As the strains of “We are the Champions” sung with German accents fades into the morning sun we close the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a final that was probably a microcosm of the entire event.
The first half was a breathtaking display of attacking football, the second half faded before a stunning last 30 minutes of extra time. Much like the tournament that started with an explosion of attacking football, became less so (but no less fascinating), produced some of the best 0-0 draws (I’m told) ever seen, and amazing attacking display’s to finish. Not only that, but the fact the trophy presentation was punctuated with boos for both the Brazilian president and Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA was more than a nod to the feeling that remains against the political and FIFA machines despite the month long party that we’ve been having.
To paraphrase a famous Gary Linkeker quote…Football, a game where 22 men run around for 120 minutes and then the Germans win.
Of course it was disappointing Brazil weren’t there in the final, but I think most of the country will be ecstatic today that Argentina were beaten, and that works for us! If you didn’t already know we aren’t the best of neighbours, even the sight of the young Argentina fan crying at the final whistle failed to dampen our joy at Argentina’s defeat.
Messi’s grumpy face also brought a great deal of pleasure to my fellow countrymen and women and Facebook has been a hoot with all my friends from home and our “revenge”.
The Germans showed just why football is a team game, taking a deserved win as the best “team” in the competition. The likes of Muller, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Klose (who became the World Cup’s overall leading goalscorer from Brazil legend Ronaldo) and Hummels were all brilliant adding class to an organised and effective team.
Still, as I mentioned in my previous article, the overriding feeling with Brazilians is that we are proud to have put on such a wonderful tournament. Of course our country isn’t perfect, and if we are being honest we are pretty relieved that things went largely without a hitch, but the thing is they did and I think it’s fair to say that the rest of the world enjoyed the party we put on just as much as we did.
See you in 2018!
Marilia Spindler is an Account Manager, passionate Brazilian and creative thinker at Happy Creative, a strategic marketing and branding agency based in Blackpool, Lancashire. To learn more or contact us please go to www.happy-creative.co.uk
