Allan Deonarine

World Cup Fan (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

This World Cup began like any other, with my hope pinned on my favorite team, Brasil. They had drawn the 'Group of Death', but I wasn't overly concerned. They should easily have the class to top the group, as they did. What was different this year, was the pre-tournament favorite, Spain. They had practically shaken off their label as chronic underachievers by wining Euro 2008 in grand style and were flying high entering the tournament.

I was pleasantly surprised that the local network carrying the games decided it was going to stream the matches live as well as make them available on demand. I feel that the content providers are finally getting the hint that people want to watch content when they want and where they want. If it's too hard or not available legally, people have to resort to illegal means with ads removed. Allow people an easy way to give you their money and they will.

Tshabalala's Goal (OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images)

You couldn't ask for a better way to open the World Cup, than with a spectacular goal by the host nation. There were some great goals in this World Cup, but the significance of that goal will be felt for decades. Other goals that stood out for me were Micon's touch line bender, Japan's free kicks, Forlán and van Bronckhorst's gems in the third place match. The only blemish was the utter disgraceful conduct of the F.F.F. and it's players.

Iker Casillas kisses the World Cup trophy (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Now, I could go on and talk about the soul crushing defeat that Brasil had at the hands of the Dutch, or the methodical why in which Spain went on to win it all, but instead I want to talk about my friend. She has never taken a serious interest in football, even though her other half plays in a league and often discusses the game at length. But something happened during this World Cup. She started watching the matches and became hooked. Her football I.Q. has seen an expintional growth. I could not believe my eyes at the transformation, where as before I would have to explain the rules, she is now explaining the plays to me. I'm not sure what changed, but it was amazing to be able to have spirited conversations about the matches with her. This is what I will remember from the World Cup in South Africa, more than anything.