The World Cup

Its almost time. The world cup starts on the Friday, the 9th. I have been waiting for it reading newspaper articles everyday trying to follow the cup. The articles in the Times, on the sports page, typically with the headline being the countdown to the World Cup, lie in my room. I must say that my knowledge about the game and some of the icons of the game has improved drastically in the past year or so. I attribute that to my college life wherein I have spent some time discussing soccer players and probable teams which have it in them to run away with the cup.


Its not surprising that almost everyone believes Brazil will win the cup. The whole Champion's league has been dominated by the likes of Ronaldinko, Kaka, Adriano, Robinho, Lucio, Edmilson, Cafu and Roberto Carlos. However, i am a bit apprehensive about the performance when all these greats play besides each other. Can the best in the world play like a team not aiming primarily towards personal glorification? The answer is pretty close with Brazil knicking off against Croatia in the ensuing week. If they manage to do that; I personally feel only England has the potential to stop the Brazilians.


Many people might not agree with that. But i do have faith in English defenders. Neville, Campbell, Ferdinand, Terry are some of the best defenders in the game. And if they can not stop Brasil, I believe no-one can. You always expect the Brasilians to score a few, and in such circumstances, an attacking midfield with Gerrard, Lampard, Cole and Becham is always handy. I am not sure if England will win the Cup. These big tournaments are a totally different ball game with all teams almost equally strong and one lucky strike can help the minnows take out the favourites. And then my lack of the knowledge of the potential of many strong sides such as Germany and Holland is a huge enough deterrent to comment on the outcome of the Cup. But I strongly believe that if England go on to face Brasil sometime in the championship, the English will cruise through.


Thus we are all set. The slates have been wiped clean and the quest for global glory is open to all 32 qualifiers. As I said, Its almost time.