Lessons galore from the 2014 Fifa World Cup bonanza

NAIROBI, KENYA: In the last one month, football fans across the world have been treated to the world's most prestigious soccer bonanza.

Those who could not travel to Brazil to witness the game first-hand had to contend with watching it from the comfort of their homes. It provided the much-needed distraction from the vicissitudes of daily life. These wild flights of fancy came to an end last night.

The contagious Samba spirit was evident on and off-pitch as opposing teams embraced, laughed and danced. People of different races, cultures, beliefs, political and religious persuasions came together to support their teams. They shared in their triumphs and grieved in their losses.

The humiliation of Brazil at the hands of Germany was unbelievable and sorrowful to many. The resilience of Costa Rica and the unity of Team USA wowed many.

In Kenya, the event came at a time when criminal elements had subdued the spirit after a wave of attacks claimed lives and caused despondency among the citizenry.

Prevalent insecurity prompted the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Joseph Ole Lenku to advise against going to social places for fear of terrorists staging an attack similar to the one executed in Kampala during the 2010 Fifa World Cup finals.

So far, so good.

Meanwhile, Brazilians used the preparations' time of  the tournament to stage demonstrations that drew the world's attention to their social and economic problems.

Faced with high corruption, high cost of living, high unemployment rates and poor service provision by the Government, many Brazilians believed the State should have put these billions to better use that would improve their lives.

On the flip side, hosting the World Cup had its positives. There have been huge investments in infrastructure and environmental conservation and generally the feel-good factor associated with being thrust into the world stage. On the whole, Brazil has proved to be a generous and kind host.

But it fell down to earth after their disgraceful exit in the semi-finals. The country awoke to its myriad of problems and President Dilma Rousseff could be staring at defeat in elections scheduled for October.

Africa as usual, held out great hopes, only to disappoint yet again. A report in the Sunday Times (of London) before the start of the World Cup, exposed how African Football Federations were allegedly compromised by Qatar in its bid to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup. Revelations of how African football chiefs got monetary inducements to influence their voting for Doha to host the tournament cast Africa in bad light.

And the dismal performance of African teams seems to buttress those claims.

The world witnessed as some of the best players in the world club football were outmanoeuvred, outplayed or simply crumbled. Was there foul play? Of all the African teams, Algeria and Nigeria impressed. The rest were a let-down.

In fact, the President of Cameroon Paul Biya has ordered a probe following the team's exit at the group stage.

Indeed, Africa has the capacity to win the most prestigious cup. African footballers exhibit the best of individual skill on the field yet no team from the continent has gone beyond the quarter finals stage. What is the problem?

Presumably, Kenya's Harambee Stars were the only team at the World Cup that never played a single match. It is hoped that the team has brought home a few lessons.

There is no doubt that the world was (to echo the Fifa 2014 World Cup motto) "All in one rhythm".