World Cup: Conclusion

First, let me just say that the final was actually a little bit more entertaining than I was expecting it to be, so I won't whine too much about that. Howard Webb being card-happy but not consistent made things interesting too.

My own fervent dislike for Spain notwithstanding, I understand why the Dutch went after the Spanish the way they did. The only way to stop Spain playing their game is to put them on the floor, and the Dutch did that, with almost enough effectiveness to take the match to penalties. Spain have no one to blame but themselves, really. Playing possession the way they do means opposition teams will resort to whatever measures they have to in order to get a sniff at the ball.

Iniesta should have been sent off well before his goal. Van Bommel and De Jong too. It wasn't a pretty final. I'm still kind of disgusted with myself that I actually watched it, to be honest.

Other than the final, though, I thought there were some really bright spots to the tournament.

Germany played some of their best football in years. Their precision and finishing on the counterattack were spectacular, and entertaining as well. Watching them dismantle first England and then Argentina was mesmerizing. Everyone will be banking on them as one of the favorites in Brazil.

Uruguay gave a great account of themselves, pushing the Dutch and then the Germans all the way. Diego Forlan was in great form, and yeah, I don't think much of Suarez for his imitation of a goalkeeper, but the squad carried the banner for South America with a lot of heart and a lot of pride.

South Korea and Japan both showed that they have some very bright rising stars and that they do have players who can hold their own with the best in the world. Park Ji Sung captained South Korea with a lot of class, and Keisuke Honda lit up the cup with his free kicks and technical ability. And at the risk of reinforcing stereotypes, both teams always worked hard, never backed down, and the fact that they both made it to the round of 16 with non-foreign coaches bodes well for the future of the game in Asia.

So overall, I found this World Cup thoroughly enjoyable and fun to follow. A number of surprises, some great finishes to matches, and signs that perhaps in 2014, the seat of footballing power will shift just a little more away from the traditional centers.