World Cup fever grows as final nears

With the World Cup down to its two final teams (Spain and the Netherlands), quite a few local fans plan on watching the grand finale in South Africa on Sunday ? and making some predictions.”I say Holland in overtime,” said former Bishop Fenwick girls soccer coach Jose Isidro of Peabody. “I think it’s going to be a battle and I think it’ll go to overtime. I’m not sure if it goes to penalty shots or if someone scores in overtime. I think someone will score. They’re two balanced teams. It’s going to be interesting.”While local sentiment seemed geared toward the Netherlands, not everyone liked their chances against Spain.”I’m hoping for the Netherlands, but I’m not sure they’ll beat Spain,” said English High valedictorian (and former girls soccer player) Megan Forti. “Spain is looking really good lately.” She said that “I think it’s going to be very close.”Classical girls coach Joe Skahan is also rooting for the Netherlands despite feeling that Spain will prevail.”I think Spain has it,” he said. “I’m rooting for the Netherlands because of the way they’re playing ? They came out of nowhere. It’s been a great series for them.”As for where everyone will watch the final, the answers range from gathering with family or friends to staying home. (Eight years ago, Isidro had a much closer view: He watched Portugal play three games in the World Cup in South Korea with his cousins. His parents are from Portugal, and the team played the US, Poland and South Korea.) They also seemed to agree that despite the pain of the US loss to Ghana in the elimination round – “It was very tough to watch them lose,” Forti said – the games have featured plenty of surprise and excitement.”I don’t think anyone expected (the Netherlands) to be in the final,” Forti said. “They’ve been exciting games and a great World Cup.”For Isidro, the intriguing aspect has been the combination of the expected and the unexpected in the final.”It was the usual – two European teams – but the only difference is that they are two teams that have never won it,” he said. “Holland has been there, but never won it.” Regardless of who wins, he said that it will be “a good thing” for a new champion to join the list of title teams.Once the game is over on Sunday, there will not be another Cup until four years from now. For Isidro, however, the soccer will continue, thanks to his position as a high school referee, as he will work the Agganis Classic on Tuesday.”I’m officiating the 5:30 match,” he said.