World Cup' 2010..

[I have been an ardent soccer fan, and a player since my childhood. I truly find it a beautiful game. ]

After the 4 years of waiting, the world cup finally arrived, and before you knew it the month was over. :(

Yes, the World Cup is over. And just like any other, it has been an eventful one. A world cup is not without its moments and this one had many. Some come together and some fall apart.

Italy’s shock exit. France’s dressing room brawls and exit. England’s lackluster display and exit. Brazil’s exit [Yes, that one broke my heart]. Anelka sent home after a spat with the coach. I am pretty sure there are people in Africa, sticking needles into Suarez voodoo dolls. Group of Death. Portugal’s slaughter of the “other” Korea. Rooney’s outburst. Cristiano Ronaldo’s showboating and an unnamed baby. Messi’s sparkle of brilliance. Argentina versus Germany. Germany versus Spain. Kaka’s red Card. OctoPaul. Maradona’s theatrics. Magical midfield skills. Never seen before celebrations. And there were some new young stars. Referee Blunders. Amazing goals, even more amazing fighting spirit.  Vuvuzelas. Waka Waka.  And there were many more..! Check out Big Picture for some stunning snaps, which barely capture the euphoria of the month that’s gone by.

But the most important one, the Spanish Armada lifting the cup, and for the first time. They surely painted the town red.

Watching the televised final was indeed a special affair. I had a special first timer watching it 'with' me. 

I intend to watch the next one (2014) in Brazil. Some skeptics are raising questions about Brazil’s capability to host the soccer summit in 4 years time.  

[* On a separate note, hosting the soccer world cup is  not as easy as you might think. I think South Africa did a fabulous job of hosting it this time. Events like can go a long way to change peoples perception about Africa as a whole. {True, S.A. has always been  an African powerhouse, but compared to my last visit there, it has undergone a complete makeover to be able to host an event of this scale and magnitude}. They also staged a very successful edition of IPL-2, followed by T20 Cricket world Cup. More on this later! Also, is there something India could learn here, given we can’t seem to get ready for Commonwealth Games 2010? Fingers Crossed.]

But I intend to go nonetheless, would not miss it for the world. It’s my Woodstock!

And the wait begins,

A Brazil fan since ‘94