Joga Bonito

It doesn't take a football pundit to tell the difference. Just ask anyone who has been following the past few World Cups and he can tell the difference. With the exception of certain footballing greats still alive in the big scene, football stars now seemed more withdrawn, more detached, more fake. The last point is shown more evidently in this World Cup in Germany, with more cards than ever being brandished for diving. Yes, when the hell did players get booked for such an offence? And when is diving included in football anyway (it should be underwater duh)? But we have indeed seen players diving inside the penalty areas, heartless tackles being employed on the top legs, referees being conned and soccer politics right on the pitch itself this month in Germany. Football is evolving, just like the rest of the world, into something downright commercialised and fictitious.

It should be beautiful, a game focused not only on winning but also on the quality of play. No doubt winning is important as well but it is a bonus if you play well and win. The last of the eight finalists were decided just now and Mr. Black is not surprised to see the big names inside despite playing badly in the earlier rounds. The World Cup is not just a game; it is a stage on which players get developed and show their abilities. Seasoned actors on this stage naturally find it easier to face the spotlight, bear down on the opponent's goal and score, but credit must also be given to some of the newbies for putting up a good show.

I have to say the only blackhorses in the quarter finals are Portugal and Ukraine. But both of them have come a long way (esp. Portugal who ate up le Oranje) and so have, in a sense or another, deserved their slots. Ukraine? It's Shevchenko vs The Blue Azzuris. Go figure.

Mr. Black's bet for the blog: As much as I liked Argentina, Germany is going to go through to the semi-finals and face off with the handsome dudes from Italia. On the other side, I would pick the new boys from Portugal to dance to the beat of the samba-dancers from Brazil. The finale?

Germany vs Brazil.

And by then, I hope Joga Bonito gets through to them (means "Play Beautiful" in Portuguese).

Mr Black is a current undergraduate who resides in Singapore. This blog is a non-whimsical reflection of his life and the society in which he lives in at large.

- Confidental -

Music, Love and Freedom

May the One who Reins the World keep his fingers out of the bowels and holes. Okay, World Peace.

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