Italy were eventually crowned as World Champions for the fourth time in their history and became the most successful European team in the World game.

England's interest this summer ended, as it did in Japan four years ago, in the Quarter-Final stages to a Luis Felipe Scolari team, this time Portugal on penalties.

But the month-long football extravaganza brought us some magnificent games, brilliant goals and some magical memories of all 32-teams and their armies of fans.

We just can't wait until next time. Roll on South Africa 2010...

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