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 12th
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 2nd 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 !!!!
