So this is what it feels like to miss out on a World Cup. I've been asked enough times since the final whistle in Milan that I figure I might as well come up with an answer.
Truth be told, it hurts less -- a lot less -- than losing a World Cup semifinal on penalties or a European Championship final on a Golden Goal. At least right now. Maybe it will feel different in the summer, or even just next month at the draw, when the excitement builds and you realize that you are not a part of the biggest spectacle in sports.