World Cup Football - Some Random Memories

Finally, the most awaited and the arguably the biggest sporting carnival is around the corner – World Cup 2010. The event, all the football fans have been eagerly awaiting for-The best in the world fight it out for the biggest prize in World of football.

Football World Cup has given us some enthralling and unforgettable moments. It brings out the best and sometimes the worst as well in the players. As an avid soccer fan, this will be the fifth football world cup which I will be following. Let’s look at the some of the high and low points of the last five World Cups.

The world Cup ‘94- I got the first glimpse and probably the last of one of the games’ greats- Diego Maradona. The assist against his name which allowed Claudio Caniggia to score was simply awesome. Hristo Stoichkov of Bulgaria was in the form of his life. He had continued his club form ( then with Barca) to the World Cup and deservedly ended with the Golden Boot. The World Cup was tragic for some – Maradona failed the dope test and was ousted of the World Cup. Andres Escobar, the Colombian International paid with his life for scoring an own goal. Last but not the least, probably the most decorated player for Italy Roberto Baggio , two time player of the Year turned villain when he blasted the ball out in the penalties. His career never recovered from that loss.

World Cup ’98 – Enter France. France under the brilliance of Zinedine Zidane were the runaway winners of the World Cup.Michael Owen announced his entry into the world arena with one of the goals of the World Cup.David Beckham’s world cup came to an early end with an innocuous tackle on Diego Simeone – but thanks to his theatrics , Beckham got sent off. Croatia were the surprise element in the World Cup – with their run to the Semis – Davo Suker ending up with the Golden Boot.

Asia got its first chance in a long time to host the World Cup in 2002 which saw the holders France crash out in the first round- without even winning a single game. The much hyped England , even though got past the Argentines in the round of 16 were totally outclassed by Brazil - undone by a superb free kick from Ronaldinho (and the thanks to the positioning of the England Goalie David Seaman). South Korea under the best coach of our times, Guus Hiddink were the black horses, had a memorable run to the Semifinals. Brazil were the winners eventually, thanks to howler by the great German shot stopper Oliver Kahn.An evidence that the occasion can get to even one of the greats of the game

World Cup of 2006 is still fresh in most of our memories. The 26 pass sequence which ended in a goal by Esteban Cambiasso of Argentina is a testimony of South American football. They eventually crashed out to Germany thanks to a tactical howler by the Argentine Coach who took substituted his best players when they were just leading 1-0. Few would have forgotten how Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in getting his club mate Rooney sent off in the quarter final match between England and Portugal. France took out the holders Brazil and Spain too, only for Zinedine Zidane to lose his head in the Final against Azzuris. He got intimidated by the banter from Marco Matterazi and head butted him and got sent off. Marco Matterazi was really ‘ Man of the Match’ as he scored the equalizer and got the best player in the World Cup sent off as well. Italians, then of Course went on to win in the penalties.

So what is in store for 2010 World cup – only time will tell. The world Cup even before starting has a tale of injuries to tell- David Beckham. Owen, Rio Ferdinand, Drogba, Pirlo – all have had their World Cup dreams ended. Torres has had a season with injuries- one after the other. Nevertheless most of the teams have arrived in South Africa with their country’s hopes on their shoulders. Stage is set for a new star to take the centre stage and a new team to announce their arrival at the World Arena. Let’s hope this World Cup gives some beautiful and enjoyable football and the one to savor for – at least for the next four years.