For Brazil, it was the upside-down World Cup.
Brazilians lost at what they were certain they would win -- soccer -- and won where so many expected failure -- organization.
For years, the country's government has endured grueling criticism from FIFA over severely delayed stadiums. Leaders rode out a wave of protests last year over billions spent on the tournament despite poor public services.
Foreign tabloids warned fans of man-eating snakes and violence, while domestic newspapers grilled officials over every imaginable aspect of Cup preparations.
Many serious doubts remain: about corruption related to World Cup works; whether the country will see economic benefits from hosting the games; and whether dozens of infrastructure projects promised as the biggest legacy of the event will ever be completed.
But there is no question that the goal of giving the world a smoothly run, exuberant sporting spectacle surpassed all expectations.
"I think it's been awesome," said Scott Zapczysky, a 39-year-old jiu jitsu instructor from Michigan, as he took in the final match at the Fan Fest on Copacabana beach Sunday night.
"I thought it was going to be an enormous disaster, to be honest. But it looks good. I think people are really happy."
Brazilians would disagree with him on one point: They were crushed by their team's historic 7-1 loss in the semifinals, followed by a 3-0 drubbing in the consolation game.
Still, President Dilma Rousseff took clear delight in the Cup's success, and in handing her critics a plate of humble pie.
