The World Cup - The BEST teams, players, coaches, the fan frenzy, media madness and all that comes along with it. But you wonder, is South Africa 2010 really gonna be all of the above?
All of it? Hell no. Some of it? Absolutely. And FYI, I'm referring to the media hysteria, and a little bit more, at best.
You're thinking this guy's gone bonkers, he's bullshitting! Yo give the man a second to explain it all.
What would be the 3 words that come to your mind when you hear "World Cup"? Something close to showbiz, extravaganza, flamboyance? Yeah, me too! Well tell you what, this WC's gonna change that perception, even if just mildly. Extravaganza will be replaced by sporting spectacle. Flair will take a backseat. A more practical, pragmatic approach will come to the fore. Substance over style and effectiveness over reputation. Its not a hunch, rather its what the managers have indicated with their team selection. Coaches seem to have gone with 'Better Game' than 'Better Name', although some team selections are still totally baffling! (more on that later)
What the fans and connoisseurs would like to see in a WC is best players, showcasing their skills on the ball, killer through balls, passionate players, open matches, played with an attacking mindset, lots of goals, lots to cheer about. However, reality paints a misted picture. The general trend over the qualifiers and friendlies was a very tight compact game, based on a rigid defense and counter attacking play. Very little to cheer for the Utopians. Seems like the trend will follow in the WC too. A team built around a crowded midfield with 2 holding midfielders in a 4-5-1. 'Negative' football shall prevail over the beautiful, silky style of play. Perhaps we ought to blame Mourinho for that! Even the Brazilians wont dance to the Samba tunes and Coach Dunga will prefer a cautious approach over the usually stylish one. Although it might not be a passer's delight, this WC is surely gonna offer something - a committed and passionate performance from the 22 on the pitch. They'll play with their hearts on their sleeves, and put their bodies on the line. Its the epitome of World Football, after all. Effort, tenacity and work rate will overshadow all. It will be the last throw of the dice for many aging superstars, who'll wanna get their hands on the 18 carat, 13.6 lb gold. It'll also unearth a whole new range of talent, who'll leave an indelible mark on the minds of those who saw them put on their national colors. A generation shall pass into the background, and another one will come to the fore. Not every player has the luxury of lifting the trophy. Sometimes, even the best players in the world can't get their hands on it. Lifting the WC would be the most prized and coveted dream of the players of the 32 nations. Friends will bet, bookies will, but it all ultimately comes down to what one does in the 90 mins on the grass.
Yes, there will be some beautiful possessional football courtesy positive and attack minded nations and coaches like Del Bosque's technically superior Spain, the free flowing Oranje, the skillful and wily Mexicans, the gifted Argentinean. I, for one, wouldn't put England into this category. Sure, Don Fabio's brought a lot of discipline and tactical prowess, but his side lack the cutting edge due to several injuries and illogical selections (read Theo Walcott). The right midfield spot is up for grabs, and not picking Lennon would be outright foolishness. England have their hopes pinned on Barry's return to fitness, nobody else in their squad can shield the defense like he does while providing liberty to Lampard and Gerrard to go deeper. They also have the Crouch question- to choose him or not? I reckon Fabio will start with him atleast against USA. England's defense it patchy and shaky, more so now, with the loss of Rio. England do have what it takes, but will face an uphill struggle against the better sides. Never count out Brazil from a WC. Dunga might not have taken Ronaldinho, Pato, Ronaldo, Adriano, but he's instead selected better but rather less well known players in Fabiano, Santos, Bastos. To me, leaving out Nilmar and Pato was a bit surprising though. Spain have the best squad on paper, position for position. It'll be interesting to see if they can accommodate Cesc into their midfield (they might have to play him out of position). They have to, he's perhaps the best in the world in what he does. Pepe Reina as second Choice keeper says it all! In attack, Villa and Torres form the most lethal attack two-some. Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Cesc can keep they ball for eternity and pick out passes at will. Their plus point would be their pressing mentality, the success of which is evident in Barca's style of play. The Dutch are my favorites. Their style of play is just mesmerizing. Their attacking quartet - Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder(who's won a treble), Van der Vaart can rip apart any defense. I think that Afellay is gonna be a hit in this cup. They also have Babel and Kuyt. Wow!! Then there's Nigel de Jong, who's a superb defensive midfielder. Italy and France are two teams most likely to be major upsets. The mood in the Frenchdressing room is not prefect, to say the least. How can Domenech leave out Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema? And pick Gignac? Domenech is the worst thing in their dressing room. All hopes of the team now lie on Ribery, Gourcouff and Malouda. They have to interlink well also connect with Anelka and the unfortunate Henry. Poor guy, he's been targetted a tad too much ever since his handball. On paper, France does look formidable with Hugo Lloris, a good back line (depending on Gallas' fitness) and a creative attack, but you get the feeling that there's too much of a negative influence in the dressing room. Italy have done themselves no good by not calling up Totti and Balotelli. I dont see them going far either. They're just too old to pose a real threat. But as always, they do a turn around for the good in WCs. Portugal can be a casualty in the Group of Death. Ivory Coast seem a good bet, atleast on paper. Ronaldo has somehow never managed to replicate his club form for his country. Same can be said of Argentina's magical Messi. But who can bet against him running riot in South Africa. He's joined by superb talents like Tevez, Higuain, Milito(if not injured), Mascherano, Di Maria. Diego Maradona has always remained a bit of a mystery and it remains to be seen if he can inspire his troops to a repeat of Mexico '86. That would probably cement his place as the best coach-cum-footballer in the history of the game. However, his waterloo is his defense. He inexplicably left out Cambiasso and Zanetti, two of the best defensive players in the world if not Argentina. That leaves his back four which is made up of four Centre Backs! Germany also have big game players but lost an invaluable asset in Ballack. I think they will struggle a bit, especially with the loss of Rene Adler.
Out of the underdogs, I back USA and Mexico to do well and pull off a few upsets. I personally think Denmark will put up a good fight as well. I dont, however see the hosts go past the group stage, which is bad for the tournament - you always want the host to go till the quarters.
I'll continue with some more views later on. I'll also give post match thoughts at the end of match days.
All of us support a club - be it Arsenal, Man Utd, Madrid, Chelsea. We all want the players from our favorite clubs to do well. There is one point that I would like to make here - If anyone has been following the Cesc Fabregas saga, they would see the unethical, stupid, disrespectful and amoral tactics used by Barca. I am highly disappointed by the low level of class that they have shown. As a Gooner, all I can say is F Off Barca, you're not gonna have our Captain!
Cheers guys!