#14: the carnival ends

The month-long global celebrations came to an end. Italy shall wear the crown of world champions in the world's most popular sport for the next 4 years. The French came close, but were denied by the breadth of a pole and a moment of madness.

The final game was entertaining but not a masterpiece. It did have drama .... going all the way beyond extra-time into penalty kicks. Unfortunately my lasting image may be the moment of infamy. Zidane (Zizou) brought his long, glittering career to an end in shame. "Mais pourquoi? Mais pourquoi?" the French commentator kept repeating – completely baffled with what we all saw. That may have been the defining moment, and may have cost the French the title. And in that one moment he lost at least one fan who for years had idolised him as a role-model for his sublime skills and sportsmanship. There can be no excuse for such violent behaviour. It's a sad reminder that these superstars are fallible humans too.

The WC excitement was everywhere for a month. The Washington Post featured it on its cover page this week. Even Kofi Annan took time off to share his admiration. He isn't so tech-savvy to start a blog, but it still says a lot. Do read his article. We share the same sentiments – only he does it a lot more eloquently.

To everyone responsible for this one month of magic, I say congratulations on a fabulous show. And thank you for the rich tapestry of moments. Along with others I will gradually limp back into my regular humdrum. The memories – of joy and despair, of jubilation and exasperation, shall linger long thereafter. So long, until South Africa 2010.