Friday evening, the first-ever World Cup to be held on African soil will kick off in the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid hero, will be on hand to witness history in the making. Ever since winning the bid to host the global sporting extravaganza, South Africa has beaten the odds, silencing critics and getting everything-stadiums, roads, railway- ready. Now, however, the spotlight turns to the pitch where the real action takes place.

That is where the world’s best players will display their talents and fight for the prestigious World Cup trophy. Some of the shine has fallen off this year’s event due to the high number of injuries that have prevented some of the game’s superstars such as David Beckham, Michael Ballack, Rio Ferdinand and Nani from playing for their countries. However, fans all over the planet are still upbeat in their hope for a wonderful World Cup, as there are still numerous other players, who can light up the matches with their skill.



So, what about the predictions? I, like many others, believe that Spain-Brazil is the best possible bet for the final. Spain has been very impressive in carrying over their form from Euro 2008. Their fast-attacking play is illuminated by beautiful through passes, perfect crosses and amazing finishing. Pundits and experts believe that, this team is arguably the most complete team in the world now. The Villa-Torres partnership is the most dangerous for defenders; the midfield, led by the excellent Xavi, is the most creative and their defence marshalled by Puyol and Ramos is dependable and efficient. This team has only just woken up and realised its potential. Always dangerous, the Spanish challenge is the scariest for the teams coming to the World Cup.

Posing the biggest threat to the Spaniards is Brazil. They, while not appreciated by their home media for their style, have been consistent and tough in playing out wins against difficult opposition. Their coach Dunga has successfully created a winning unit out of the players, removing so-called egoistic superstars, while selecting not-so-famous but hardworking and skilful players. The team’s talisman is no doubt, Kakà - the Real Madrid player has been so for some time now in the absence of Ronaldinho and Adriano. He has been able to score consistently, also inspiring the team to success. He is not short of support – there is the artistic Robinho, the rock-soild Lucio, the ever-energetic Dani Alves and last but not least Luis Fabiano, who might just become the top scorer in South Africa.

The other major powers this time are Holland, England, Germany and Argentina. The Flying Dutchman Arjen Robben and the masterful Wesley Sneijder lead Holland, with their talented and super-creative team. In my opinion, they can be the dark horses of the tournament. England is going into this World Cup with a lot of hope and euphoria behind the team. Many think that this English team has the chance to erase the painful memories of the last decade. Wayne Rooney, of course, is the star of the team after a superb season with Manchester United. Germany, though hit by the injury to captain Ballack, is ready for the African challenge.

They can still put up a decent challenge to any team. As always, the Germans are unpredictable – so don’t write them off before a ball is even kicked. This World Cup will also be Diego Maradona’s return to the world stage, albeit as a coach. He has, however, been ridiculed for his style and team selection. In Lionel Messi, Argentina has the world’s best player but sadly, he has also not been to reproduce his Barcelona form for his country. Many fans have attributed this to Maradona for not playing Messi in his best position. Whatever the reason, I hope he puts up a brilliant show this time because a star like him is essential for the World Cup to be enjoyable.

Teams like France and Italy have been under-performing in the qualifiers and friendlier. Even though they have history behind them, their chances this time around, are considered very little. However, in football, one can never rule out surprises. So who knows?

Overall, this World Cup promises to be an African thriller. The most awaited question on everyone’s lips will be, ‘Who will win?’ That question will be answered on July 11 when the final will be played, closely watched by billions.

A tale of two headers, I told myself. From joy to despair in two minutes. The ways of football are many. The final minutes of a match hide beside them innumerable surprises, twists and turns. They may or may not spring out all of a sudden but when they do, they bring cheer and misery along with it.

What happened at the King Fahd International Stadium on Wednesday night was etched clearly on Jose Peseiro's face. Minutes ago, the Saudi national team's coach was in seventh heaven as Hamad al-Montashari's goal in the dying minutes of extra time took the Saudis one step closer to South Africa. And then came the stunner. With the Saudis still in the celebratory mood, they failed to defend a Bahraini corner and unmarked Ismail Abdul Latif headed in the equaliser to silence the home crowd and leave the Saudi players stunned and paralysed.

If complacency played a part in the final goal, Bahrain’s first goal was a classic example of poor defending. Abdullah Omar’s ball into the area was allowed through by three defenders and Jaycee John was left waiting at the far post to flick it in. A match that could have been a well-fought victory for the Falcons, ended in utter disappointment.
As for the Bahrainis it was the perfect reward for their never-give-up attitude which has seen them through many famous battles with more illustrious sides. They can look forward to repeating this performance against New Zealand in the Asia-Oceania play-off, which decides who gets the ticket to South Africa.

