And as it has often happened in the past, this one too turned into an eye-catching exhibition of attacking end to end football. And it might so happen that this is the last display of attacking football that you might see in this World Cup, considering past history of final matches.

Anyhow Portugal versus Germany it was and Luis Figo and Michael Ballack both started on the bench but there was a start for German favourite Oliver Kahn, in what would turn out to be his last match for the national team. It is great testament to a career, which has seen Kahn dominate the world headlines for reasons both right and wrong. Kahn bowed out in style and showed that he has lost none of the touches that made him a revered figure in the Far East, four years earlier.

The big man showed his presence early on with a smart save off Pauleta but after that the Germans shored up the Portugal attack and although Cristiano Ronaldo threatened, he was almost always effectively shackled. The hosts then pressed forward with Podolski and Klose always looking a threat but the linkup play did not always prove effective. The revamped midfield of Frings, Kehl, Schneider and Schweinsteiger took time to settle and it was to be the latter who would steal the headlines later in the day.

Although Kehl was denied a clear goal early on after a blatant handball that the officials failed to spot, the midfielder pressed and nearly sent a chip shot in had Ricardo not intervened.

It finished goalless at the break and there were whispers of discontent but all that disappeared soon after the restart.

Bastian Schweinsteiger or 'Schweini' as he is affectionately called raced down the left, cut inside in that ever familiar patter of his, rode on challenge, skipped by another and even got out of the referee's way before sending in a thumping shot between Ricardo's outstretched arms. A fantastic goal to put the hosts into overdrive.

And minutes later, Schweini doubled Germany's tally after his searing freekick deflected in off the unfortunate Petit.

The Germans were playing fluid attacking football and Portugal too upped their tempo by fielding (for a short while be it!) two strikers in Nuno Gomes and Pauleta.

However, the latter was soon withdrawn and there was time for a farewell appearance too for Luis Figo. One of the most charismatic players to have played the game this marks the second time Figo has walked away from the national team, but this may well be for keeps.

Figo's introduction forced Kahn into a couple of blinding saves from Deco and Gomes but it was Schweini again who took the spotlight with another outstanding effort, yet again cutting inside from his left midfield position before firing in an outstanding curler from 30-yards.

Two glorious pieces of individualism and forcing another goal.

This was truly Bastian Schweinsteiger's day.

There was still time for a bit of Luis Figo magic though as the Portuguese sent in a perfect cross for Nuno Gomes to head home.

The end of the match saw the German's awarded with medals from Platini and Chancellor Angela Merkel, who dallied that bit longer with the effervescent Klinsmann as if making a point to him to stay on.

However the image that will live on with everyone will be of Luis Figo and Oliver Kahn walking off arm in arm. Two great fighters, two great individual talents, two of the best players of the last decade.

This was a perfect match for a send-off into the sunset for the two 'gunslingers.'

The Germans were in the end, just not that bit good enough. They settle for third place in a home World Cup and Luis Felipe Scolari's Portugal make do with fourth.

Here's to hoping the final was good watching for you folks!