The FIFA World Cup has come and gone. The excitement that had gripped the world has now faded away but what a lasting impression the event made overall! Expected only for, if anything no sport attracts the kind of patronage that football does and it must be emphasised, the support continues to grow. Yes, this time there was a fear after all the initial negatives seen and happened in connection with the hosting part mostly at the US-end but as the competition sharpened all was forgotten and it was just action, thrills and spills all over. The packed stadium in New Jersey for the final was a sight to behold even as millions of fans all over the globe, despite the huge time differences, soaked in the atmosphere so to say via the television! That is joga bonito for you!

But then did the final script in this edition live up to the expectations of all? Surely there would be a difference of opinion on this considering the way defending champion Argentina, led by that mercurial Lionel Messi was left to look a clueless lot till the end where Spain, the European Champion went about in a style that brooked no resistance as they picked up their second World Cup triumph. For the very many Argentine fans and that included many in India, it was disappointment for sure and more so because their favourite Messi could not fulfil one more of his dreams, that of taking his........

© Mathrubhumi English