Being a sports-lover who’s reasonably informed about the IPL or the Ashes, the Wimbledon and the Grand Slams and our fight with the Chinese for badminton supremacy, I have felt inadequate with my knowledge and lack of interest in the incredible happenings of planet ‘soccer’, its most sought-after stars (I’m literate enough to know of Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo). What I can’t fathom is – why fight over ‘Arsenal’ and ‘Chelsea’ !
I was not unduly concerned till I realized that the most stupendous sporting event, called the world’s biggest extravaganza “FIFA World Cup, 2018’ is about to kick off in Moscow with the opening match between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia. Estimated to be followed by many millions of soccer-maniacs across the earth via live telecasts, football-fever will grip Russia and its 11 host cities as about one million fans from 32 participating nations pour into the country. Some say the ‘festival of life’ is back for next 30 days!
From the standpoint of politics and economics, a smoothly organized World Cup will add to the stature and standing of Russian leadership and its people as it seeks to establish itself as a premier force to reckon with. International sports throw up heroes and evoke impassioned nationalism.
My studies of this WC, show that the nations to watch out for are Germany, the last WC champions, (with key player Thomas Muller), France (with key player Antoine Griezmann), Brazil (with star player Neymar ), the Last WC Finalists, Argentina (boasting of the iconic Messi ), Belgium and last but not least Portugal ( mainly for the charisma of Ronaldo). Spain is besieged with last minute problems with their Coach Lopetegui being given the sack.
One avid sports-writer hopes that this WC turns into a clash of the today’s titans, Messi and Ronaldo – if both of them could propel their respective teams through virtuoso brilliance into a perfected scripted Argentina vs Portugal final and like other greats, call it curtains on incredible careers !
So let’s sit back and become part of the soccer-mania, for as one headline screams out ‘ It’s time to kick off Russian Roulette’ !
Working on Living 