As with millions of football fans around the world, I have caught on to the football fever. This fever is no ordinary one, its contagious. While Europeans and South Americans have reason to rejoice and celebrate over their countries participating in the World Cup finals, I have always wondered where Indian's came into the fray considering the fact that football is one of the less popular sports in the country. India, who qualified only once for the Football world cup back in 1950 was eventually disqualified because they preferred to play barefoot rather than shoes because of lack of monetary support.
I have not been following football for two years now, and hence my first task was to catch up. And what better place to do so than YouTube. One which caught my eye, was the story of Christiano Ronaldo, of how he grew up from a small boy on a remote island in Portugal, made his way up the ranks through various football clubs to end up in the budding star he is today. Though i never liked the bloke, this video actually made me appreciate the troubles he had to take to reach this far, and how he has evolved over time. My hatred for him(especially his dives) has now turned into respect. I loved the official FIFA theme song by K'Naan as it had a nice African touch about it with the Huuu's and the Haaa's.
The second thing on the agenda, was to create my superstar team using the ESPN football fantasy game. This is my usual avocation during the World cup and Euro tournaments.
The final task was to tune into ESPN and wait till the clock ticked away to the opening ceremony. Frankly, i was a little disappointed with it, it lacked the energy we usually see in such events. This world cup has competition at its peak, as there is a very minor difference in standards between teams, and it all boils down to who has the edge over the other during the match. I am looking forward to good action from this times WC and hope not to be disappointed. FIFA WC, here i come!!!
