Germany

So, another tournament passes, and Germany are the winners. That's four times now, making England's paltry effort in '66 look like a fluke, an aberration.

This tourney was a joy though. Goals galore, kamikaze football and defences that only discovered themselves from the QF and beyond (except for Brazil). The final was entertaining and I am glad not settled by penalties. There was not too much simulation, and no great signs of fan violence either - so hats off to the hosts and the fans. (Definitely an argument for hosting the tournament out of reach of discount flight operators).

So many highlights but my favourite bits, in no kind of order, were:

-Excellent world time-zones allowing full viewing 

-the bite (just bizarre)

-Van Persie's header 

-dancing around like a maniac celebrating Sterling's goal v Italy, only to be told it was snagged in side-netting

-Neymar and Messi being pivotal to their teams

-Spain getting a lesson in football

-Awesome stadia

-The Mexican manager dry humping his players in frenzied celebrations

-James Rodriguez's name, oh and his volleyed goal 

-Russia and Switzerland getting knocked out

-The USA v Belgium game, just all out passion.

-The surprise return of Stevie C, quoting A Few Good Men

There's probably many more, but suffice to say that it was a great tournament. I've loved blogging about it and knowing that a few of you have been reading along (over 1000 visits during the tournament). Thanks again and see you in 4 years.