England Rooined

For real? Yep. For real.

But were they so bad, that they crashed out of the round of 16? No, I personally don't think so. England could have gone onto the semifinals, had not it been for their extremely poor showing in the group stages. they were just really unlucky to meet the German stride. Just as Portugal face Spain tonight, and one of them is destined to end their World Cup campaign in the Round of 16, a good team doesn't become bad, they only become unlucky.

England could have qualified without any problem to the semi finals, but they blew their chance. In fact, had they topped their group, they did have a fairly easy chance of making the semifinals. Look at the quarter finalists there! Uruguay and Ghana.
Ghana would have been a formidable challenge indeed, and looking at their current form, you would say, England would have lost against Ghana any way.

But I would indeed beg to differ. England could have put through everything had their coach would have been something of more open against everyone. He struck to the 4-4-2 formation which every English team has applied since don't knwo when, and have consistently failed!

Only heaven save Capello now.

And by the way, Lampard, that was a goal. Doesn't matter, you played bad anyway.

The Ego Factor

Do I have an ego? It is said that when the barrier of ego dissolves, wisdom flows in through the gap in our brains. But how to know if I have one? I don’t know. Most newspapers would give you a questionnaire with points for each answer which matches to your life. Then, if you have so-so points, you are an egoist; if you are so-so, you are medially egoist &c. But can a bunch of questions tell you who you are?

Some would say yes, some would say no. And there you have it: the case of different views of different people. Indeed, for certain egoists, another of their class may not be egoist at all, and a good, humble person might only be insane. So that is what I mean: every person has their own criteria for egotism… what we may call the ego-o-meter.

Getting Ego out of our system is very important, for it blocks our field of view, and thus our appreciation of the world. It blocks us from sitting with a poor pal, who has lost his kitty. It blocks us from working in our own garden, and it blocks us from many a things that our heart eggs us to do.

When you feel that some invisible force thus doesn’t allow you to do what you want to, know that that is your ego. Let it go, let it go, and you will enjoy the splendours of the world.

World cup Review

Okay, so I could not write much during the last 5 days, because many unscheduled circumstances that have crept up during the last days. Mostly they have unwelcomed tests, and somemore things. But who wnats to know about me when the world cup goes on?
Seriously! It even looked like that Federer's mind during that opening match focused more on Switzerland's result then his serve!

World Cup has indeed sprung up many surprises, and many upsets, but the spirit and excitement only continues to rise. Like many, I was surprised at Portugal and Ivory Coast's draw. It seems that the Portugal coach had everything planned because then they thrashed North Korea 7-0.

Yes, it is sad for me that the African teams aren't making their presence felt with big upsets. It was sad to see Cameroon bow out so tamely, for they are the indomitable lions, and I think yet tht they shall come back stronger than ever in the next installment. Africa's largest bid was Ivory Coast, but as luck would have it, they have fallen into the trap of the Group of death. It hardly looks likely that they would be able to progress further, as they slumped to 1-3 loss against Brazil, and that they wouold score more than 5 goals against North Korea. But I am indeed hoping for that to happen!

Speaking of Brazil, if they continue to play thus, I am sure that they will beat everyone to the title.
Argentina are making sufficient spectacle, both on the pitch and the sidelines. Maradona has found the right combination for the multiple attack threats that they possess, but do look a little off without Mascherano. I do believe they go through well into the quarter-final. Secondly, i think i fancy Argentina to be a big contender now, and all-of-a-sudden, they seem to be playing the best.

i just saw england scrape through. Boy, would it have been great to see them out: would give them the nerve to buy a better manager. Come on, i mean it is obvious that Emile Heskey's partnership with Rooney upfront is stupidity. It is impossible. You put in Jermaine Defoe, and you know.... you get qualified.

I can't wait to watch tonight's match of Germany. They still are a dangerous side, but it would be sad to see Ghana lose out. I hope to see them both through.

So the world cup to sum up has been great, but I can't wait for it to become better.