-Will Ronaldo and Kaka shine at Madrid?
-Will Manchester United succeed without Ronaldo?
-Will Ibrahimovic form a good partnership with Messi and Henry?
-Will Portugal and France miss the flight to South Africa?
-Will Real Madrid overtake Barcelona?
-Where is Ribery off to?
-Will England win the World Cup?
-Will Owen return to the national team?
-Who will win the Champions League?
-Will Barca be world champions as well?
-Will Maradona be fired?

So many questions. And the answers? Only one thing to do. Wait and see.

A ball. 22 players. Two goal-posts...and wait..two sets of loud and passionate fans. That's the world's most popular game. In brief.

A war called football.....

Winning or losing doesn't matter a lot;
but when it comes to football,
that's what we think about.
It's a matter of life and death-
No! its so much more
Every kick, every goal, every blade of grass
we play till our feet get sore.
I hope you know
that you can't ask for any rest;
You'll get it when you deserve it
and that's after beating the best

Twenty years have passed since a Qatari club last lifted the AFC Champions League title. No one has come close to emulating that triumph ever since. But Umm Salal has changed all that in 2009. With an intelligent coach at the helm and gritty determination instilled in the team, they knocked out the champions of Iran, UAE and Saudi Arabia to find themselves a place in the quarterfinals of Asia’s premier club competition. And they don’t look like they have finished. The team has clearly benefitted from the right selection of players. Qatari football fans can dream of yet another continental title.

This year's revamped Qatar Stars League has brought many changes to the way the game is played and viewed in the country. But there are some areas where there is still room for improvement. One such case is that of fan support.

High-voltage derbies between Rayyan, Gharafa and Sadd have brought large numbers to the stadiums while most others have not. Clubs should take a leaf out of Al-Khor's book. They have been able to build up a considerably strong fan base in the northern city. I hope such initiatives will be repeated next year too. Fans should come to the stadium to enjoy the match and not for airline tickets and shopping vouchers.

Foriegn journalists believe that Qatari football is all about star-studded teams and empty stadiums. It will take a lot of hardwork on the side of the authorities to change such stereotypes.

Coming soon:
-My 2008 Football Review
-Galacticos in Madrid: Dream or Disaster?

Need for change

The month gone by has been a memorable one for Indian sports. India’s junior volleyball team gave the mighty Brazilians a scare before finishing a creditable fourth in the World Championships. Sania Mirza finished second in two ITF events at Lexington and Vancouver. We can hope that she does well at the US Open. And then, India’s very own Formula One team, Force India recorded its first points ever when Giancarlo Fisichella finished second for the Vijay Mallya’s team. Mallya, the visionary that he is, marched on defying the countless failures and setbacks that came his way before leading the team to success. Last but definitely not least, India’s football team edged out Syria on penalties to claim a hat-trick of international titles.
As Indians savour these occasional moments of joy, I ask: isn’t a country with a billion-plus population supposed to deliver continuous success? We have talented youngsters with huge potential who wait for an opportunity. It’s high time that we give them what they want. For that I propose radical change from the lowest level to the top. Not only just the authorities but the way sport is run and organised should undergo change. The triumphs that I mentioned above were mostly due to the individuals own determination and efforts. This was the case with Abhinav Bindra who won India’s first individual Olympic medal. He mostly trained with the support from his father’s business and other private companies. The support from the government was quite minimal. The unfortunate but skilled sportsmen and women who do not have all the necessary facilities are left in the dark. The ministers who rule India’s sports federations are to blame. Many of them, who know nothing about the situation of sports in the country, pledge large amounts of money which seem to vanish into thin air. They should be replaced with ex-sports people who know what they are up with and are capable of taking India to the next level in the world sports arena. The government should support them with funding to provide quality sports infrastructure. This should be easy considering the fact that millions of rupees are spent for cricket. Taking a leaf out of China’s and Qatar’s book, talent search centres should be set up in every nook and cranny of the country discovering potential talent and developing them.
If we set up a good foundation, we can be sure of achievements at the highest level in the near future. Even a dozen medals at the 2012 Olympics will be an attainable target. We will be able to build a sports setup that churns out Usain Bolts and Roger Federers on a regular basis. Let’s hope for the best.

Ahmed Hashim