The rainbow nation goes back to work and back to real life after hosting a very successful World Cup. NPR's Africa correspondent, Ofeibea Quist-Arcton hopes the world sends South Africa good vibes to keep the country on "Soccer Cloud 9."
NPR foreign correspondent, Jason Beaubien, writes about the significance of the World Cup now that his kids are old enough to care. Maybe he'll be on assignment in Brazil for World Cup 2014.
©2013 NPR
by Eyder Peralta
Iker Casillas landed an impromptu kiss on his journalist girlfriend on live TV. It's being called the victory kiss.
by Rosie Schaap
'Cleats' contributor, Rosie Schaap congratulates Spain, but is still a die-hard Dutch fan hoping to cry 'Oranje' tears of joy in four years.
by Shereen Marisol Meraji
This World Cup final match was rugged: not the artistry Spain is known for, nor the beauty Oranje generally brings to the pitch. In the end, the Spanish take the golden trophy with just one goal.
by David Sweeney
Germany deserved to win 3-2 and finished third for the second time in succession. The storyline of the match doesn’t really matter — safe to say the Uruguayan goalkeeper was poor and was culpable for each of the German goals.
by 'Cleats' Contributors
Who could forget ESPN announcers shouting Tshabalala! From Landon Donovan's 91 minute goal to Gyan's penalty fudge, NPR bloggers share the moments that made them mad, sad, and oh-so-happy. What was your top pick?
by Joe Palca
You'd assume the a new, smoother ball would make be faster and steadier. But you'd be wrong.
The 2010 World Cup final features Europe's two biggest party countries, in Spain and Holland. Scenes of fans-gone-wild in the plazas of Amsterdam and Madrid should help ease the global audience's distaste for an all-Europe final.
