Who are the winners and losers?

It started with a stunning upset in Seoul, when Senegal humbled the champions France. It finished yesterday in a blizzard of tickertape and fireworks when Brazil skipper Cafu lifted the World Cup in Yokohama.

Some purists have moaned that it has not been a classic, but few could complain about the entertainment levels and no-one could have predicted the results. And for those fans who travelled to the Far East, it has been an unforgettable experience.

Here, Matt Lawton and Steve Curry select their heroes and villains.