so the tournament is over, and its a sad day in the world. some musings on what was the strangest cup in recent memory.

zidane won the golden ball. as well he should have, if only for the majesty that was his game against brasil. if only they gave out a golden helmet award. he wouldve definitely won that award also, for his vicious headbutt in the italy match. too bad.

lucas podolski won young player of the tournament. im confused, i watched every germany match in the cup, and i have to say podolski couldnt carry fernando torres' jock. torres plays for spain, is the same age and infinitely a better striker. podo has no idea where he should be without the ball half the time, whereas torres looks like he has the ball even when its 80 yards behind him.

the us won the only point against the azzuri. a team that gave up no goals in the run of play this month. insane. an own goal and a bullshit p.k. they really did deserve to win, i just cant stand how they did. with 10 men behind the ball at all times, and only ever scoring from direct kicks or corners, its time this brand of futbol be put to bed.

98% of the german public said theyd like to see klinsman manage the team in the next tourney in south africa. the 2% who didnt agree were american. this is a coach who could make things happen for us. its time to give up the ghost on the born and raised coach. bruce spoke so poorly of our own league, the same league that was a springboard to his taking the postion he now needs to give up. grow up bruce, youre not belichik, the only thing you both have in common is your love of looking disheveled on the sideline.

the classiest act of the month came from england, as always. following a hotheaded exchange that surely cost the game by rooney, a lameduck manager who was always ever really interested in using his position to get laid, and another injury for my favorite snakebit forward, david beckham stood in front of the entire country, apologised for an injury, and removed the captains armband for the last time. in that act of selflesness he turned hisses into cheers. if only he couldve done the same thing for the french fans in the final.