As usual Spain dominated the beginning of the first half with their pass and move style of play but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

Holland soon got wise to the fact they couldn’t outplay the Spanish and changed tactics to a much more physical game. At times the Dutch players went way beyond just playing physical, resorting to what was pure thuggery.

Van Bommel cut down the Spanish players time after time and should really have been red-carded for his efforts. The really dangerous and completely unnecessary foul came from De Jong who flew with his studs, in what could only be described as a flying kick, into Alonso’s chest.

That should have been the end of De Jong’s world cup, but he was only handed a yellow card for his efforts.

Now all you readers of Asian soccer star should have picked up on a valuable lesson from the world cup 2010 final between Spain and Holland.

How did Spain overcome the Dutch thuggery to win the game?

As a strategy Holland were spot on because they obviously rattled the Spanish and disrupted the flow of their game; the manner in which they went about it wasn’t very sportsman like. The game ended with a record 14 yellow cards and a red card for Holland’s Johnny Heiteinga.

The reason Spain came through in the end, and if you’re a budding Asian soccer star pay particular attention, was because the players had self-confidence and belief in their individual abilities and as a team.

They stuck to their game plan.

The Spanish are all comfortable on the ball, they have terrific awareness which allows them to play their pass and move game. Every player knows what his job is and is very confident in performing that job.

This sort of confidence only comes about by practise and really getting to ‘know’ the ball.

Research says that it takes 10,000 hours of practise to master anything in life. The Spanish players all look like they have surpassed that 10,000 hour mark.

I believe, to become an Asian soccer star you will have to hit and exceed that 10,000 hour mark; so go out and get practising with the ball until it feels a part of you.

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• Dutch Claim English Ref ‘Cost Us World Cup’ (news.sky.com)
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• Spain exemplifies the winning formula (msn.foxsports.com)

Just a day after the announcement of Asian soccer star 2010 we have received many emails from boys who have been training hard and looking forward to the chance to showcase their football talent in front of Chelsea academy coaches.

These are determined, talented youngsters with a hunger and desire to get into the professional game, some of whom trialed at Asian soccer star search 2009 but were unprepared.

Surely these commited youngsters should be given a chance to compete at Asian Soccer Star 2010.

We all know professional clubs like to pick kids for their academies as young as possible. But many are dropped as they get older. At the under 14′s age, if the kids are commited and determined about football, they have usually trained for peak performance.

Any under 14′s should write to Chelsea to add their category for Asian soccer star 2010.

Chelsea FC made the announcement on their website followed by an email release outlining proceedings for Asian Soccer Star 2010. This year, the search for the next Asian soccer star promises to be bigger and better.

The email stated ” Two of last year’s Asian Stars have now gone on to sign for professional clubs and this year Chelsea will be offering six lucky players the chance to win a week-long trial at their world famous Academy”.

It goes on to say, “Once again the club has teamed up with the Asian Media Group and Kick it Out to support the tournament which will take place on the second May Bank Holiday Weekend (29-31) for players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds aged 8 to 13 years old”.

We picked up on two interesting points; firstly the terms specifically state that “Asian Soccer Star trials are open to players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds only”. Last year, there were kids from other Asian countries competing. Secondly, the organisers seem to have dropped the under 14′s category.

You can read the rest of the story and register at Chelsea FC Asian Soccer Star.