On 10th February South Africa did not sleep in anticipation, on 10th June 2010, I daresay the scenario was similar. It is perhaps fitting that the World Cup is being held in a nation that dared to hope, and against all odds brought impossible dreams to life. After such retrospections, the nation gears up to shoulder the responsibility of the continent which has long been overshadowed by its neighbors.
The world holds its breath in excitement, tension and apprehension. Dream charts, if there were any in heaven would be running short of paper listing the dreams of thousands who wish to see their country of choice lift the trophy. For a neutral, it means an opportunity to witness the finest players in the world compete against each other to achieve the ultimate prize that this beautiful game has to offer. As far as the players are concerned, they all unanimously agree that there can be no greater honor than standing in a packed stadium, hearing their anthems go and shouldering the joys and tears of a nation. I do not think I am mistaken when I say, that no past World Cup can boast of having so many teams who look perfectly equipped on paper to win the tournament. However, the beauty of this game is such that it can make you a star or a scoundrel with a single spot kick. Lionel Messi may have swept all awards this year, but he cannot use any of them to dodge a defender or beat a keeper. Brazil, who have won the most number of World Cups do not figure on the favorites list of many pundits. What I mean to say is that it’s all about those 90 mins, anything and everything is possible.
We talk and hear about many numbers before the World Cup, about the players, managers, audiences etc. In the end though, a meager figure 1-0 at the top right hand corner of your screen determines the next day’s headlines, arguments and discussions. As the journey will begin, I pray that we see a month long of brilliant, injury-free and honest football.
0 comments:
Post a Comment