The enthusiasm ...

South African supporter Gregory Da Silva, who called himself The Egg Man, holds a 25-kilogram hat as he walks among World Cup supporters in Cape Town on June 17.

On the field of play, South Africa fared worse than any host nation in World Cup history. Off the field, it was a resounding winner, overcoming past strife and present troubles to charm the world with pluck, hard work and warmth. The pre-tournament skeptics abroad - who forecast crime and chaos - had to swallow their words. At home, black and white South Africans joined together as never before, sharing pride in their formerly fractured country and marveling at the world's embrace.