I guess it’s a tall order trying to publish ’10  World Cup Photos – that you won’t have seen’. However, with Brazil so emphatically knocked out, and the tournament reaching a climax this week-end I thought I would try.

Not least as whilst this year’s World Cup has seen seen global TV audiences smash national records across the planet, and ‘second screen’ social media applications grow out of all proportion, the media’s barrage of images, stories and sound-bites have been colourful, constant and all consuming.

Mindful that I am one of the lucky people to have visited Brazil during the World Cup – staying in Sao Paulo, Rio and Belo Horizonte – I too appreciate the watching world’s excitement levels as the drama of arguably the best World Cup ever has unfolded. The group matches alone set TV audience records: in the UK (20m watching the England v Uruguay match I attended); Brazil (42.9m opening game v Croatia); Germany (27.3m for Germany v USA); Italy 15.3m (for their England game). Similarly Greek viewing peaked (81.3%) verses Ivory Coast; France (56.3% verses Hondurus). Audiences in the USA have also far exceeded expectations, with more fans travelling to Brazil from the US than any other country.

Equally, although the audited global viewing figures will be announced after the tournament has finished, broadcasters are predicting that the Final, on 13th July, will be watched by well over the 909m in 2010.

Social media has experienced similar audiences. For example Twitter has mushroomed in activity with over 300m tweets in the first two weeks, almost double the 150m tweets during London 2012 Olympics. When Brazil were knocked out 7-1 by Germany social media volumes exploded, with Twitter confirming more than 35 million tweets. Facebook also recorded their highest level of activity with 66 million people having over 200 million conversations.

These 10 Photos, all of which I took whilst at the Brazil World Cup, are in my mind snap shots of how everyday ‘normal life’ in Brazil has been affected. From the small-scale caipirinha street salesman and Ipanema beach activities set up, through to the larger mining industry near Belo Horizonte and huge influx of international visitors. Brazil’s politics, commerce and sense of party will probably never be the same.

Well, until the 2016 Olympic Games that is.

1. A praia.

2. Open for business – all hours.

3. Brazil’s natural wealth – Belo Horizonte mine (taken as my flight approached the airport).

4. Rio’s Maracanã Stadium, venue of 13th July Final – sand castle version.

5. Fans everywhere, all the time – millions of them singing, dancing, partying …  shouting, chanting, crying.

6. Crowded Corcovado – every day’s a busy Christ the Redeemer match day.

7. Ipanema Beach at dawn – before the rush.

8. Rio’s riot police – enjoying a lighter moment.

 9. Train travellers – last stragglers en route to the game.

10. Beautiful, Brazilian and blond.