With the ongoing Fifa World Cup in South Africa though, it was a no brainer really deciding on what my next blog would be dedicated to.
Rather than getting into details of historic world cups, past champions, individual brilliances, the odd 'Hand of God' goal, I rather wish to press on why these fabulous few weeks do not just constitute a tournament - they highlight a celebration...a celebration of the beautiful game that is football (and I don't mean that sad sorry sport called American Football where you're probably using most parts of your body other than yes you guessed it...the damn foot!!)
Ok so why is this a celebration then you ask. According to me, here's a few reasons why.
1. It's nice to see some nationalistic pride taking over club loyalty for once.
2. Unlike other sports where only around 10-12 nations participate in a world cup, this literally includes nations from every possible continent. Where else could we get the thrill of watching a nation, otherwise isolated and often ridiculed globally, displaying a lion hearted performance against the might and flair of Brazil. For the non followers, I was referring to North Korea.
3. Provides us spectators insights on players who for most part of the year spend much time bonding with others from different countries thanks to their clubs. It wouldn't be surprising to know that when Ronaldo was so integral to Man Utd, Rooney and him were probably better mates than Rooney was with maybe Lampard. Therefore, it's obviously interesting to see how national teams create chemistry and unity amongst themselves for a handful of weeks while they fiercely compete against one another for the rest of the year and possibly develop famous rivalries.
4. In this highly globalised world, where we spend our average day with friends and colleagues from diverse nations, races and religions, it's a great experience to cheer for our own fav teams, pass the odd below the belt comment about their teams and in general enjoy great camaraderie with each other. Of course, it's a very good thing India and Pak wouldn't qualify at least for the next 30-40 yrs. I'm sure I wouldn't be enjoying any sort of friendly banter there.5. Another big reason adding more flavour to the Cup is obviously the host nation. We all know how the vuvuzela has been such a big part in South Africa. Love it or hate it but it obviously generates an opinion. Similarly, it could be the large mugs of beer in England or the Samba in Brazil giving character to the tournament depending on where it's held.
6. For the last couple of weeks I also have been getting several bits of advice and possible tactics that each team and individual player should probably adopt going into their next match. All of this is fine - however, when you realise the player they refer to has either retired a good 10 yrs ago or is no longer part of the team does humour me. Well, on a positive note, at least it's creating interest in people who haven't been following the game over a period of time or at all.
7. The best players of the world would look to use this platform to showcase their match winning skills and put them on stage as one of the best in the game ever. Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo (the Brazilian one) have all done it and proved they were the best amongst the best. A few Englishmen would question why Maradona is included in there, but guys, c'mon, one 'hand' doesn't really question his skills as a genuine match winner and when needed, a match maker too. To this day, Argentina continues to be my sentimental fav in every World Cup and that's only because of Mr. Diego Maradona.
I continue to cheer for Argentina and England during the course of this World Cup. The suited Maradona definitely looks like he's going to lead the team well towards the final stages while I'd just like to keep my mouth shut after watching England in their first 2 leagues matches.
All the best to all you guys cheering on for your own teams. May the best team win!
Until next time!
Were u referring point 6 towards me?:p
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