So long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good-bye...

I'm sitting here in Heathrow airport crafting my final post for Year Of The Yank. I predicted that my return to normalcy would likely result in an atrophy of the blog, but instead I've decided that a clean sever would provide more closure. This was always more of a communication line back to The States, rather than an analysis of games in the tournament. Nobody wants to read that I thought Algeria were passing the ball exquisitely in their last game, or that England is playing lazy because they feel like the win should be easy for them.

It was an amazing trip. We attended four games but had to miss attending two because of travel logistics. Also, I didn't get to watch as many games on television as if I was sitting at home on my couch, but it was still worth it. The people who came to South Africa for the Cup and the people who live there provided a wonderful travel experience.

My predictions for the rest of the World Cup is obviously that the United States will win the Cup, and if I'm wrong, there will be no blog post to humbly admit it. Although, if I'm right, I may add a few comments taunting all 31 other nations; especially England. Other predictions:

• England will not make it to the round of 16.
• At least one African nation will make it to the quaterfinals.
• Ronaldo's yellow card for arguing will not be overturned by FIFA, and he'll eventually get another for diving, causing him to miss an important match in which Portugal will be knocked out of the tournament.

I'm not certain I'll be going to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I don't imagine that country could ever be as welcoming as South Africa, and I think they have too much soccer ego. If I do go, it would likely only be to Rio De Janiero and I'd just see whichever games come to that city. Plus I need time to rest after this trip and four years just might not cut it. I might be ready by 2018, especially if the USA or England win the bid to host.

I don't have many regrets at all about this trip. If planning it again, I supposed I'd end the trip with Cape Town instead of starting it. I'd like to say I'd follow the U.S.A. team to all three of their group games, but that makes for a lengthy vacation and I wanted to see some of the other National teams that I might not have a chance to see. I think a larger group would make driving and navigating easier for remote locations. I don't know how many times The Blonde said "Left" meaning right, and vice-versa. I'd still rent a car in each city, even though we barely used it in Cape Town.

I may plan a Barclay's Premier League four-day weekend either this fall or spring, consisting of a Saturday and Sunday game in the London or nearby areas, if I can work out the logistics. If any of you know me personally and have an interest in going, let me know if you want in.

Goodbye and happy footballing from London,

TeedeeG and The Blonde.