It wasn't perfect
It did little to disrupt Italy's own celebration -- what could stop that, after all -- but the hostile reaction inside Olympic Stadium Sunday clearly was misguided. The derisive whistling that serenaded the Azzurri's triumph in the World Cup final short-changed the champions while spotlighting yet another FIFA failure.
July 11: Full Story

Beauty's in eye of Azzurri
Gianluigi Buffon, the brilliant Italian goalkeeper, sprawled on the Olympic Stadium green, caressing the World Cup trophy as if it was a beautiful bouncing baby. He kissed it, rubbed it and showed it to his friends -- both his triumphant Azzurri teammates and, via television, their enraptured fans around the world.
July 10: Full Story

Azzurri believes its time is now
They are hung from the patios at the countless Italian restaurants and pizza joints around the Hackescher Market and Alexanderplatz.
July 9: Full Story

30 days of memories
The Deutsche Bahn, Germany's wonderfully efficient train system, has been both the pulse and provider to the World Cup.
July 8: Full Story


Previous Columns:

July 7: Italy: Strength through scandal
July 6: It's the Zizou of old
July 5: Portugal on verge of greatness
July 4: Getting down to business
July 3: Italy deserves respect
July 2: Portugal seals it with a kiss
July 1: Fever pitch
June 30: A Cup classic awaits
June 29: England's song of hope
June 28: Ronaldo still has magic touch
June 27: Azzurri remain alive
June 26: Portugal earns nasty victory
June 25: Prosit!
June 24: Brazilians your best bet
June 23: Italians zoned in
June 22: Scolari works his magic
June 21: Nothing comes easy
June 20: Where's Canada?
June 19: Brazil still warming up
June 18: Feisty U.S. toughs it out
June 17: USA at home in K-town
June 16: English taken to limit
June 15: Germany cheers and fights
June 14: Rusty start for Brazil
June 13: Azzurri comes out strong
June 12: Azzurri going on offensive
June 11: England 'suffers' in win
June 10: The beautiful game
June 8: Medium-sized upset
June 8: One big block party
June 8: Germans talking big
June 1: Is Becks at his best?
May 25: No pressure on Americans
May 18: Life of the party
May 11: Sven defends Hargreaves