The dream that disappered in six minutes..

I sat there in front of TV watching helplessly as the score became 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 5-0.  It is a complete transformation of your emotions from frustration, disappointment, anger and eventually embarassment. It is not the Brazil I have seen over the last 30 years. Perhaps not the best team Brazil has ever fielded in a World Cup, perhaps Germany is a better team but going down by 7 goals is unacceptable for a top international team; yes Brazil is within top 10 in World rankings, irrespective of the team. Losing to Germany is no big deal, but losing like this is utter humiliation. So what went wrong ? I dont know what the guys from Brazil were carrying on their shoulders. In pictures you keep seeing them crying before or after the match. Honestly, this team didn't have enough experience to come to terms with the pressure. They fell apart emotionally complete.  A little more analysis might tell that Brazil has indeed been lucky to reach semi-finals given the countries they faced - Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon, Chile and Colombia. They were good, but not as good or experienced as the likes of Germany, Italy or Netherlands. It must be a good fortune for fans like me that Brazil didn't end up playing Spain or Netherlands in the round of 16 and Italy or England in the quarters.  

It's going to be a long, long painful wait before this massacre at Mineiro will be forgiven - only a World Cup win can ever neutralize this !!! 

Goals galore at Fifa 2014

Amazing last 2 weeks! Except for inadequate sleep, it is worth every minute of it. Juggling time between work, travel, home and games – I managed to watch 39 of them LIVE (unfortunately, only on TV). Goals galore; 136 goals scored in group stages. Perhaps the most exciting of the world cups since 2002. Yet, we do not have a clear favorite. Germany started well against Portugal, but their performance in last two group games doesn’t tag them as clear favorites. Likewise, Netherlands demolished Spain 5-1, but take out Van Persie and Robben from that attack and they look as ordinary as you can ever imagine. Similarly, Brazil and Argentina are relying heavily on Neymar and Messi respectively. Mexico, Colombia and France impressed me with their ability to score and play attacking games – they can spring a few surprises in the knock-out phase. Spain and Portugal were disappointing, while England and Italy lacked scoring ability to seal games. It’s a pity that the World Cup failed to see one of the world’s best player Cristiano Ronaldo in full flow as club football has clearly taken its toll on this superstar.

Round 2 looks intriguingly poised with the favorites lined up against tricky opponents. Chile will not be a pushover for Brazil, and so as Switzerland for Argentina. Xherdan Shaqiri from Switzerland scored the only hatrick, although few others came close. Just like any other major tournament, FIFA 2014 has its own share of controversies. There can’t be anything more controversial than Suarez’s biting incident, I would have loved to see this guy banned forever as his offences are repetitive and detrimental to the game. Some of the spot kicks awarded, offsides ruled are real howlers…but the goal line technology and in particular the magic spray is a welcome innovation. So let the DEATH GAMES begin. Enjoy !!

Here are my best 5 goals so far in this World Cup

1. Robin Van Persie(Netherlands) against Spain : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS0QWdMopC8
2. Gervinho (Ivory Coast) against Colombia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2Y6MekLnMY
3. Lionel Messi(Argentina) against Iran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEoulp3yfhg
4. Tim Cahill (Australia) against Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb_c5btjD4c
5. Xherdan Shaqiri(Switzerland) against Honduras: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDwFYxOo0yE

12 days to go...

It’s almost June 2014 and one of the world’s best sporting extravaganzas is just 12 days away from commencement. The FIFA World Cup returns to the land of football, BRAZIL.  Brazil, the host and five times champion take on Croatia in the opening match at Sao Paulo on 12^th June.  Brazil’s national team has gone thru’ a bad phase ever since its disappointing loss to Netherlands in the quarter finals at South Africa four years back.  Unlike many other editions, Brazil is not the overwhelming favourite to win the cup this time even though they will always be my favourite and the crowds’ of course.  The magic of Brazilian football is no longer there and this time around there is lack of experience in midfield and front and Brazil for a change will perhaps rely heavily on its back four and the creativity of Neymar in front to make an impact. They should still sail smoothly into the knock-out phase of the tournament with a relatively easy group comprising of Cameroon, Croatia and Mexico but they are no push-overs and Brazil needs to play well to top the group.  They are destined to face either Spain or Netherlands in 2^nd round, unless we see a major upset in Group B. The draw for 2014 world cup is imbalanced.  Some groups have too many weak teams whilst others have too many strong.  Due to FIFA’s ranking system where the importance of the match and strength of the opposition and confederation are all gauged, Netherlands, Italy and England were seeded below Switzerland and Colombia due to some recent good results.  To have holders (Spain) and runners-up (Netherlands) of the last World Cup in the same group is ridiculous and unfortunate.   Every world cup had a Group of Death, but this time there are perhaps more.  Although Group D on paper looks the toughest with Italy, England, Uruguay and Costa Rica,  Group G comprising of Germany, Portugal, Ghana and USA and Group B with Spain, Netherlands, Australia and Chile are not far behind.  On the contrary Group E with Switzerland, France, Ecuador and Honduras seems to be the easiest one.   Having said that, the world cup has always been a great platform for new talents and countries to deliver on the big stage.   So, I am sure of some surprises – I look forward to countries like Colombia and Belgium alongside perennial favourites such as Spain, Germany and Brazil.  Can Messi and Ronaldo (the biggest names in football) deliver?  Perhaps the last chance for them….

Just like many previous editions, I will be glued to the TV watching live action of this greatest sporting extravaganza following and cheering for my favourite nation BRAZIL.  Many sleepless nights, many adjustments to professional and personal time and much, much more.  It’s funny how an Indian emotionally gets attached to a nation far, far away.  But I am not the only one – there are thousands and thousands of die-hard fans in India who will be rooting for their favourite team and players over the next few weeks.  It is all set now,  down to counting hours… WINNING is the only option because nothing else will leave the fans happy.  Welcome to Brazil !!!!