FIFA World Cup 2006
The Prelude
The World Cup is still a few hours away, more than a month before we know what name is engraved on the bottom of the trophy against 2006......my wife and I have already had our first disagreement. I know there will be many such before the night of July 9, by then the madness should end, I hope. We decided earlier that we will not have an idiot box at home, so our little daughter could focus on her school work, imbibe reading and indulge in physical activity. A logical choice, given her attraction for everything animated.
The decision stood till the evening of the seventh of June. But then, the players all arrived in Germany, and the heat of the occasion started to tell on me. So, the TV had to come, but with it came the wife's fury. Over time, you learn to douse those flames, though inexplicably you cannot douse your passion for the game.
India isn't your typical Football country, yes the boys play the game in Kolkata, Goa and Kerala and let us not forget our seven sisters in the North East. But the impact of the game could be best explained by the average sports enthusiast tuning into recorded highlights of a 1976 cricket match while Mohan Bagan and Dempo fight out the Durand Cup final, live on TV.
The World Cup though is different. It draws people from the fringes, some out of passion, most out of a need to seem cool and acceptable. By now, everyone has learnt that Brazil is the heart of the game and Europe its mind, with Argentina some place in between. Ronaldinho, all of them hope will run around with Ronaldo, Carlos and Cafu, Adriano and Cicinho shooting holes through opposition defenses, netting goals by the dozen.
If they were to be right, we would rather hand the trophy to Brazil this evening and go into collective slumber. Thank God, the cup isn't in Italy, the referees aren't game for a fix and the cup final is an open contest between 32 of the best teams in the world. Breathe easy, sit back in your armchair and brace yourself for the uncertainty of sport. It is going to be a ride to remember, so hold tight at the bend and stay glued to the action.
And if you do not find the time to pray, please don't feel guilty, Football is divine.
1 comment:
Line 10 should read " heat of the occasion"
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