BRENDAN CONROY,
Sir, - Both Oliver Kahn and Tom Humphries had exceptional World Cups, so it was a pity that both of them should drop the ball on the very last day. Kahn couldn't manage to hold onto Rivaldo's drive, while Humphries, in an equally uncharacteristic move, let himself down with his comments about the Brazilians' public expression of their faith after their wonderful victory (Locker Room, July 1st).
While the Brazilians clearly offended Tom's sensibilities, he, like Kahn, may eventually be able to look at a bigger picture. Maybe the fact that the Brazilians believe in God and express it without embarrassment as they do is as much a reason why they play the game with such flair and joy as all the other intangible elements that make up the heady cocktail of their soccer teams. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN CONROY, Mulvey Park, Windy Arbour, Dublin 14.
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Sir, - Tom Humphries, king of the World Cup Final. In his racy style he has heightened our highs and deepened our lows - what a joy to read his column. - Yours, etc.,
MARGOT McMAHON, Dr Mannix Road, Salthill, Galway.