Electronic Arts has once again used the 2010 FIFA World Cup video game to simulate the upcoming real World Cup (which starts next Friday). As it turns out, the game agrees with many sports pundits: this will indeed be Spain's year to shine. EA's prediction is that Spain will be raising the trophy after a 3 - 1 victory over Brazil, who are always favorites in any tournament despite crashing out in the quarter finals 4 years ago.

The results were surprisingly close to what many would predict. Spain striker David Villa won the Golden Boot for scoring 7 goals, and the Golden Ball went to magical Brazilian Winger Kaka (yes, he's heard jokes about his name before - it's not new).

The Final itself (held in Soccer City, Johannesburg) showed Brazil opening with their trademark samba freestyle technique that has ripped so many defenses apart in the past. 30 minutes in, there was a fruit for their labours as Filipe Melo fired off a goal from just inside the box, beating Iker Casillas and igniting the sounds of millions (albeit, virtually).  Casillas would breath a sigh of relief when a goalkeeping error at the other end allowed for David Villa to tap in an equalizer for Spain - the pressure of the tournament apparently got to Cesar - it happens, just remind yourself of Zidane 4 years ago. The last few minutes of the first half dwindled and both teams went in at half time equal.

Lady Luck turned her favor over to Spain in the second half, with tight passing and brilliant build-up play leading to a goal in the 61st, with Iniesta driving in a cross and David Villa at the end to finish in a beautiful sweeping move. With time running out, Brazil went to an all-out offense and had several chances at goal, but agonizingly missed them all by inches. With two minutes left to go, Brazil lost possession in the Spanish end and a quick, fluid counterattack was formed - the ball was whipped up to Cesc Fabregas, who fired a rocket to secure a fanatical 3 - 1 World Cup win to Spain, who despite being a powerhouse, were to be celebrating their first World Cup victory!

If you're wondering what the other results were, Spain had to beat Italy through penalties after a 1-1 draw and beat Argentina 2-1 in the Semis. Brazil saw off the Oranje (Netherlands) 3 - 2 in the quarter finals, and broke the hearts of England by sending them off in a penalty shootout, 5-4. It's the kind of results that a lot would predict.

And for the American's reading, the United States lost 2 - 1 to England (probably a Donovan goal!) before beating Slovenia 2-0 and Algeria 2-1. They qualified for the Round of 16 again, where the played Germany to a 2-2 draw and were knocked out on Penalties. And for any other Canucks like me...well, you know how it is. Maybe in the next 4 years!

What do you think about the 2010 FIFA World Cup results? Do you think they're accurate to what may happen in real life?