Coinciding with a World Cup year were the Winter Olympics, which were successfully hosted in Vancouver, Canada.
And once again, the Super Bowl delivered big time drama and a feel-good story for the city of New Orleans, still living in painful memories of Hurricane Katrina.
Spain Reigns
The World Cup began inauspiciously for Euro 2008 champions Spain with a shocking 1–0 loss to Switzerland. But after that, Spain only allowed one more goal on the way to their first ever World Cup triumph.
The first World Cup on the African continent will be remembered for a number of interesting things: the drone of vuvuzelas, the incredible start to the tournament for South American nations, the United States winning Group B ahead of England, France imploding in Group A just to name a few.
But ultimately, Spain has to be recognized for winning it the right way. With superior technique, team play in midfield, and discipline, the Spaniards overcame every challenge from neighboring Portugal, the high-powered German attack, and a very aggressive and physical Dutch team in the final.
North American Rivals
The Winter Olympics wrapped up with a gold medal men’s hockey finale to be remembered for years to come.
It was almost a Miracle on Ice Part II, as Canada edged the United States 3–2 in overtime thanks to Canadian icon Sidney Crosby’s quick shot.
The United States had gone with a younger, faster team and gave Canada all it could handle. Goaltender Ryan Miller was sensational and could not be faulted for allowing the winning goal.
Canada’s Crosby probably assured himself a very special space in Canadiana forever.
Saints Win Super Bowl
New Orleans Saints quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees called it “destiny.” After starting the season 13–0, the Saints were meant to meet the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl.
Four years earlier, Hurricane Katrina had demolished New Orleans and Saints players talked about carrying the hopes of the people of New Orleans in their Super Bowl run.
Brees had a terrific game, not turning the ball over, and doing what he had done throughout the regular season.
Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning threw the game’s only interception, which was returned 74 yards for the touchdown by Tracy Porter. Porter, a Louisiana native, sealed the Saints 31–17 win with his great read of Manning.
The themes of winning the right way as Spain did, the establishment of a new rivalry in international hockey, and the feel-good story that was the Super Bowl make 2010 a year to not just think about big sporting events, but also what makes sports so riveting.
