Without doubt the best moment in FIFA's World Cup closing show yesterday at the International Stadium Yokohama was the hoisting of the trophy by Brazil captain Cafu.
Smoke and silver streamers showered the players, an exuberant Pele and satisfied looking officials, as confetti rained from the stadium's roof.
Otherwise, it was a spectacularly uncomfortable affair, ranging from the lows of K and J-Pop, to the politically expedient holding of hands between the co-hosts' leaders.
It began with flags, lots of them, accompanied by the national anthems of the two host countries, South Korea and Japan.
The banners of the 32 nations which had competed in the World Cup were then paraded around the pitch, sent up the stands and waved for the benefit of a half-full stadium an hour-and-a-half before the match.
Then came the Taiko drums, which were impressive and sounded a rhythm that began to fill the stadium.
Enter hundreds of ladies dressed in kimonos -- stage left, right and center -- along with what appeared to be another round and very large flag that was placed in the center circle.
As the Taiko drums beat louder and faster the flag rose from the ground and, hey presto, Mount Fuji appeared on the pitch and stood 20m-tall. It was a bit of magic that had the crowd shouting for Germany and Brazil and the start of the game.
But no, first we would be treated to the Voices of Korea/Japan, who were on hand at the opening ceremony in Seoul. This time round it was execrable.
Later, Anastasia managed to spoil it all by waving her stomach around as dancers carried reflective sheets of metal and did backflips. The US song-siren sang one of the FIFA World Cup theme tunes and left as quickly as she came to general indifference.
Soccer's supporters were then thankfully left to savor the final without further interruption.
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