World Cup wrap-up

The World Cup has been great fun - parties have broken out in the streets of cities across the globe, athletes have impressed us with their talents both on and off the pitch, and millions of work hours have been lost worldwide.

It's now time to say goodbye to the tournament. Some awards were handed out in South Africa by the officials in charge (the Golden Boot for most goals went to Germany's Thomas Muller, the Golden Ball for best player was given to Uruguay's Diego Forlan), but I have some other honours to dole out.

Without further ado, may I present the first-ever In the game World Cup awards:

Most heartbreaking play: With the game tied in extra time, a Uruguayan player blocks a sure goal by Ghana with his hands. Ghana ends up losing on penalty kicks as Uruguay advances to the semifinals.

Most heartmelting player: Iker Casillas. This is a tough call, but the Spanish captain won the World Cup, the Golden Glove award for best keeper, and our hearts this tournament.

Most memorable musical moment: Shakira's World Cup song performance? Nah, it's got to be the chorus of thousands of vuvuzelas at every match. Although I guess I'm not sure if that should be counted as 'musical'....

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Most blogged about person, place or thing: Does an octopus count as a person? Paul correctly predicts the outcome of every German game, as well as Spain's eventual victory over the Netherlands.

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Most disappointing exit: In-fighting and pouting abound in the French camp, leading to poor play on the field and an early trip home.

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Most interesting political involvement: Mandela's appearance at the closing ceremonies, just shy of his 92nd birthday? French President Nicholas Sarkozy's comments on his team's behaviour? South African President Jacob Zuma getting caught in Spain's celebrations? None of these compare to the antics of North Korea's Kim Jong-il. From refusing to show the matches in his country unless North Korea won, to shipping in Chinese actors to pose as North Korean fans at the games, to trying to sneak in an extra player disguised as a goalie, he takes the cakes.

So that wraps up another World Cup.

Until next time (Brazil, 2014)....