Congratulations are in order to Germany for the superb World Cup tournament. They are perhaps the winners this time, for their country, and marketing a softer, friendlier more welcoming image.
I have previously been to most of the host cities; Dortmund, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Gelsenkirchen, etc...and felt neither welcome, nor unwelcome...just another person. However, my last visit to Germany, (when I was still able to negotiate stairs, and lifts), was entirely different...with all cities using their good English to me, in a very cheerful manner. Germany has changed, and congratulations to Klinsmann for managing an ordinary team, and turning them into a strong and exciting group of rejuvinated players. England take note.
Jürgen, a.k.a. Jay Goppingen, showed his true talents from the touchline...actions DO speak louder than words, and it was plain to see that he was a living example of 'living, breathing, eating football.' I wish he was England's next manager...as the other great coach on show last night, Scholari, will not be.
However, the referee was biased towards the hosts last night. And let's be fair, Portugal played some beautiful football, Deco being outstanding.
Never mind Ballack, Beckham etc, Deco played better than them all in this WC.
A farewell tonight to Zidane and Thuram, (maybe the brilliant Del Piero will not again grace an international tournament either, but he truly left his mark on this one), and last night to Luis Figo...a great generation of European footballers. I should add that Oliver Kahn has retired from international football too, but I have only one thing to say to that..."Lehmann!!!"
I noticed on the radio that some national characteristics were coming through; already sentimentality...people phoning in saying what a shame the WC's over...well, for two nations it isn't quite over yet, there is one very special match left!!!
