Brazil's stirring comeback to snatch a 3-2 victory over the United States in the final was a fitting conclusion to a positive tournament played out before a passionate public, where 44 goals were scored in 16 matches.
Thrown into the mix was the United States' stunning 2-0 upset victory over European champions Spain in the semi-finals, a feat the Americans almost surpassed when they led Brazil by the same score at half-time in the final.
However, in the words of U.S. coach Bob Bradley "Brazil showed just why they are Brazil" with three goals in the second half to retain the trophy and install themselves as early favourites to lift a sixth World Cup next year.
Luis Fabiano's brace and a thundering header from skipper Lucio completed Brazil's tally of 14 goals in five matches after Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan had threatened to give the U.S. a stunning victory in their a first global tournament final.
Whether it was the incessant sound of the vuvuzela creating a surreal atmosphere in the stadiums or the fact that playing in South Africa took away home advantage for the "bigger" teams, most matches were open and featured end-to-end play.
Fernando Torres' 11-minute hat-trick in their opening 5-0 defeat of New Zealand was among the competition's highlights, as was Egypt's astonishing fightback in their 4-3 loss to Brazil.
The Italian coach will be even more concerned about the aging side's ability to defend their title when they were humiliated days later by a rampant Brazil, who tore them apart with a three-goal burst in eight minutes either side of halftime.
