FIFA president Sepp Blatter has awarded the 2014 World Cup in Brazil a mark of 9.25 out of 10.<\/p>\n
The tournament, won for a fourth time by Germany, featured a record-equalling 171 goals, some shock results and was described by some as the best ever.<\/p>\n
Blatter says Brazil outshone South Africa, which was awarded a mark of 9 after it staged the event in 2010.<\/p>\n
There were fears surrounding security, transport and stadiums, but these proved largely unfounded.<\/p>\n
Most of the drama of the 20th World Cup came on the pitch.<\/p>\n
A 5-1 thrashing of holders Spain by the Netherlands set the tone, with underdogs Costa Rica, Algeria and Colombia all impressing in the knockout stages.<\/p>\n
The eventual champions humbled hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, before a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina saw them take the title.<\/p>\n
There was controversy, too, with Uruguay striker Luis Suarez handed a four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini<\/p>\n
“As a footballer, such a punishment hurts,” said Blatter at his final news conference in Rio. “But as Fifa president, I have to accept the decisions that are taken by our independent committees.”<\/p>\n
Blatter was booed at several grounds during the World Cup but said he had “to live with that”.<\/p>\n
However, he reacted angrily when one female reporter put it to him that Fifa, football’s world governing body, is corrupt.<\/p>\n
“Listen lady,” he said. “When you speak about corruption, then you have to present evidence.”<\/p>\n
Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke described the World Cup in Brazil as “truly unique” and called on the hosts of future tournaments to take inspiration.<\/p>\n
Russia will host the competition in 2018, while Qatar is scheduled to stage the tournament in 2022.<\/p>\n
“The people from Russia and Qatar who have been in Brazil, they have learned a lot and they know what the challenge is,” Valcke told the BBC.<\/p>\n
“I’m sure the next two World Cups will be as beautiful as this one… different, but as beautiful as the one here in Brazil.”<\/p>\n
He added: “When you take the responsibility to organise a World Cup, you have to understand that you have to be the best and you have to deliver the most important event.”<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Source: BBC Sport<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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