Ricky Martin called it the Cup of Life and over the last month 32 nations, 736 Men converged in Germany in this wondeful summer of 2006 and fought for the Cup of Life like only worthy Sportsmen can. And now after 63 matches, as 46 men stand on the brink of sporting glory, one of them knows fully well that victory will bring with it Immortality.The World Cup comes once in four years and outshines every other soccer tournament. It brings with it joy to some and tears to some. In the space of a couple of fortnights, ordinary men are transformed into heroes, while hitherto heroes are humbled. A million hopes are dashed, while for some, their dreams are renewed. The Underdogs enjoy their moment in the Sun while the favourites are constantly under the scanner. It makes the young and the old, Men and Women go Soccer Crazy.It makes India forget Cricket for a month. And this World Cup has been no different.
The Australians left their qualification tragedy of last time behind them and played like only the Aussies can - tough and unrelenting - their resolve firmer and their attack more venomous with every Viduka sprint. Thanks to the Soca Warriors and their spirit, Brian Lara took a backseat in Trinidad & Tobago. Soccer proved itself the greatest of levellers when the Yankees were humbled by Ghana. The absolute power of Money or Political weight couldnt stop the Africans coz the game is above all this. The English had a mini celebration when their young Hero, their means to the Ultimate Soccer title, Wayne Rooney was declared fit to play. Like most teenagers, Rooney showed a lot of energy, anything less than 90 minutes on the field drew tantrums from him. The world sat up and took notice of this prodigious talent, but he made the same mistake his Captain made more infamously 8 years back. The Brits were ousted, with their coach playing a greater role in their ouster than the opposition. The Argentines came, 23 of them, and each of those 23 knew fully well that they could all the way. They showed early signs of brilliance. Serbia and Montenegro players got the best seats for a class in team football, as they watched a Goal made in heaven. But for the Argentines, it wasnt to be. The Argentines thought this World Cup was theirs for the taking, they had Messi on the field and Maradona in the stands, but the Germans had other plans. Their coach, a World Cup hero himself, had never coached a team in his entire life. He came under a lot of criticism, but he kept urging his boys to attack and managed to build a solid attacking team. Yesterday the hosts finished third and this very coach of theirs - Jurgen Klinsmann, who brought the cup home to Deutschland 16 years back got a standing ovation. But in all this he refused to speak about himself, but urged the nation to applaud the team - A team not many thought would get so far. Through all this, The Azzuris made quiet progress. They had their share of the big names and importantly for them these big names played big too.
No account of the World Cup is complete without talking about the Brazillians. The Brazilians should have sailed into the finals with ease. They had it all going for them - A Magician in their ranks, a resurgent and determined striker out to show to the world that the magic was still there, two world class defenders one of whom is almost twice Rooney's age but is as solid in defence as ever. They dominated all the pre-World Cup promotional videos. But, they were undone. They were defeated. By their nemesis, by a resurgent French team, who refused to give up when on the brink of elimination, inspired by arguably the best player of his generation, Zinedine Zidane, revered the world over as Zizou. And today, not borders, but 90 minutes separate two neighbours from the Ultimate Soccer Crown.
The Worlds most popular Sport celebrated its 4 yearly festival.... And we were all Invited!!!
Comments