The World Cup has wrapped up for another year. The race for the final 2 playoff spots was just the beginning of what turned into a thrilling second half of the season. Italy, Argentina and Brazil all had to wait until the final game of the round robin to find out their fate.
As a result of a 3-3 Brazil - Argentina tie, the final four were set as Germany and Portugal awaited their opponents. Each semifinal showcased the teamwork required to win a championship. Unlike the round robin portion where scores were, at times, very lopsided, the semis proved to be very evenly matched. Both games were pushed into penalties by late game heroics, and it was Portugal and Brazil each coming out with 4-3 victories to make their way onto the finale.
Much in the same fashion as the semi finals, the championship proved to be just as exciting. With a brace by both sides, for the third game in a row, the outcome was to be decided by penalties. In the end Brazil came from narrowly making the playoffs to being crowned 2017 World Cup Champions.
Congratulations to all of this year's participants! You worked hard, you got better, and it looked like you had a lot of fun!