Spanish Stunner

This world cup is throwing up quite some surprises. No one everever thought about Spain losing out to anyone. In fact, people like me have been bidding them to win the World Cup. Indeed, looking at the number of chances that they created in the last game, they were winners in themselves.

The 1-0 defeat they suffered in the hands of Switzerland, may only serve to prod the sleeping Dragon. Spain have great quality, but converting it into results on the pitch is very important.

Spain have always had great squads, especially in the late 1990s. With Raul, Morientes, Hierro, and many other players playing for them, or rather themselves, they did have a chance. But they never had the cohesion that they had shown in the Euro 2008.

But against Switzerland that was completely missing. I also would like to think that they didn't play their best. Because if they have, they are woefully short of practice.

Lost spring

Today, our English teacher taught us a lesson “Stories of stolen childhood” by Indian author Anees Jung. It was about certain incidental meetings with underprivileged children that the author comes across. Incidentally, a well-privileged child misbehaved during the lesson. Well, what should I recount? He was eating his lunch during the period!

The story itself was about Saheb, a boy born in Bangladesh who by cruel turns of fate, was living impoverished in a slum near Delhi. Cruel twists indeed, for his home was uprooted in a huge storm that ravaged much of the country, and which is also a seasonal occurrence during and before he monsoon sets in the Indian subcontinent.

So, a little angry, our teacher prodded us on with some recounts of who we were. She said, “Look at Saheb, who, despite not having the best of resources, wanted to study, but did not get enough money, or at least a school to go to. He made his living in such an age (eleven) that you could not even buy vegetables for yourself. He makes a living, which none of you, even now, could or can do. It does not matter what he earned, but he earned his bread and butter cleaning dishes at a tea stall. How many of you could do that now I wonder?

“But some of the people who do have the resources (she pointed to the child), do not have the wish to study. Regard your fortune with luck, for though you have all, in an instance, it could be reduced to nothing, and you may have to struggle. You spend your parent’s hard-earned money in buying electronic toys; in that money a good child like Saheb could have got his education!”

I was left stunned by her. I don’t really spend a lot of money myself, because I only come from a middle class family, but it is true that the truth hurts more than a bee’s sting.

How much money do we waste? A lot, to tell you the complete truth. We waste it in betting, in casinos, in spas and boutiques, and in countless other stupidities, like Lindsay Lohan and her girlfriends partying all over the world and spending thousands and thousands of dollars. Why don’t we use them for some constructive purposes? What has stopped us in spending them for constructive purposes? I wonder deeply.

Do not mistake me! I know that some people are the result of their own waste; I know how indeed they destroy their lives drinking, abusing and cursing. They are not people of God. They don’t even consider him a part of their lives, and I don’t bother considering them at all.

I am talking about them, who are not only god-fearing, but are also they who work indeed for the good of the world and uphold His name. I talk about them, who indeed work hard and to make their ends meet, to earn their daily bread. And despite working harder than many suited-and-booted managers, they take to bed an hungry stomach! I think they deserve more than this. And if given an opportunity, they would prosper, only if we (who possess good fortune) let them do it.

I do not say give them money for free, I only say give them confidence so that they can aspire too.

Auf dem deutschen her könnte!

The mighty Germans are back!

After a few lacklustre matches, last night's encounter between the Australian Socceroos and the Deutsche Fussball Stars was simply like the monsoon after a hard Indian Summer. I was extremely delighted!

I don't know why, but I love watching three teams play: Brazil, Argentina and Germany.

South American delights are great to behold, while Germas play that absorbing game off the camera.

Last night's game was of a similar type, off the ball movement taking the better of the Aussies. The Germans were tactically splendid, unlike England, with Bastian Schweinsteiger playing a fantastic role down in the center. He is controlling the midfield wonderfully, and in Podolski adding splendour to the left, Germs have a lethal Midfield.

