They think it's over ...... It is now!

It seems like just a few weeks ago - in fact it was five - that the world sat agog in front of its TV set, awaiting the kick off of FIFA World Cup 2006. It was the hosts, Germany, who got the ball rolling, against the minnows– albeit minnows protected by conservation statutes - of Costa Rica. Despite plucky resistance, the German machine soon overcame the Ticos, rolling to a comfortable 4-2 win. The Germans went on to coast comfortably through the group phase, while Costa Rica regained their composure to follow them through in second place.

Elsewhere in group play, England allayed the concerns of their supporters about Wayne’s foot, Stevie’s back and David’s coiffeur to qualify easily for the knockout stage. In the “Group of Death” Serbia and Montenegro shocked the football world as their stellar defence unexpectedly declared independence from the midfield, just minutes before the kickoff of their first game against Holland. Nonetheless, S&M dominated the submissive Orangemen to claim an emphatic victory; “Serbian Group of Death Squad Squashes Orange” the tabloids would yell the next day. In the Group of Near Death, the Czech Republic, their coach fresh off coaching Hogwarts to its fifth consecutive quidditch title, quickly picked up three wins and strolled through to the knockouts. Team USA followed them, their strategy of pre-emptive strikes against their opponents’ goal before kickoff paying high dividends. Elsewhere favorites failed to deliver as Spain and Porugal made it 0-for-Iberia, french joy de vivre fizzled as they saw déjà vu and failed to progress, while the Italians couldn’t even buy their way out of the group phase.

As the knockout phases progressed rivalries were renewed. The showdown between USA and Mexico saw the americans employ defensive tactics with the mexican strikers repeatedly coming up against a defensive wall, only to be called back for offsides each time they broke through. Not surprisingly the encounter ended in stalemate, with the US, predictably prevailing in the penalty shoot out. England and Argentina resumed their long running vendetta, with the divine digits of Argentina's Messi deciding the issue in dubious fashion. Meanwhile the confidence of the plucky Ticos soared as they mashed the Swedes, bounced the Czechs and then humbled the mighty Brazilians in the semi-finals.

Finally the scene was set for the grand finale, a repeat of the opening libretto; Costa Rica v. Germany, the guardians of the rain forest against the gargantuans of the Black Forest. As kickoff approached, Ticomania spread, the supporters of ousted countries staying on to cheer on the Ticos. The dutch fans, a splash of orange in grey Berlin, sang "Do you know the way to San Jose?" to the rhythm of the brazilian samba drummers. The english fans drank warm Imperial cerveza by the liter, while the french fans, who noone knew had been there to start with, gleefully tucked in to rice and beans and plantains.

But, soon after the kick off, it seemed the german juggernaut would continue its teutonic roll, with two goals from their center forward putting the men in black and white up 2-0 at the half - it seemed the Ticos had been klosed out. But they bounced back, scoring twice to send the game into overtime. A thunderous strike from Wanchope's boot thudded against the crossbar and bounced down behind the line - 3-2! With seconds to go and legs failing, Paulo completed his hat trick, thumping the ball into the back of the net. It was all over. Costa Rica 4 - Germany 2!

Costa Rica, and the world outside Germany with it, celebrated. The streets of Alajuela rang with "Hallejula!" And, around the world, on the lips of the followers of the beautiful game was the beautiful phrase from the beautiful country.

Pura Vida!

Not dead yet.

Reports of my cyber-demise greatly exagerrated. But, still, thanks for stopping by and commenting after all this time, P.
Posting to resume here soon with Pura Vida.
Really.