COPA MUNDIAL
Football (or as the American Yankees call it "Soccer") is a
beautiful sport. It's one of my favorite sports. Had my
spectacular injuries playing it.But it never dawned to me how
this sport can be so magnificent, how universal it can be
until now. Maybe it's because of the world cup fever, or just
because i'm in a football loving country, whatever the reason
is, I just want to kick my boss's...Uh, I mean football.
Football, based on my horribly limited knowledge of the game,
involves kicking a ball towards a gap of two separated posts.
Simple you say? Ah, but I have yet to mention that, there is
someone called a goalie who makes sure that the ball you kick
do not cross the posts and his teammates to make sure that
your intention to kick the ball towards it do not happen.(or
have fully functional leg for this matter). Anyway, that's all
I can say for the bad part.The good part? It's played as a
team, which is always good for any sport. The audience,
millions (or even billions) cheering you on. And lastly, the
goal, which is truly an indescribable feeling.
Today, I chanced upon a copy of NG magazine in a local
bookstore and was pleasantly surprised to see that football is
its main feature.
Now, some may wonder what in the world is
football doing in a geographic magazine? I don't know the
exact reason either. I flipped a couple of pages, I saw kids
from an african refugee camp, kicking a ragtag ball, next an
arab looking guy doing a header with dubai's most famous hotel
in backdrop, more pages, brazilian champs celebrating their
2002 victory. Now if those pictures doesn't spell out
geography to you, you ought to think about going back to
school. hehehe kidding! For me, football is simply beyond
sport. It's about humanity, it universality,
From cobbled stones of Europe to sands,dirt of asia and africa, heck, some
folks may have even tried at the poles,virtually anywhere by anyone of any
age, it can be played. And anyone can win, unlike other sports
where you have to be genetically gifted to excel. Also, watching the people from the stadium is I think the closest thing you can get of world peace. Everyone, regardless of race, religion, political affliation, belief are cheering for their team or simply enjoying the game. (Except of course, what happens after the game, is entirely diffrent story) What really
struck me most was what the editor of NGS told about the kids
playing in that african refugee camp,"..it was the only time
they smiled."
Anyway my take on the current 2006 world cup:
Brazil - There are just too many reasons why they can win the
world cup. First, Ronaldinho. Second, Ronaldo. Then Kaka, then
Robinho, and Cicinho,Cafu, etc.. Their lineup is simply the dream
team of football. These maybe the strongest squad ever
assembled in a football team. I guess it won't be long soon
when the whole world will be dancing samba again.
England - This team also boosts a strong lineup led by the
poster boy, David Beckham, supported by strikers, Steven
Gerrard and Michael Owen. I was itching to see that Wayne
Rooney boy in action but I guess I will be disappointed
because of his metatarsal injury. Too Bad. It'll be a long
shot if England wins. Considering their only 1-0 against
Paraguay. I think they still have to work on their defense.
They can't afford to have slip-ups on their defense especially
if their strikers are having all sorts of last minute
injuries.
Germany - Now, this a strong team. It's possible that they can
reach the finals again with Brazil. With Michaell Ballack and the
ever consistent scorer, Mirosav Klose. Too bad, I'm not
convinced with Lehnman. I still preferred Oliver Kahn to guard
the goal for me.
France - With the legend Zinedine Zidane and Henry Theirry
heading up the attack. I think France will go far in this
tournament. Tough luck for Cisse, he just have to himself
injured just days before the games start. Tsk tsk tsk.
Netherlands - I don't know much about this team. Except that
they have the scoring machine from Manchester United(the deadly number 10), Rutgerus
Johannes Martinius van Nistelrooij (Ruud Van Nistelrooy).
Italy - I don't think the current Juventus scandal will affect
Italy's chances in the tournament. With gunners, Del Piero and
Totti, I this team will rack up goals.
Argentina - some people say it's a strong team. Crispo is the
only one I knew. Not much of a fan of Diego Maradona.
USA - Whatever happened to Alexi Lalas? If only this team can
perform like their women counter-part.
I'm pretty sure that one of team above will bring home the Coupe du Monde.
Me, for the meantime, will just have to be content watching the games at home or surfing the net for the results. The tickets will have to come soon ;)(in 4 years time perhaps? hehehe)
Some football/soccer goodness:
Goooooolaaaaasoooo! Gooolaasoooo!