In the match, though we didn't see Kroos or Trochowski, we saw what potentially is the most threatening player the Germans have: Mesut Özil. Now wonder Loew placed his trust on the boy; he was wonderful!

In him, I see the Michael Ballack or Wolfgang Overath of the future. His runs were optimistic, and lethal to any defence playing an offside trap. They were like needles! He truly deserved the Man of the Match award yesternight.

Thomas Mueller is another revelation, and his goal yesternight was only a conformation of his permanent place in the Germans side of this World cup.

Let us see the German game unfold!

Argentina: Show the way!

Messiiiii.......!

The Matches so far haven't had the flair that everyone would so like to have seen. But the Argentina vs Nigeria match, really showed them the way!

Maradona certainly knows what eye catching football is, and I guess that is what we want. Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, and Diego Milito all playing together and, most importantly, scoring together.

In the Matches so far, people are complaining about the low scoring rate of the teams participating. In six matches so far only 8 goals have been scored, and some are blaming the adidas Jabulani ball for the odd results; they believe the unique swerve on the ball is disrupting practised trajectories.

I believe otherwise. The attitude of some of the teams so far has been at the best said as woeful. It seems none of them are interested in attacking at all! All one sees is defence, defence and defence! In particular, I must mention France, who, despite having the best attacking players, played a miserable game against Uruguay. With a winger of the quality of Florent Malouda, one desperately hopes better from the French. But thank god, they showed us how not to play!

Maradona, despite his eccentricity, has indeed showed some coaches how to approach the Jabulani ball. He has a winger based game, with a classical orchestrator in the No. 10. and a out-and-out striker in the no. 9. They play on the ground, something called carpet football, and cross inside the penalty box from the touchlines. Yes, I know it is true that most of their Attacks are carried on by Messi, but if one looks carefully, he is the conductor of their orchestra. their attacks originate from within their own have, primarily by Juan Veron, and Angel Di Maria. Messi, Tevez, Higuain and co. only add their finishing touches. If only their goals tally could count more, I should seriously say they are the best team playing.

Whatever be their chances, didn't you love their play?

It was eye-catching, sexy football for all to marvel at, and that is suppose to be the beautiful game!

The Favourites

The FIFA World Cup starts off today. I just watched the opening ceremony!

And I mentioned how important this World Cup is to Africa, to the participating nations and to the football crazy population of the World. It has a lot at its stake: Italy can equal Brazil's record, Brazil can stretch their lead, and some may get it for the first time, but whatever the result, it

would leave a mark on the footballing history, and no doubt to the pedigree of Africa in football.

But the most important question remains: who will win it?

Let us now look at the favourites.

Spain:Well, they certainly start as my favourite, though Cesc Fabregas thins otherwise. They definitely

have the best midfield in the World, capable of tearing open any kind of defence that they come across.

With Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso marauding their deep midfield, any kind of defence can stutter. Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta, along with Jesus Navas and Juan Manuel Mata, are a force to reckon with. And of Fernando Torres and David Villa, it is said that they appear in the nightmares of defenders, worldwide.

Irrespective of any kind of talent, their form must be daunting in

itself. 35 matches undefeated in a row! My my my! They have lost only once since February 7, 2007! They really are a strong contender.

England:

This England team really looks formidable. Earlier, they never looked much of a team, but a cluster of stars put together, who didn't play much..... together. But this year, after disastrously failing to qualify at all for the Euro, they have really picked up momentum.... and picked a good team.

With Gerrard more effective in the left, and Frank

Lampard playing a Chelsea role, Aaron Lennon with his blitzing speed on the right, they have the second best midfield of the tournament. Not to mention Rooney would indeed amount to Stupidity.

"Roomania" (as they say, not me) is ready to sweep the world, because most of the firepower he possesses comes from a nuclear bomb! He is the key player, and he can potentially unlock the door to the World Cup.

England also possess one of the finest defences of the tournament, with the likes of John Terry, Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson. It is indeed very powerful, and very attacking. Although with Ferdinand, it would have been better, they certainly are good.

