VANCOUVER (Reuters) - A World Cup that kicked off amidst one of the biggest scandals in football history ended in joyous celebration on Sunday as the United States defeated Japan 5-2 in a free-wheeling clash that offered some hope of better days ahead for the so-called Beautiful Game.
The troubles that have rocked the sport's governing body FIFA for more than a month seemed a world away as golden confetti rained down on a capacity crowd of over 53,000 at BC Place following an entertaining contest that showcased the good in a sport some had started to believe was rotten to the core.