In the history of world football, some games really stand out.
Games in which both sides are intent on taking it up to their opposition and players are prepared to express themselves freely despite the danger that any error may be capitalised upon by their alert adversaries.
Games in which the slick interchange of passes is only surpassed in technical brilliance by the clinical and decisive finishing.
Games where both sets of defenders are totally uncompromising, yet still play within the spirit of fair play.
Games where there is an engrossing struggle for dominance between the evenly-matched midfields and the forwards of both teams work tirelessly for the full 90 minutes.
Games when you are really hoping that the teams are tied at full-time, just so you can see another 30 minutes of engrossing and enthralling action.
Yes, there have been some truly great games that grabbed the hearts and minds of football lovers everywhere and will live long in our memories.
Unfortunately, today's final was not one of those games.
