Losers done, make way for the real thing.

Day 31. What happened in Brazil today (or yesterday).

Different time zone has thrown me off.

Usually the losers is sad for both teams. Nobody wants to play in it. It's a reminder that you lost in the semi-final, one step away from the chance to play for winning the World Cup. But, if you're playing at home, and have been completely humiliated beyond belief, far beyond anything that's ever happened before, you may see the 3rd place match as a slight chance at redemption. But then when you are 2-0 down after 15 minutes against a team who's manager says they don't want to play the match, and your supporters constantly boo you, then you really have reached supreme loser status. Brazil, well done for going from passionate, albeit unskilled, footballers with the hope of a nation wanting to forget about wasted millions and day to day misery, to complete and utter clowns in a matter of days.

And Fred? Well, it took a while for the Brazilians to finally admit out loud how bad he is. It took match after match of repetitive turgidity, and disbelief from many (or just me?) for the fans to realize that Big Phil was not to be trusted when he put old Freddie out there.

And today? I do not make predictions. The only thing I fear is that this final turns out to be one not to remember. And, I hope Messi finally does something to get him the Maradona and Pele-esque acclaim that he gets without justifying it. Gary Lineker said yesterday that Messi has been disappointing. Thank you Gary! Everybody else seems to think he's been a superstar, just because he scored 4 goals. An above normal player can score 4 goals. A great player should do a lot more.

Here's to a happy ending after 4 wonderful weeks!