Just a random post

I've been writing so much about football, I feel like I have nothing else to write about any more. So, I opened up this page and decided to write about feeling like I can't write about anything. Because as I read recently, "Writing is a muscle" (Colin Nissan) and it must be exercised.

That doesn't bode well for my writing, because exercising can be quite tedious. Yet, as I read through more of what Colin has to say, things begin to makes more sense (You can take a look at this brilliant link http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the-ultimate-guide-to-writing-better-than-you-normally-do). The more you write, the easier the words start to flow. In all honesty it doesn't matter what you are writing about. Every word you pen down (or type out) can become intriguing at some point - if not to the masses, to yourself! Sometimes, writing is like talking to yourself and exploring your world - your mind, heart and soul. And boy, does that feel great!

And as you exercise this writing muscle, it becomes more flexible. One ordinary day, you wake up and go about your routine work, then you write. From there on, everything is extraordinary!

For the love of the game

13th July 2014. I didn't think that yesterday would find me watching the world cup final, especially without Brazil playing in it. It has been a week since the heart-breaking loss the Seleção had. And yes, they lost again at the 3rd place play-off! By then, I think there was hardly any room left to feel worse. 

I had no plans to watch the final. The funny thing is that both Argentina and Germany are teams that I like and support. In fact I even placed bets on them. In comparison with my love for Brazil and the Seleção though, the love I have for the two finalists is almost insignificant. I was also not prepared for any further football heartbreak. 

Football is football though, and I found myself slightly excited at the prospect of a final with Messi & yes, the Germans. And so I found myself watching at the edge of my seat, surrounded by other football lovers - some genuine, others just keeping up with the football mood! 

It was a good game. I definitely would have liked a South American win. Firstly, I love the flair and style of South American football, secondly, I was still sore about Germany beating my team, and lastly, a few special people I know love Argentina! A big part of me was therefore disappointed with their loss. 

But it all came down to Germany taking the opportunities they got! Argentina should have been ahead at least three times through the game. It was a pity they didn't convert some very obvious chances! The game was intense and the teams were well matched. What was disappointing was how easily Argentina lost the ball after battling for possession. But boy, did they keep their heads through most of the pressure moments! Germany was clinical and waited for that moment where they could catch Argentina unaware. Their win was professional. My critique for Germany is that while they played like well-oiled machines, they do not have enough aaaah moments! But technical precision, perhaps has a charm of its own, and Germany won fair and square. 

But yes, the referees need to go back to school!For now, I will leave the die-hard fans to enjoy their teams victory. I will empathise with the Argentinian & Brazilian fans who have had their hearts broken. I will wait for 2018, so I can go through this entire cycle again & watch Brazil lift the cup! :) 

Humbled and humble in defeat

I've been out of action with a flu this last weekend. While I watched the quarter final matches, I wasn't able to write about them.

I'm still out of action - because of a flu and a broken heart. Brazil have lost their semi final. With Neymar out, and Thiago Silva suspended, it was always going to be a tough game. But, like most of the world, I was expecting a tight match and in my case, hoping for a Brazil win. 

7 - 1 was the final score. This is probably worse than the defeat to Uruguay, at the Maracana. 

Today, I'm not capable of discussing the match: what went wrong, or right. Firstly, at 1-0 something told me it would be the end, and I stopped watching (spared myself some grief). Secondly, because I'm too sad to care. Everyone knows things went wrong. Very wrong. 

This post is for the fans, and for the Seleção themselves. Right here and now, I have to say that as sad and unhappy as I am, I still love the Brazil football team. I bet there are fans out there, right now, depressed, angry (some extremely so, and doing rash things because of it) and I empathise! I so so empathise. 

And this loss will make history. It will be one of those games that you will never hear the end of, especially since it is the worst defeat Brazil has ever had! Come 2055 (if that is even a world cup year) people will be talking about this humiliating defeat! As a fan, you have to be as prepared for that. For any current, or future Brazilian player.... ... ... God speed!

And as I write this post, trying to hold back my tears, I'm feeling sadder than ever for the Seleção. But as much as I feel battered, I am so proud of the humility of the team. I have just read some of the comments from team members and Scolari himself. The Brazil team has heart! I truly am sorry they fell apart and failed on the pitch tonight... but perhaps one has to lose painfully to win triumphantly (shrug!)