Brazil:

JOGA BONITO!

Yep, the Samba Boys are not my most favourite this time. I put them in the third place after England. Not only Brazil bring a little less than powerful squad, not full of the usual Star players that we are accustomed to see. But they are effective, and are hard and organized. Under Dunga, they are a very effective army.

But with Kaka as their only playmaker, I really doubt their ability to overcome England in the Semis, if they should reach it.

Still, no one must underestimate the selecaos. I give them my best wishes.

For me, their key players are not Kaka and Maicon, bu their two forwards, Luis Fabiano and Robinho. Robinho is in great form, and Luis Fabiano ended as the top scorer in the Confederations Cup, and I am sure that they would be the game turners.

ARGENTINA:

Most people are not counting them as anywhere near winning, but this team has a lot of common with the 1986 winning team. Carlos Bilardo, a coach under fire, a hero mistrusted ... well you have it all. Only you must replace the bold Maradona with shy and meek Lionel Messi.

A lot rests on the young lad's head, but he certainly needs to show the world that he can deliver his best when it really matters.

They had a horrible campaign in the World cup Qualifiers; another similarity with the 1986 World Cup squad.

But what I am genuinely worried about is their defence. They don't have one! Or at least i can see too many gaps. They need to gauge it up. But as Maradona is, he might want to score more goals than his opponents!

My key players Lionel Messi, and Javier Mascherano. I generally doubt how good Mascherano is in the midfield.

Germany:
If I have learned anything from watching football over all these years, it is never undersesitmate the germans.

Although they have lost some important player in Traesch, and my key player Michael Ballack, they still have Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Cacau and of course Miroslav Klose. Kroos, Badstuber, Khedira, Muller, and Trochowski, provide the young quotient, in the sqaud.

Only if Phllip Lahm (the captain) can keep his defence tight, they can get to the semi-finals because they face Argentina in the Quarters by the seedings.


Well I guess that should be all for the contenders, although I so wish an African team to win.
So do watch the England vs USA tomorrow!

Ciao!

They'll call me Freedom... Just like a Wavin' Flag

Freedom is a petrifying thing. It stuns both the master and the slave: for the master realizes his loss of power, and as power is the biggest stimulant, he goes morose; while the slave, suppressed for a time, realizes his power, which comes into him as a flooding tidal wave. Both are stunned beyond their capacities, and for sometime they loose their sense.

Tell it to the slaves of America, who gained their freedom after an almost-dividing war! They gained their freedom, and they were overjoyed. But their masters too must be thought after. I always wonder what they faced, and how their over passing presence withers to equity.

Don't think that I support slavery, in fact I abhor how two humans can be treated inferior or superior to each other. I cannot fathom it; I cannot understand it, and that is why do not know those who have thought so, and kept slaves; treating the son of the Eternal Hand as an inferior! Phooey!

Africa is too under this, but it has a new face. Ages of depression has put the Golden Continent into a dark phase, with parasitic terror eating it up from its inside. Gone are the days when a farmer there would suffice to have a flock and a piece of land. That continent though, as recorded in History, has been nothing less than wonderful. It needs a face lift. Now is the time, it is beginning to roll, and I know it will gain momentum.

football clearly marks Africa's progress. Not only is it Africa's favourite game, it has some of Football's best players. Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o are Africa's shining lights. They, and other players, from a formidable squad.

I thank FIFA for confiding in Africa for being the host continent. I am sure, it is not only the South Africans who feel proud of the World Cup being hosted in Africa.

On my Blog, I shall follow the World Cup, occasionally providing you the information on the teams, tactics and fans. We will follow Zakumi, wherever she goes.

And when the carnival of the beautiful game summits to its zenith, Africa would truly become free from its vices. Football is not only a game, it is a way of life.

So LET US SING:

When I get Older, I will be Stronger....

They'll call me Freedom just like a wavin' flag!

thanks to K'naan for his fantastic song.