In another 24 hours, the great sporting show of FIFA World
Cup 2014 will begin in Brazil. This is
the second time Brazil is hosting the tournament,
earlier it was in 1950. Brazil is the only country that participated
in every tournament since the inception year in 1930 in Uruguay when the host
country won the inaugural tournament by defeating its South American neighbor
Argentina. So far Brazil is the only country that won the World Cup 5
times. Brazil along with Italy had
unique distinction of winning the World Cup consecutively twice in 1958 and
1962 just as Italy in 1934 and 1938. However, because of the last World War II,
World Cup tournament was not held in 1942 and 1946.
Jules Rimet a great lover of soccer from France was
instrumental in taking the initiative to begin this tournament in 1930 in
Uruguay and actual decision for this was taken just a year earlier, that is, in
1929 while now it takes about 10 years to decide and allot the slot for the
host country.
In the beginning till 1978 it was the tournament of 16
countries but from 1982 the number of participating countries increased to 24
and currently it reached to 32 counties. No doubt, by increasing the number of
participating teams FIFA has given opportunities to more countries especially
from Asia and Africa to take part in this competition but on the other hand the
quality of soccer was sacrificed. When teams were less the quality and standard
of soccer was very high.
In the history of soccer Brazilian Revelino had the
distinction of scoring the fastest goal in 14 seconds in Brazil at Club level
but will this record be broken by anyone in Brazil? Let us wait and see. In the history of World Cup Soccer, Frenchman
Just Fontaine carry the unique distinction of scoring the highest number of
goals, that is, 13 in one single tournament and this feat he achieved in 1958
in Sweden. Is there any chance for any
Ronaldos, Messis and Neymars to shatter this record? I doubt very much.
Though the inaugural match of this edition will be played on
12th of this month but it will be beamed in Goa on 13th
because of the time difference. Even then what guaranty is there we in Goa will
get the opportunity to see this match live and other matches too uninterrupted due
to electrical power disruption and Cable operation disruption as well? As it is these disruptions are very frequent
and nobody bothers to rectify this malady and yet India boasts of its atomic
prowess. The other Atomic powers are doing wonders and we in India are lacking in so many amenities inspite of our technological advancement.
Will Brazil win this Cup for the 6th time? I doubt very much, firstly because if history repeats itself then there is no chance for Brazil to win this Cup on its soil and secondly because Brazil does not possess great players in its team capable of winning the World Cup. One Neymar is not capable to win the Cup for Brazil and he does not fall into the category of greats of the type Brazil had in the past.
Can Portugal win this Cup? Again one Ronaldo is not sufficient enough to win the Cup even though he will entertain the world with his skillful play especially in the aerial duels and in dribbling. He lacks the killing instinct of his former compatriot Eusebio.
Will Messi's Argentina create an upset? Not at all because they rely too much on Messi who no doubt a great player but only at Club level. He is not Maradona to win the Cup single handedly.
Spain stands very good chance to re-emerge victorious since their team is intact and still in very good form, only defender Puyol is missing.
Germany also is capable of creating last minute upset.
Asian and African teams stand remote chances to move ahead. However, the actual forecast can be done only after the first round. Till then, all the best to all the teams.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel:7507394349.
