With the nets packed away after the 19th FIFA World Cup, it is somewhere very important to take a look back and reflect on its success.

For a French or an Italian, it might be something to get away with and move on but for the New Zealanders and not to forget the first time title holders Spain, it will be a wonderful memory.

Pim Verbeek watched over a Socceroo's qualification campaign that may not be improved for some time. But at chomp time there were two matches to be pompous of and one to put on the discriminatory amnesia heap.

As Australia persists to foyer for the 2022 football spectacle, it's vital to remember that a World Cup is bigger than the football and the reminiscences last long after the final screech has sounded.

South Africa did an exceptional job as hosts and a few weeks in the host Country confirmed, what a nation with moderately little means can do when the world comes to stay.

The critics expecting terrorist assails and mutiny were proved wrong. Security warnings were abundant yet the locals were found to be gracious, warm and most of all, nervous that their visitors would enjoy their time in the Rainbow realm.

There were remote security incidents, but South Africa did not plunk out as having more troubles than any other country hosting a chief world event.