RAVE: The Cup Runneth Over (and Out)

The 2010 football World Cup comes to an end today. South Africa has done itself proud. It has showcased a (mostly) well run and well-regarded World Cup. As I always knew it would. Perhaps now a few less Americans will think we all live in huts without electricity (well, a few million amongst us actually do, but that's a whole other issue) and walk on dirt roads alongside herds of antelope, lions and elephants.

The month has gone by quickly, it must be said. And, whilst there were some great goals and a (very few) great matches, I must admit that I'm actually quite happy that this whole event is finally coming to an end.

For the following, I am most grateful:

• No more vuvuzelas
• No more being a FIFAdom. Now we can just be corrupt, South African style
• No more of those tiresome and endless countdowns
• No more overpaid, over-pampered and overrated football 'stars'
• No more of those garish yellow shirts worn by locals 'supporting our boys' every Friday
• No more ersatz patriotism
• No more flags, flags, flags everywhere...and I mean everywhere
• No more South Africans feeling 'proudly African' (whilst being the most xenophobic Africans on the continent)
• No more vuvuzelas
• No more yucky, gut-churning local adverts with 'rousing', viva South Africa themes
• No more Shakira warbling that horrible 'Waka Waka' song 
• No more the words '2010' having so much (too much) meaning for an entire nation
• No more bloody World Cup
• Did I mention no more vuvuzelas?

For all these reasons, and more, I am grateful.

Now on to the post-Cup revelations and scandals and national depression. It may be a bumpy ride.