Footie Moments of 2010

In this space last year, I wrote that, "as we approach the World Cup in South Africa, it feels as if 2009 may be paving the way toward a magnificent 2010 that may well include a Division One championship for my beloved Leeds United and (big gulp) a World Cup for England." Well, Leeds did achieve promotion (if not the Division 1 title, which went to Norwich) but the South African World Cup was a big, big let-down, especially where England were considered. Here are the highlights of 2010 for me:

Team of the Year: Spain; often accused of playing "tippy tappy" football, they came good in South Africa and were one of the most consistent highlights of 2010. Worthy World Champions and the template for football of the future.

Player of the Year: David Villa; while many big stars at club level failed to step it up in South Africa, Villa was rare in taking his club form and turning on the flair for Spain in the summer.

Game of the Year: Spurs v. Leeds in the 4th Round of the FA Cup. Jermaine Beckford's last minute penalty heroics at Shite Fart Lane had me out of my easy chair frightening the neighbors.

Disappointments: England's inevitable collapse to the Germans in the Round of 16 in South Africa; FIFA's corrupt awarding of the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 to Russia and Qatar.

Hopes for the New Year: At the risk of incurring more wrath from fans of a certain Lancastrian club who are drooling at the prospect of their forwards tucking into our fragile back four next year in the Premiership, my hopes for Leeds remain humble. Survival in the Championship is paramount and almost achieved; a playoff spot would be gravy on top.

So, what got you lot yelling at the telly in 2010?