Beautiful Game

In the month of Football world cup, time to revive my fond memories on world cup football.

1. Most matches would be played during Indian evening and more specifically at midnight or later. It’s always a tough thing to stay awake but it’s worth it
2. The sport is truly global. Unlike cricket, there is representation from every continent in this sport and easily the most viewed world sport as well
3. As I don’t follow club football closely, it’s always fun to note down the key players to watch out for in each world cup. It’s much easier for people who follow club football
4. Another contrast to cricket is the non-use of F word. In cricket, most cricketers use it as first word (or the only word) in their dictionary. The reason for the non-usage is most good soccer playing countries don’t speak English. :P and the English teams suck big time in my view.
5. In continuation to above, I also wonder how players interact when there is a tiff on field. In most cases, the players from two sides and referees would be from 3 different nations leaving them with just signs to communicate. But it’s fun again
6. Over-hype about coaches. Possibly this is the only sport where coach is credited and axed for team’s success. Almost single ownership in that sense. Honestly, the tactics are not as complex as they are made out to be. It’s not a game of chess after all.
7. Shirt exchange after matches, national anthems before matches, the hand bands captains wear, the jerseys, the #10 glamour, the one-man commentating.. all add to the identity of the sport
8. Matches played even in heavy rain. It’s so much good for the viewer as the matches won’t stop at all. Poor players though.
9. The TV channels can’t fill in ads except during half-time. So it’s almost 45 mins of non-stop action
10. I find it thrilling to explain my friends how the off-side rule works.
For once, hopefully cricket takes a back seat in this country. Personally, this to me is bigger than IPL or any other cricket tournament. And as we all know, India can play in the world cup only by hosting it. I don’t think our players are athletic enough to qualify otherwise.