South America, and Brazil in particular, have made huge strides in economic development. Sure there's been 2 steps forward, and 1 step back (and Chavez is a whole other story), but that's the nature of becoming. It's great to see Brazil win the opportunity to shine even more on a global stage.
My thoughts go out to the Chicago team (and friends on it). You did a stand out job. The solace to take - it wasn't ours to win, but theirs to lose. In the world zeitgeist, now is the time for Brazil.
Flickr photo credit: ®oberto's