FIFA World Cup 2006: Germany vs France?
For the last three weeks, our planet has become flat. There are no time zones. Wives, girlfriends, mothers and sisters have been left wondering if mankind and sanity can ever be mentioned in the same breath again, as grown middle aged men suddenly regressed to wobbly adolescence.
A sort of collective amnesia has struck mankind; this is the only time the masses achieve a state where the many becomes one, where everybody focuses on one thing. That one thing- the FIFA World Cup- is like no other sporting event in the world.
There are religions. And then there is football. This is the ultimate religion, one that cuts across every known border on earth, something that unites, divides, provides inspirational highs and sets off fits of depression, touches chords that never existed before, shoots up nerves and puts one on edge, and makes one scale the gamut of emotions in just 90 mins.
As usual, Brazil was the overwhelming favourite, not because they are the most successful side in World Cup history, but because style of performance has always counted for something in football. Its not all about winning and losing. Its about flair. Its about invention. And most of all, its about beauty and aesthetic appeal. And what a world cup this has been! Argentina knocked out by Germany, the Brazilians overcome by a virtuoso performance by Zidane, England eliminated by Scolari's boys...
Just imagine the scene when Italy walks out to face the fabulous Germans, while Portugal lines up against Les Bleus in the semi-finals. And just imagine a final between France and Germany! Ah! What a final would it be! This is a subjective scenario and such things rarely go so finely to plan, but it would be a final sure to find support among the world's neutral football lovers.
The games have begun. Let beauty reign!!!
