All set For The Most Beautiful Game in the World

Don’t get any wrong ideas I am talking about World Cup Football 2010

After four years of endless wait ‘the most beautiful game in the world’ is back. Yes I am talking about the Football World Cup. This time it’s making its debut on African soil. On June 11, 2010 South Africa will become the first country from the continent to host the World Cup.

The tournament will see 32 teams competing to get their hands on that most coveted golden trophy in the world of football. This year will see the all-time highest participation from the African continent, with 6 nations in the final draw. But in the presence of European and South American power houses of the game, there is little chance on any of them to make it to the next round. But hey I am ready of surprises this time. There are other countries like Japan, Australia (Who believe it or not qualified from Asia), both Koreas, New Zealand, USA, Mexico, etc. who would like to make a name for themselves in this world cup.

Well the tournament favorites are as usual Brazil (They are like Australia of Cricket), who are at numero uno in rankings. They have the star studded side coached by Dunga. And they have the most number of World Cup titles no doubt they are the favorites. With a strong team and exceptional players like Kaka, Gilberto and Fabiano, they will surely bring the Brazilian flair and will make other teams sweat.

Following them is Spain, who is no.2 in the world. But the problem with them is that they always seem to have a great team of individuals who always fail as a team. With good players like Torres, Fabregas, Casillas and Villa, they will try and make an impact this time round.

Besides them there are European England, Germany, Holland, France and Italy who all are also considered strong contenders for the title. These teams known for their strong technical game with which they can demolish any side.

And how could I forget Argentina; they have a force to reckon with in this world cup. The team is coached by a gentleman with whom I share my first name, the legendary Mr. Armando Diego Maradona (The Best All-time Footballer in the World). Although they had a tough qualification rounds, one can never write off Argentina with stars like Messi, Teves and Vernon in their ranks. By the way….Mr. Maradona was the inspirational captain of the team when they last won the cup in 1986 (My Birth Year….that’s how I got the name you see).

Sadly though this year the world cup is injury plagued with many of the biggest players missing. Among those who will be missed most are Mr. Free kick Beckham (he is injured….ohh god not again…hope his wifey Posh is not responsible), crazy dribbler Ronaldinho (he was not selected…can u believe that????....give him a Indian Passport for god’s sake), goal machine Nistelrooy (he retired..poor chap..his pension is still pending), pillar of defence Ferdinand (injured in while training…tried too many slide tackles I guess), road roller Ballack (Poor chap got hit by a mad man named Boetang) to name a few. But still it’s going to be a spectacle, no doubt and mind you the…..World Will be Watching.

And we do it again!!

When India lost their third consecutive match in the ongoing T20 World Cup, the first thing that came to my mind was…..Oh god we did it again!! And I know those who follow Indian cricket would have felt the same. By now you might have read about all the possible dissection/s of India’s performance in yet another World event. Well I am sorry…Team India…I am going to do the same. (And I have the right to do so…I am a Indian you see…and all Indians are born Cricket Experts)

Let me list down the prime reasons for poor performance in World T20 2010:

Firstly, we have a selection panel that can’t look beyond a bunch of 16 players and if you question them the best answer they would give you is “This is the best we have”.

Secondly, we had worst series of events prior to our Team’s departure-yes I am talking about IPL fiasco.

Thirdly, the cricket control board of the country is not serious about competing in any World Tournament-how else can you describe denying having any practice matches prior to the start of the tournament. We all know the only thing that concerns BCCI is making money.

Fourthly, as we all know success is 50% attitude and 50% hard work- Indian players had none. It seemed as if the players went there for an all-expenses paid holiday and they aren’t concerned about how they do in a match. It was unbelievable to see the way the team fielded…. batted & bowled…. It seemed bunch of school kids were playing out there.

And those who talk about player burnout and stuff like that… my question to them is what would these cricketers had done if they were not playing cricket for their national team. Well, the answer is working like a common man- 9 hours a day…6 days a week…for the whole year. So if you are a professional cricketer you are expected to be fit and play to your full potential for your country.

I end here with a hope that We as Cricket Fans would get to see our Men In (Dark) Blue in full colors and doing well.

Source: NDTV