World Cup 2010 memories

It's been a week since the World Cup ended. The post partem depression pretty much set in right away.

Here are the moments I'll remember most.

Landon Donovan's late winner vs. Algeria to send us into round 2. The national response was amazing and completely unforeseen.

The USA's comeback against Slovenia including Michael Bradley's face as he got mobbed by teammates on the touchline.

The first goal of the competition from Shabalala was a beauty and great moment for the host, South Africa.

Getting up at 4:30 everyday for the first 2 weeks was brutal, but I miss it. It's nice to get a World cup match in before work.  Even games like New Zealand vs. Slovakia were worth waking up for.

ESPN had real around the clock coverage. The primetime show had extended highlights and analysis never before seen in the USA.

Maradona on the touchline was great to watch. In one of Argentina's matches, a wayward ball flew his way, and he casually heel-flicked it out of the air right to one of his players coming for a throw-in. He was clearly the most passionate particpant of the World Cup. It's shame Argentina didn't advance farther.

Diego Forlan deservedly won the golden ball as he put in a few inspirational performances. I'd say the next best players were Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER) and Arjen Robben (NED). Messi (ARG) was great too, despite not scoring.

The tournament was very defensive. It wasn't ugly defensive. Spain, who deservedly won the cup, had to put up with every opponent parking 10 defenders behind the ball. They handled it.