Fickle like you

Like you, I started this tournament wanting South Africa to do well. I was charmed by the country and by the team. Let's face it, we both were, what's not to like about Siphiwe Tshabalala and his enthusiastic team-mates? With the media force feeding us images of cheerful township children through a tube, we all shared in the disappointment as their victory over the French proved too little too late.

Few people know more about 'Puppy Love' than 52-year-old American entertainer Donny Osmond. I wasn't able to reach Donny for a comment but I do feel confident, with hindsight, that my passion for the Bafana Bafana was nothing more than naive infatuation. Like an overdue pregnant woman desperate to go into labour, I quickly turned to Chile.

We didn't choose Chile, they chose us. There's something wonderful about a team that plays such a uniquely gung-ho 3-3-1-3 formation, and with such passion, flair and abandon. They were the better team against Spain and Brazil for large parts, but the same naivety that caused us to fall in love with them inevitably let them down. They're a young squad and they'll be back in 4 years with more experience, but will age and experience blunten their beauty? Just ask Michael Jackson or Brittany Spears, may they rest in peace. Justin Bieber is the new kid on the block, and Ghana are the fresh faced pony we'll all get behind next.

When North Korea named their World Cup squad, striker Kim Myong-won was named as their 3rd choice goalkeeper. A bold move, who uses 3 goalkeepers anyway? Better to have an extra striker on the bench who can operate as a 3rd 'keeper if need be. Famously, this ploy backfired as FIFA decided in their infinite wisdom that 'The Chariot' could only be deployed as a goalkeeper. No such problems for Uruguay whose 4th choice goalkeeper, Luis Suarez, also happens to be one of the world's most in-demand young strikers, current Dutch player of the Year and Eredivisie top goalscorer. 

When Luis Suarez saved Dominic Adiyiah's goal-bound effort in the final minute of 2nd half stoppage time he was not officially a goalkeeper. It was a villainous, albeit instinctive, act which broke a billion hearts. Just like the French with their handball or their devastating consolation goal, just like the Germans with their questionable approach to international recruitment, just like FIFA with their erratic officials; Suarez has disappointed not just a nation, but us - the neutral.

Uruguay are now ineligible for underdog support, and with other semi-finalists Spain, Germany and Holland being somewhat heavyweights it is difficult to know where we fickle few should now pledge our allegiance. Of the eligible trio, Germany would seem the obvious choice, the young 'Germans' are playing the best football in the competition, and with a squad of largely unknown domestic based youngsters. But have Germany had too much 'luck' to garner neural support? Is it possible to love, or even like Germany? The Spanish are supposed to be the best footballing side in the world, but accommodating a half-fit Fernando Torres has slowly dulled the team and it is hard to find the same enthusiasm we had 2 years ago. The Dutch then it must be. We are supporting the Dutch, conquerors of the mighty Brazil and the only team left in the competition with a 100% record. Hardly the underdogs, but the selection by default.