a general sense of happiness and the warm carioca hospitality made each day a memorable event and a reason for many to return to rio de janeiro in the future. on all game days flags, wigs, and colorful costumes filled the streets in what resembled  a street party during carnival. while brazil did not win the tournament, brazilians and cariocas succeeded in winning the hearts of all who came, perhaps a much more important trophy.

curiously, the final match, disputed at maracanã in rio de janeiro between argentina and germany, was dubbed the final of the popes, as at that time two popes were alive: the argentinean jorge mario gergoglio (pope francis), and the retired german pope joseph ratzinger.

the official website  for the event, for news and updates, is accessible via this link.