It is over. The end. Germany ranks third, after losing against the later world champion Spain in the semi-finals. The world cup 2010 ended with a rather moderate and brutal final, in which an English referee summed up the referees performances throughout the whole competition. Thomas Mueller was named Best Young Player, which he highly deserved; and at this point I feel kind of old, because he is younger than me. What is next? What will we, or rather me personally, remember from the world cup in South Africa? There were delights, but also absurdities.

Delights: the colorful and beautiful opening ceremony; a functioning and delightful to watch German team; Thomas Mueller and his character (“But I can only play soccer, so that is why my interviews are the way they are.”); South Africa’s hospitality and enthusiasm broadcasted into the world; Italy ranking last in their group – there is justice after all; Wembley is finally leveled; seeing Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger sitting together watching a game (they probably had many topics to talk about…); finally having a world cup in general and all the wonderful, exciting viewing parties!

Absurdities: Referees and their large amount of bad calls; together with that: bookings were too frequent; minimalistic playing Spain, who became world cup champions by winning 1-0 ever since the matches in the last 16; many bland matches; disappointing ”top stars”; that the German team were not awarded with the entry into the final because of their forward playing; the final itself and that I was beat by two others in our friends betting pool on the last match day of the world cup.