I am still unconvinced. The data set is incredibly small, incredibly noisy, and after the South African tournament only convincing if you cherry pick the right

I am still unconvinced. The data set is incredibly small, incredibly noisy, and after the South African tournament only convincing if you cherry pick the right results. The last time an Europen team didn't make it to the finals was in 1950. If climate really did matter that much, you wouldn't expect that. In addition to 2010 that you chose to ignore, the US world cup final went to the penalties and the 1986 Mexico final was tied 2-2 between Argentina and West Germany until something like 10 minutes before the end. (And a non-European team was in the finals largely thanks to the most famous refereeing error in the history of the sport). That evidence looks really weak.