Neil Saxton Reflects on a World Cup to Remember

Having experienced the FIFA World Cup firsthand in the USA and Mexico, one thing has become abundantly clear to me: this tournament has been about far more than football.

The action on the pitch on the whole, has been exceptional and England's run to the semi-final and subsequent third place medal (their best finish since 1966) was great to witness in person.

As I travelled throughout North America and Mexico, it's clear the World Cup has a unique ability to bring together different cultures, languages and nations through a shared love of the game. Everywhere I've visited, I've witnessed supporters from around the world celebrating, debating and enjoying football together, regardless of who they support.

One moment that particularly stood out was the reaction of Mexican supporters following England's victory. Despite the disappointment of the result, they were gracious and showed tremendous sportsmanship. It was a reminder that rivalry and respect can happily coexist in football. Whilst the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is iconic and the match was probably the greatest football match Ive ever attended it was the newer stadiums in Dallas and Atlanta that had a wow factor and compared to any of the great stadiums in the world.

The host nation also deserves enormous credit. Throughout the tournament, I have been continually impressed by the hospitality shown to visiting supporters. From stadium staff and volunteers to hospitality teams and local communities, everyone has played their part in creating a welcoming experience. This was so important for the harmony of supporters, who in some cases had to travel great distances between games.

The professionalism and friendliness of both the police and event staff have also been outstanding, helping to create a safe and enjoyable environment for fans from every nation.

And that's what makes it the greatest sporting event in the world.