On Diego Forlan: The Big Bad Wolf

This is a special post that I've been wanting to do for a while now on my personal favorite player: Diego Forlan. I have given him the moniker "The Big Bad Wolf" for a number of reasons. First of all, his trademark hair is gloriously long like a wolf. Second of all, he has the strength, speed, and agility that a leader of a pack should have. Which makes up the third reason: he is the leader of the pack. (I also just enjoy ironic nicknames that refer to children's stories).

At Atletico Madrid this season, Forlan has led the team scoring 18 goals in 30 appearences. But when those goals occur is very important. Forlan scored the winning goals in the Europa Cup tournament against Liverpool in the semi-final, and against Fulham in the final in extra time to help Atletico win the cup. Atletico didn't do so well in La Liga this year, but Forlan has shown one thing: he can step up big time in the big game.

This is what makes him the player to watch on opening day against France. I predict an upset in this game. Suarez and Forlan will be going up against a French side that may be playing without Gallas, and a side that could be very unsure of itself. Also, it seems that this post I made two weeks ago was a little presumptious. Because while the French look good on paper, they have more than struggled in the two friendly matches they have played since I posted it. They tied TUNISIA 1-1. And lost to CHINA 0-1. China didn't even qualify for the World Cup this year and I barely know where Tunisia is. I have picked Uruguay to advance along with South Africa out of Group A because of the contributions that I think Forlan will be willing to make. He's an absolutely fearless player, and is so clutch in these big game situations. And in the World Cup, every game is a big one.

Also: he's completely in form right now. Forlan has just come off scoring what could be the biggest goal of his life and has responded by scoring a goal in both of the friendly matches Uruguay has played. But the best wolf is always hungry.

I also admire Forlan for just not giving up. He began his career at Manchester United and was touted as the next big star, but he was unable to deliver. However, he has proven that he was not discouraged by this and has made a name for himself in his own right.

It doesn't matter if their houses are made of straw, wood, or bricks, if the teams in Group A don't open up, Forlan will huff, and he'll puff, and he'll blow their house in!