Casillas was the best goalkeeper of the World Cup: Oliver Kahn

The Spanish goalkeeper conceded just two goals in the tournament, none in the last four games and was outstanding in the final against the Netherlands

The Spanish goalkeeper conceded just two goals in the tournament, none in the last four games and was outstanding in the final against the Netherlands

super saver: Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas (right) pulls off a brilliant save during the FIFA World Cup football final pics/afp

I was also often asked to comment on the goalkeepers. I was slightly disappointed with their performances. Before the final I asked myself: Which goalkeeper has dominated the tournament.

There were good performances from time to time and I would then think that this 'keeper could be THE ONE, but then there were always mistakes like that of Maarten Stekelenburg, who conceded this funny goal against Uruguay.

I was not that impressed with Iker Casillas in the beginning, but he became stronger as the tournament progressed. When everything was at stake I had the feeling that he could make key saves. Like the penalty against Paraguay and he also played very well against Germany in the semi-final.

Best goalkeeper
He conceded just two goals during the competition and none in the last four games and was outstanding in the final and showed that he was the goalkeeper who played the best tournament.

The other thing, of course, that people were looking at very closely, is how the World Cup was organized. I think you do not have to look at it so sceptically ufffd so typically German ufffd and try to find areas where things did not work 100 per cent.

What I saw was a country with an incredible culture. Of course there is a huge contrast between rich and poor in South Africa.

But it is a fantastic country with friendly people who did everything they could to ensure that a brilliant World Cup takes place. That there were minor hiccups along the way is par for the course, I think.

I believe that the hysteria around security that was raised in Germany caused serious damage. This hysteria ufffd and I must honestly say ufffd was a frenzy started by the media.

No security issues
From a German perspective it caused huge damage and was the reason why so few Germans came to South Africa.

I can only say that I noticed nothing of this huge security threat.

Of course, you don't go into certain neighbourhoods at night, but seriously, such neighbourhoods exist in Germany too.

I was in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane and in Durban ufffd I was practically everywhere and I felt comfortable and safe.

I found this hysteria that raged ahead of the tournament quite sad and if you then compared that with the way it really was, then the difference is very striking.

Of course I also noticed huge differences. I often drove past townships and you can't but help notice these things.

To be honest, I have a huge problem to look down at the townships from some luxury hotel or wonderful house in the hills of Cape Town or Johannesburg. These contrasts between rich and poor make me very, very thoughtful.