With burning issues like implementation of 6th RoP, Th. Muivah's itinerary, indefinite bandh on National Highway 39, etc, etc, this is the right time to divert our mind to something more interesting and more exciting and enjoy 'the beautiful game' called football. In Nagaland with thousands of football fans and lovers, World Cup (WC) fever is running high and the talk of the town is 'who will win the world cup 2010?'. Everyone will be rooting for their favorite team-many betting on traditional powerhouse like Brazil, Argentina, Italy and Germany. There is always a surprise package in every WC and that is why it is always difficult to predict the winner of any WC. But what makes this WC more interesting is the emergence of Spain as a force to reckon with.
Among the 32 teams vying for the top spot, Spain is the clear favorites considering their current form and the pool of talent in their squad. Pundits may argue that Spain never delivers on the big stage but they also know that Spain never boast a side as strong as they have right now. With marksman David Villa and dangerous Fernando Torres upfront and Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas and Silva manning the midfield, no team possesses a better attacking line up than the Spanish have right now. The ability of Torres to split wide the opposition defense is a bonus for this team beaming with confidence after their EURO 2008 triumph.
But if we go by historical data, no European countries have won the title played outside Europe. So if Spain fails to break this jinx it could be one between the two giants of South America- Brazil or Argentina. The Samba boys (Brazil) still display the Latino flair and in a country where football is a religion there is huge expectation on them from their home fans. Leaving out Ronaldinho may not be the wisest decision but coach Dunga knows his players better. The performance of Kaka, Robinho, Fabiano and Gilberto will be crucial if they want to romp home with the trophy for the sixth time. Going by historical facts again, in all edition of WC (except SWEDEN 1958 and Japan-Korea 2002, where on both the occasion Brazil emerge as the champion) it is always a country from the host continent that won the title. So if no African country is ready yet to lift the trophy, can Brazil do it again???
But there is again the tactical Argentines. Like it or not, Argentina is the team that play the most beautiful football and the emergence of Lionell Messi as a prolific goal poacher will be a treat for football lovers around the world. Messi will be the Argentines trump card but they also have players like Tevez, Milito(Diego), Hiquain and veteran Veron who can turn the table in their favour. So will it be the Argentines this time???
Germany is no pushover and they have every chances of going far. Italy, England and Netherlands may do well in the group stage but winning the cup is another thing.The surprise package this WC may come in the form of Ivory Coast. Placed in Group (G) the so called Group of Death, the Elephants will battle against Brazil, Portugal and N. Korea for a place in the Round of 16. Misfortune struck Ivory Coast when their captain Didier Drogba broke his arms in a friendly against Japan. But with players like Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Solomon Kalou they are certainly the dark horse of the tournament. And if Drogba could fully recover before their crucial match against Portugal on 15th June then i won't be surprise to see the Elephants in the knock-out stage.
May the best team win but I bet on Spain.
ALUM ZELIANG, Jalukie town.
