World Cup Fever

It grips everyone. Even if you hate ‘the beautiful game’, you will still follow the Football World Cup. It’s magical how this unifying force, that is football, entrances the world with a spell that sinks right into the heart, and then the passion, the excitement, the energy, the devotion, all come out like gushing water bursting out from a shattered dam. The sheer emotion and euphoria when your team scores, and pure pain when your team loses is something that’s priceless. To me football is purely sublime. Do you feel the same?

My team, – Arsenal all the way. Their fast-paced attacking football and thrilling one touch play has won my love. But as this is a World Cup post, let me not dwell too much on them – but just one thing – hell today will be one of my most memorable days yet, if they lift the coveted Champions League, and kick some Barca butt.

I got converted into a football fan after the 1998 World Cup. Brazil’s samba made me a Brazilian Indian, atleast in the sphere of football. Well not really a glory supported, I have supported Brazil ever since 1998. 2002 was truly majestic. Even though Brazil were a little lack-lustre that year, they pulled through remarkably and captured their 5th crown. I love them. This year, unlike 2002, Brazil are the favourites. With pace, flair and ‘attack’ written all over, they will only lose in the World Cup because they are too darn good. I hope not, but thats the tendency. The favourites have too much pressure and that pulls them down. Ronaldinho and Adriano are going to be the stars of this World Cup, and its evident that no team can match Brazil’s brilliance. But the World Cup is known for its twist, and I just hope that Brazil won’t be a part of it.

Here are my predictions:- (well, also ‘hopes’)

WINNERS – BRAZIL
(Yeah the clear favourites, both on paper and gamewise, so don’t argue. Whatever you could argue about, I have already put in my earlier synopsis)

BEST PLAYER – RONALDINHO
(Don’t even argue about this one, ok maybe Henry might give him a little competition, but the Arsenal Maestro doesn’t seem to know how to perform for his country)

GOLDEN BOOT – ADRIANO
(Yeah ok, fight on, this award is always a surprise)

SILVER BOOT – MICHAEL OWEN
(Yeah I know he is out of form and all, but I won’t be surprised if he comes back with a bang – he is quality and one of the only players I like from England)

BEST COACH – LUIS FILLEPE SCOLARI
(I have a lot of respect for this man, especially for his great exploits with Brazil in 2002. Portugal are lucky to have him as their manager. But the all time best manager ever, according to me, still is Arsene Wenger)

BIGGEST SURPRISE – THEO WALCOTT
(If this guy shows his true potential of a wonder kid in this year’s World Cup, I won’t be happy for England, but boy I would be counting my beloved Arsenal’s blessings.)

MOST PROMISING TEAM – IVORY COAST
(Eboue, Toure and Drogba might produce some magic, and there’s a high possibility of them emulating 2002’s South Korea)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT – GERMANY
(I know this sounds harsh, but I feel they don’t have the props to make it big in this tournament, despite the home support. I therefore feel they will be the biggest disappointment of this World Cup)

THE TEAM I HATE THE MOST – ENGLAND
(Call me hypocritical, but I feel they are over-rated. They have never really ‘performed’, and their captain, Mr Becks, is especially frustrating)

MOST OVER-RATED PLAYER – RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
(Most of his goals are tap-ins. He is known for his silly, malicious attitude, and this World Cup he is going to be as frustrating. According to me, he’s a born loser. Yeah he will score some dull goals this World Cup, but he will also prove how boring a footballer he is. Posh’s Becks placed a close second for this award, by the way. Please feel free to differ)

You know what you need to do, you need to get gripped in this football frenzy. What do you feel? Who do you support? You can do the following to be heard:
1. Copy-paste the ‘predictions’ bit onto your comments, and give your predictions, with suitable reasons.
2. If that’s too long and boring, just comment about your favourite team, or against anything you don’t bloody with agree with on this post.
3. This you have to do. Create your own Fantasy World Cup team at http://fpli.premierleague.com/ and join this private league whose code is 14426-3932. Let your football wisdom unfold.

I hope you do atleast one of the above. Till later – blog on.
Keep up the football spirit and Brazil – kick some ass.