And. .. This is to console myself and anyone else who needs consolation (there must be millions out there!) 5 world cups still belong to us! And remember, it did take 34 years between 4 &5!

P.s. Some coping tips: 

Stay away from the TV, the sports section and possibly the cover page of newspapers for the next two weeks. Eventually reading about this loss will be do-able, if not less painful.

Yes, you may want to keep off twitter and fb....

For those of us who have friends who would like to rub it in, or even worse sympathise (not empathise), you have a few options: cry and don't say a word. Shrug it off and hide your pain. Refuse to get into an argument....and when their teams lose, laugh hard (just kidding. .. football is too serious to be used to bait and tease! )

With this, I bid everyone goodnight... If I have the strength and will, I may write about the rest of the games......

All set for the Quarters

We can look forward to some gritty matches as the world cup heads towards the quarter finals of Brasil 2014; The draws look sensational.

To start us of we have France - Germany. Enough said. If we make the assumption that both these teams will come to play at their best, then this should be a cracking match. A match I believe Germany will win.

Not many may agree with my choice, considering Germany found it particularly hard to find the net in their round of 16 match versus Algeria. What a game that was! Too often, especially in the first half, Germany was left floundering with fast-paced and precise movements by the Algerians. The second half of the game saw a more settled team effort by Germany and their continuous energy and perseverance in extra time won the the match for them. Algeria were inspiring, much like their game against Russia, they came out with all guns blazing and obviously made the game tantalising. Their counter attack pace surpassed runs by the Netherlands team and brought to mind the dangerous Ribery! Neuer in goal was thunderously brave, or stupendously lucky - either way his runs, time and time again, out of the goal area were stunning. Where was the German defence? It looked like a one-man army, in defence. And all credit to the Algerian goalie, as well, for the number of shots saved!

I only watched the first half of the France - Nigeria game. And while it was a high energy game, Nigeria put France in their place. The ball had the most excitement in that game, passes from both teams were wanting - each would win the ball to give it away tastelessly! But from discussions with many, I understand that the game was much better in the second half. One of the reasons I pick Germany over France is simply because I don't believe France has been tested this world cup. Their opponents so far have been average - thus their better performance. Against Nigeria, we saw them struggle. Whatever the scoreline in the first quarter final, the match is bound to be pulsating.

The next quarter final match is a thriller, Brazil - Colombia. What a world cup Colombia have had. So far, they are the team that have played flawlessly. It is no wonder that the golden boot belongs to, the now famous, James (Read Hames) Rodriguez. Colombia's round of 16 match was the most straight-forward game in the entire round. The team is playing as one unit with consistent and accurate passes. Their play is flowing and one can find very little fault with their game. 

Brazil on the other hand has had a series of tough games, the toughest being the quarter final. Apart from nerves, Brazil does have to work on closing lapses in concentration that have cost them a few goals. It will also be good to see some consistency from the players: After a brilliant first game, Oscar has been quiet, Hulk has been hulking in the corner and only came to life in the match versus Chile, when he was brilliant. The two consistent players have been Thiago Silva and Neymar. I think with a little more focus in midfield and defence, and a persistent attack, Brazil will be in the semis. 

In the other pool, we start off with lucky Netherlands taking on a tough looking Costa Rica. Netherlands did not deserve to win their quarter final. This may sound harsh, but it is a fact, Arjen Robben ought to be ashamed. I read an article that read, "Robben: we are on a mission" and the first thing that came to my mind was, yeah, you are on a mission: a falling one! I suppose this critique sounds harsh, but who cares? I hope Costa Rica pulls a shocker and tosses the Netherlands out! 

And finally, Argentina take on gritty Belgium. Whoa! Belgium? World cup quarter final? Who would've believed it? Anyone who has been watching them over the last year or so! I would like to say that Argentina will win this one easily. But I can't. Belgium have played a technically sound game this world cup. They haven't had the most dramatic, flamboyant or high energy games, but they sure have got somethings right. This should be an interesting game to watch. If Argentina score early, I believe they will secure their berth at the Brasil 2014 semi final! 

My hopes (with a little logic applied) for the semi finals: Brazil - Germany, Argentina - Netherlands. Hopefully, the two South American teams face-off at the finale. I think having Netherlands in the final would be ugly! It would also be an ugly final without Brazil!!!

I say again, go Brazzzzzzzzzziiiillllll! :)