Football is such a fascinating game for all that is associated with it - 22 players to start with, referees, yellow cards, red cards, goal keepers, the Ds, the studs on the boots, the posts, the fouls, the souls, the passion, the money, the pride and the love it has got all around the world. The FIFA World Cup 2006 has just brought the world's focus to a particular game, which probably might be the mostly followed game on earth.If it was Cameroon and Senegal in the previous World Cups that showed us the brilliance of African football, this time around it was T&T and Ghana. T&T had a solid defense, but lacked a sting in attack. Ghana on the other hand has a good defense and a capable attack.
I am very much eagerly awaiting today’s clash between Ghana and Brazil in the pre-quarters. I wish Ghana beat the world champions. I suppose even if they loose, it would be an interesting 90 minutes of entertainment. The major worry that Ghana have is that some of their Key players like Michael Essien are not available for the match due to injury and yellow cards earned in the previous matches.
I have admired Ghana, Australia, Czech and Mexico teams in this world cup. Every time, I have this feeling of supporting a lesser-known team and am inspired to support them when I see their talent and eagerness to gain the cup. And newer the talent, the more competitive it gets and there by entertainment is to its fullest.
It was quite unfortunate to see the exit of the Aussies against Italy. They played exceptionally well and deserved to go to the semis. They were on course but for the wrong decision of the referee coming with just 5 seconds to go. Totti scored the penalty kick and I guess Italy would easily make it to the Semis. Usually Italy does not have their luck especially with penalties, but this time around it saved them in staying in the competition.
The quality of umpiring in this World Cup has been quite a debatable one. Personally I feel that a few umpires should not have been employed at this big stage. They repetitively kept being too stubborn and therefore could not have total control. They were also prey to “acts” of a few exceptionally talented “actors” on the field. The pre-quarters match between Portugal and Holland was such a nasty one, that it has created a new record at the world cup for the most number of cards issued. That is a pity!
People have started to talk about third-umpires and technology coming to rescue. I feel that the charm of the game would be lost if such referrals are made. Football is a fast paced game and decisions have to be instantaneously made. There is no room for time like in Cricket. The referee is the one who should have a complete control of the match. It is not humanly possible to have cent percent correct decisions all the time.
But it hurts and urges you to have a different perspective on the whole issue, when your favourite team becomes a victim of the same. I just wish that no bad decisions come in the way of Ghana upsetting Brazil.
Yes, you could say that I am too optimistic. Yeah, may be I am. It is the voice of an eager fan who expects the unexpected to happen! Ghana-ians have nothing to loose. Who is going to pip thorugh ... Yellow (Brazil) or Red (Ghana)? Let us wait and watch.
Read the preview for the game
Updated: The Result
