World Cup Fever

Colleagues are putting up bets, drivers talking about the Asians i.e Koreans and Japanese putting up a respectable fight, fathers are hoarding the television set, friends are commenting the individual games in Facebook.........oh man, everyone is talking about it ! - THE WORLD CUP

Anyway, I would like to put two aspects of World Cup for the record. (1) The Past - 5 memorable things I remembered in the Past World Cups (2) The Current and Future - Teams to watch this World Cup

(1) The Past - 5 memorable things I remembered in the Past World Cups

(A) The 1974 World Cup Final - West Germany vs Holland
That was the first time I was introduced to football as a kid. My dad rushed back to watch the first ever live telecast of a World Cup Final match, and I accompanied him and watch the game together. (Alas, how I wish Jeremy would do the same. Currently, he seems NOT interested!!) Gerd Muller aka the Bomber made the historical winning goal for West Germany.

(B) Hand of God (1986)- Maradona and the notorious Hand of God goal. I thought it was one of the biggest referee mistake I ever known!

(C) Sizzling dribble by Maradona (1986) - I remembered I was held in awe when Maradona dazzled through the entire England midfield and defence from the half way mark, and scored the goal single handedly. This I thought was the best goal I have ever seen.

(D) Toni Schumacher's collision (1982) - Ok this is not the Michael we talk about here. I am referring to Toni, the notorious goalkeeper from West Germany who knocked down French defender Patrick Battiston resulting in loss of 2 front teeth and damaged vertebrae. Patrick actually need to receive oxygen on the pitch! It suddenly dawned upon me that people will resort to anything to win !

(E) Ronaldinho's goal against England (2002) - We were at Finnigans watching the game with our English Partner in the firm. I remembered he had to buy us the drinks and looked so dejected when Ronaldinho thundered in a match winning goal from a 35 metre free kick.

(2) The current - Teams to watch

(A) Argentina - Messi will play a pivotal role. With support from Tevez and Mascherano, the squad can be a tournament winning squad.

(B) Spain - They have a midfield squad where Arteta can't even get in. What more can I say.

(C) Portugal - Powered by Ronaldo. They will always be the dark horse.

(D) Brazil - You can never discount Brazil as always

(E) Germany - This young German team has proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with based on the way they demolished the Socceroos in their first game.