The biggest festival on the planet is upon us. No other event unites such a vast majority of humanity like this month-long carnival does. 32 countries will battle for football’s biggest prize, and the rest of the world will cheer for their own favourites.
Trending
The obvious question that follows is: who can win the title? The usual suspects, Brazil, will as always be one of the favourites. Spain shed the tag of “perennial underachievers” by winning Euro 2008, only their 2nd ever major title, with a dominant display of skill and flair. Ranked world no.1, most people’s money is on Spain. The fact that they have never gone past the semis in the World Cup is an added incentive for them to clinch the title this time around.
Germany are arguably the most consistent performers in major tournaments but the loss of Michael Ballack, their inspirational captain, is a huge blow. In 2006, the England team was dubbed “the golden generation” but they produced a lacklustre performance. Following the humiliation of failing to qualify for Euro 2008, they had an impressive qualifying campaign. In Fabio Capello, they may have found the catalyst to take them to the next level. This is most probably the last chance for the remnants of that golden generation: Gerrard, Lampard, Terry and Ferdinand, to bring joy to a nation starved of a major title since 1966.
But if titles were to be won by favourites alone, they might as well compare the teams’ quality on paper and hand the trophy to the strongest, without the kick of a ball. 4 years ago, no one even uttered the words “Italy” and “title contenders“ in the same sentence, but thanks to a penalty(against the Aussies) and a head-butt along the way, they were crowned champions.
And then we come to Argentina, who barely managed to qualify for South Africa. They have the legendary Maradona in charge. But he is not proven as a manager and some shock omissions from his squad have further increased questions whether he is the right man for the job. At the same time, their squad possesses some of the most exciting talent in world football in the form of Messi, Tevez, Milito etc. One thing is assured, they will not go out without making an impact.
It would be great if one of the African teams were to go a long way. I’m supporting Australia, who put on a decent show the last time. Hope they go further. Regarding the title, I’d love to see Argentina get its ill-fitting pieces to fall into place when it matters, and win the title, overcoming all its uncertainties and doubters.
As Inter Milan proved in the Champions League this season, more than skill and flair, it is team work, fighting spirit and wanting it more than the opponent, that wins football matches, and makes champions. So wave your flag, it’s time for Africa.
