145 Goals in 64 matches. Yes, we had to watch them all over and over again before we decided, but it was worth it. One last look at this wonderful month with the top 10 goals of the 2010 World Cup.

Number 10 – Kevin-Prince Boateng, June 26, Ghana vs United States, Round of 16

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Boateng, like Ghana, had an impressive World Cup, filling in for the injured Michael Essien. He opened the scoring in the round of 16 match against the USA with this powerful drive through the middle and a great finish with his left foot. Ghana beat the USA 2-1 after extra time.

Number 9 – David Villa, June 21, Spain vs Honduras, Group Stage

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David Villa scored both goals in Spain’s 2-0 win over Honduras, putting them back on the track which eventually led them to World Cup glory. He brilliantly got between two defenders and was able to pull off the shot while falling down, as another two were closing in on him.

Number 8 – Maicon, June 15, Brazil vs North Korea, Group Stage

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Like most of the Brazilian players, Maicon disappointed with his performances in the World Cup, but did manage to put his print on the event with a rare goal, mistake or not, from an impossible angle.

Number 7 – Mesut Ozil, June 23, Germany vs Ghana, Group Stage

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Germany were hands down the most impressive side in this World Cup, but still needed a win over Ghana to secure their place among the last 16. Ozil had his moments during the tournament, and this goal against Ghana, sealing qualification for the Germans, was probably his best.

Number 6 – Fabio Quagliarella, June 24, Italy vs Slovakia, Group Stage

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This was Italy’s last goal of the World Cup, a beautiful chip by a sub that probably should have been used more to avoid the embarrassing finish to their campaign, ending with elimination after only three matches, two points and no wins.

Number 5 – Arne Friedrich, July 3, Germany vs Argentina, Quarter Final

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Friedrich was the one who scored the goal, but all credit goes to Bastian Schweinsteiger, one of the better players we saw this past month, cutting through the helpless Argentina defense, setting up an easy goal for the German defender, making it 3-0. Klose made it 4 later on.

Number 4 – Diego Forlan, July 6, Uruguay vs Netherlands, Semi Final

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Not quite as magical as the Dutch goal a few minutes earlier, but a wonderful goal nonetheless. I love this goal because Forlan scored it with his weaker left foot, striking it with awesome power. It wasn’t enough for Uruguay to make it to the Final, eventually losing 3-2. Forlan won the World Cup’s best player award.

Number 3 – Luis Suarez, June 26, Uruguay vs South Korea, Round of 16

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Suarez scored twice in Uruguay’s round of 16 win of South Korea, with his second goal, the winning goal, scored under the heavy rain that poured on Port Elizabeth, with a beautiful curve. Suarez’ heroism/villainy helped Uruguay make the semi final, but he didn’t get to play in the 3-2 loss against the Netherlands.

Number 2 – Carlos Tevez, June 27, Argentina vs Mexico, Round of 16

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Carlos Tevez’ first goal in this match should have been disallowed due to offside. His second one however was probably the most powerful shot in the entire World Cup, thundering the ball into the Mexican net, making it 3-0 (Hernandez reduced it to 3-1 later) as Argentina dispatched of Mexico in the round of 16 for the second consecutive time.

Number 1 – Giovanni van Bronckhorst, July 6, Netherlands vs Uruguay, Semi Final

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One of the greatest goals in World Cup history, no doubt. I needed to watch the replay time and time again, with the goal looking more and more amazing every time. The ball glided through the air, looking harmless at the first glance, somehow ending up in the net. Van Bronckhorst retired after the loss in the final to Spain after 106 caps and six goals for the national team, with the last one about to replayed time and time again every time a World Cup comes knockin’.