All good things must come to an end. As is now customary with sporting events of this grand a scale, a closing ceremony of sorts. One last opportunity to capture global attention. The ceremony, which was the product of Lion King co-producer, Lebo M, was littered with visuals and sounds, reflecting the hues and vibrancy of Africa. A seminal moment. Unforgettable.

The final between Brazil and USA was the equivalent of a John Grisham novel. Dripping with suspense, the reader hooked and a climax that couldn't have been predicted. The USA, 2-0 up, managed to lose the game 3-2. The never-say-die attitude infused in Brazil by their coach Dunga came to the fore. "All the players were very concentrated on what needed to be done," he said. "I told them at half-time that we needed an early goal and to play the game we play. We wanted to win. We were very determined," he said. Brazil won the trophy for the third successive time.

So how did South Africa fare as hosts? Sepp Blatter, like a headmaster of an independent school, gave it a 7.5. "I am a very satisfied and very happy president of Fifa, together with our friends in South Africa," he said. "We know there are logistics that we have to work on. There are problems and transport linked with accommodation – we don't intend hiding behind compliments.

"These are things that have to be done," added Blatter. "Yes, the park and ride does not work. Yes, the media shuttle system has not worked. Yes, the signage has not worked. It was difficult to come in and out of the stadium."

In all, a fair assessment. There are those who would use fallacious logic and include the event management as a failure, but the event achieved its purpose: to highlight what elements work and which need immediate attention. In 2005, Germany, the previous hosts, shouted its readiness from the rooftops of Hamburg and Munich. The ensuing Fifa assessment only humbled them. By the following summer, they were indeed ready to stage a World Cup. The organisers here should be proud of the results of their hard work and dedication.

Regarding the level of crime, Andre Pruis, the deputy police commissioner said: "Theft, mainly of mobile telephones, formed most of the 39 cases reported," before adding that the joint security team "is satisfied that years of planning and preparations resulted in a tournament during which no major security breach occurred".

Does this mean crime has been completely solved? No. It means be sensible – just like you would in New York, London or Accra – and you will be fine. South Africa is cold in June yet the warmth of the people will rub off on you. And the necessary improvements will be implemented. This may turn out to be the story captured for posterity. Join us next June; celebrate with us in a place that might just capture your heart.

 

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