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FIFA President Sepp Blatter gives 2014 World Cup a “9.25 out of 10"

FIFA President Sepp Blatter addresses the media in Zurich

FIFA President Sepp Blatter addresses the media after meeting the presidents of the soccer federations of Israel and Palestine at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich September 3, 2013. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann (SWITZERLAND - Tags: SPORT SOCCER POLITICS)

REUTERS

Before the world’s media left Brazil after spending well over a month in the South American nation, FIFA President Sepp Blatter held one final press conference to wrap up the 2014 World Cup.

In true fashion, Blatter didn’t disappoint as he spoke at length about a variety of topics. He discussed discrimination being an issue at the tournament and wasn’t happy with the way it was dealt with in Brazil, being “surprised” that Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball and “hopes” that Luis Suarez will be back.

[ RELATED: Story of the 2014 World Cup ]

After giving the 2010 World Cup in South Africa a " 9 out of 10" overall, Blatter rated Brazil as slightly better.

In a World Cup that many, including myself, are calling one of the best in history, Blatter really could have gone for a 10 out of 10 here. Right?

Were there any major issues in Brazil during the actual tournament? Nope. Was the standard of play exceptional? Yes. However the fact that so many stadium delays and other disputes played out in the lead up to the showpiece event may have scuppered Brazil’s chances of getting a perfect 10 in Sepp’s book.

Oh well. Maybe I am getting caught up in the romance of it all and Brazil really only deserved a 9.25 at best. Anyway, here is what Blatter had to say.

“We have improved on four years ago in South Africa. We consulted all our computers and our Facebooks and decided on 9.25 out of 10 because perfection does not exist in football. This was my 10th World Cup and my fifth as president and what makes this so very, very special was the quality of the football and the intensity of the games.”

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