Wave Them Flags

Posted: 28 May 2010

It's the time of the year when everyday life all over the world is disrupted all over the world. Football is the most widely played sport in the world, so it comes as no surprise that the World Cup attracts television audiences in the billions.

I fondly remember the last World Cup in 2006. I was in college, and with exams just concluded, I literally watched every single game. Who can forget the finals of 2006: Zidane's infamous headbut that shocked the world, and France's eventual penalty-loss to winners Italy. Intense drama followed for the next few weeks and died down only after Zizou finally apologized to Marco Materrazzi and the world. But to say only the finals were exciting would be unjust - the whole tournament was gripping.

There's something about the World Cup that few other sporting events can match. It is easily the most important event in football's calendar. They say the World Cup is more than just a football tournament: it is for most players a once-in-a-lifetime opportnity to play for their countries on the grandest stage. Of course there are the legends that go on to play even 4 World Cups, but they are, well, legends. The average international doesn't play at more than two in his career.

Being in cricket-crazy India doesn't dampen spirits here, specially in my native Goa, which has tradionally been a football-mad state, something we acquired from the Portuguese. Come the World Cup, or the EUROs; you'll find most families (moms included) glued to their sets. That being said, a lot of the older folk would shout out for Portugal or Brazil, because of our colonial heritage.

But members of my generation are smarter and more savvy, especially about football. You'll find a lot of guys going with Spain: based on what I've been seeing on Facebook, Twitter and other blogs I've read. I think, second in popularity would be England. Then maybe Brazil, Germany and France.

My Pick For 2010

I personally support the Netherlands: I have always followed the Oranje. I was extremely disappointed at their last outing at EURO 2008, where they lost out to Russia, after such a bright start to the tournament. I sincerely hope they perform to their capability this time around. I'm expecting the same fluid fast-paced game the world admired at EURO 2008, which helped them easily outdo both of the eventual finalists, Italy and France, in the group stages. This time they are ranked 3rd in the world, so I expect them to atleast reach the finals. Plus, they have breezed through qualification with a 100%-win record and have only conceded 2 goals.

So now you know who I'm putting my money on. This edition of the Cup will be crazy. A lot of teams are really looking like they can win it. I personally see Spain, Italy and Germany being the Netherland's toughest opposition. I don't see England getting too far though. Then there are also the dark horses, which always win a few shockers over the bigger countries. This year, the underdogs would have to be Cameroon.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages: you may start wavin' your flags now. It's almost time...

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