The World Cup 2010 at South Africa is one event where the happenings on and off the field can be described aptly by a hugely Popular Track by Blue “ It’s Kind of Funny how life can change , Flip 180 in a matter of Days…;’ Ask fans and supporters of Italy, Germany, France, Spain or Portugal . Big Teams, Big Names have come down with a thud on ground. The Pre tournament favorites find themselves fighting for survival with the less fancied. The Premier league superstars are all at sea when playing in their National Colours.
Its amazing that barely a week ago fans and critics alike cribbed about the boredom, low game quality and complete lack of entertainment at the World Cup 2010 in South Africa in General during the first week of the tournament. No one will be complaining about the entertainment part anymore. If the Minnows like New Zealand, Serbia has upset the apple carts of previous champions like Italy and Germany, the drama at French and English Camp is riveting to say the least. It’s ironical that the football teams of The Two Colonial Superpowers who ruled over Africa and Asia for centuries in the name of civilizing them are behaving anything but civilized.
Trending
While the trouble in French Camp has exploded out in open the English discontent may very well implode within with as much disastrous outcome. Sport is such a cruel activity designed by man. What started as fun is nothing less than war in the modern world. National Pride is on Stake at World Cup 2010 where there is no second chance, no forgiveness. Two below expectations outing and the Heroes become zeroes. In India we experience it every few months when the Indian Cricket Team turns up a below par performance in a multi Nation Tournament.
The trouble monger
France and England World Cup 2010 teams have not clicked as a team so far. Their best laid plans have come undone. In France their very unpopular coach Domenech persisted with his choice Anelka over veteran Thiery Henry. But when he asked him to tow the line and play as per game plan, the thankless under performer hurled a volley of abuses on his mentor. He later refused to apologize and was sent packing by the French Football Federation. His team mates suddenly realized about the team spirit and what has followed is disgusting and sickening in equal measure. They refused to train as a mark of protest claiming that they were not consulted and the decision has been taken based on media reports only. This washing of dirty linen in public has already claimed its first victim in Team Director Valentin who has resigned from his post in disgust. The French Sports Minister has been asked by the French premier to stay back in SA to resolve the matter. Heads will roll for sure but before that France has to play at least one more game against the Hosts on Tuesday. Mathematically they can still qualify. The supporters of Les Bleus will be hoping that all this drama spurs on their team, which has yet to open their account in scoring, to put in their best performance. Else they will have an early and definitely most unwelcome return to France.
The Misplaced war cry : Rooney
While The French team seems to believe that the World Cup is held every 8 years, The English Team plays as if the World Cup is never held unless they are the hosts. They also believe that they are doing their country a favour by donning national colors away from the more important EPL where they are fast becoming a minority much like rest of London. Every year the English team is given a place amongst the favorites like a Tim Henman used to get at Wimbledon. On what basis is beyond anyone not born in Queen’s country. Their Star Rooney is appalled when the fans booed at him.And much like his game does no thinking before retaliating. Thank god our cricketers are in comparison much better behaved real Gentlemen who can handle a criticism . After a very public expression of disappointment by Coach Capello when he said he does not recognize the English team that is playing the way it is , media reports suggest Ex captain John terry is at centre of a coup to undermine Capello’s authority. Perhaps he is seeking retribution for his stripped captaincy. Pehaps he is genuinely concerned to bring Englsnd’s World Cup 2010 campaign back on track. Whatever it is its leaving a sour taste.
Capello
One can only hope the teams come up with a stellar show in their last league matches to stay afloat. With so much going on it will be a shame if these two teams go out so soon. The soap opera has just began and we need our daily dope of Football World Cup 2010.
