While much of the United States was out enjoying a beautiful summer Sunday afternoon, over 1 billion people worldwide were witness to a dramatic World Cup finale.  The World Cup has only been decided in a shooutout two times previously, once with Italy losing to Brazil in the 1994 World Cup.  Congrats to Italy on 5-3 shootout win over France for their fourth World Cup Championship.

This match was the perfect ending to an incredible month of World Cup action.  Despite the poor showing by the U.S., the Europeans showed the rest of the world why this is still their sport and kept us entertained (and distracted) during those early morning weekday matches. 

There were a ton of great moments during this Cup: Ghana, Austrailia, and Ukraine advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time ever, the amazing game winning goal from Argentina against Mexico, the shootout between England and Portugal, a red card for Wayne Rooney, the United States giving Italy all they could handle, France knocking off the heavily favored Brazilians, and a German team that far exceeded their own national expectations.  Unfortunately, this World Cup will be forever remembered for the brutal head butt that yielded French star Zidane a red card in the overtime period of the final.

Forza Italia.  I bet the streets are still sticky in Firenze, Roma, Torino, and Milano this morning.