espana & South Africa,” July 13). Hats off to Howard Webb for putting up a brave face. But for the yellow card in his hand, he would have faced the toughest battle of football history. Our dear Octapus Paul could only predict the winner but failed to tell us how aggressive the final would be. Spain earned its laurels for hard work, efficiency and creativity.

P. Suresh,

Vadodara

***

Congratulations to Spain on winning the coveted World Cup. It is true that the final between Spain and the Netherlands was marred by a record number of yellow cards.

All credit goes to South Africa which played a brilliant host. Besides officials, there were a number of committed volunteers who made the event a success. The towering presence of the great Madiba and the vuvuzelas added glamour to the event.

R. Girish,

Botswana

***

The World Cup matches played over the past four weeks in South Africa have reinforced football's billing as the “Beautiful Game.” The quality of football with incredible speed of feet, eyes and minds, subtle turns, sublime passes, headers and stunning goals entertained and mesmerised one and all. The month-long riveting tournament with some dramatic upsets duly culminated in Spain lifting the Cup. Both Spain and the Netherlands did themselves proud by sweating it out in the finals in a splendid spirit.

G. David Milton,

Maruthancode

***

I wonder whether it is possible to come across a more cynical review of the FIFA World Cup 2010 than the article “The real legacy of World Cup 2010” (July 14). On the failure of “the designated superstars,” I think it was the unexpectedness in the outcome of the matches that made the World Cup a runaway success. Having first-time finalists vying for it was what made the global tournament tick. As for the Jabulani ball, it sure had its fans and critics but the use of the same in the World Cup proves its playability which ensured the winning of the best team, no matter what.

Salini Johnson,

Thiruvananthapuram