Fair Play

In the last post, I vented my passion for Football, the sport, out in full flow.This sport is one thing, that can get into my emotions. But I was forced to doubt the worth of the sport to be loved so much.... and not just the sport, more than that, faith in mankind; Because of the match between the Portuguese and the Dutch. At the begining of every tournament, the captains administer their team, a oath of FIFA Fairplay and spirit of the game... I loved that, the will of the players, the passion they carry towards their team and the game, the display of excellent teamwork and coordination, not caring for money when they play for their country. Thats the very purpose of a SPORT; bringing people together.


The game started... and I was stunned to see the Dutch line up without Heitinga, van der Vaart and the GREAT van Nistelrooy, the dynamte, the goal scoring machine.... what was running in van Basten's mind?.... game went on, and my favorite Figo and Ronaldo were playing so well, and so was Deco (aka B******). Robben was quiet and Kuyt was dumb, and Cocu was by far the best, as always. Portugal went one up with Manische's goal; A good move and a fine finish, a well deserved goal. Costinha was senseless with a couple of tackles, luckily got sent off only late in the first half. Figo, despite his age was playing very well, even with his team reduced to 10 men. Why didn't van Nistelrooy play in the game?

First disappointing thing was Figo's headbutt with van Bommel. Two of the biggest statures on the pitch, fighting like immatures, was the last thing I would have asked for, to see in such a highprofile game. But I didnt realise then, that I had to save my grievences, for worser things to come or may even be the worst. With the shoulder barge of Boulharouz, Figo went down covering his face, pretending as if he was elbowed down. The replay showed, clearly that Boulharouz' elbow didn't raise beyond his shoulders. Figo had play acted to get him sent off. Why did he do that? I still remember seeing him in Euro 2000, a buccaneering performance which actually drew me to start following this beautiful sport. I started kicking the ball first, having him as one of my icons. Why was I let down? I was so thrilled to see his comeback from retirement to play in this world cup. Did he come back for this? This very game has been played by real greats, like Davids, who got booked for arguing against the referee's decision to send off his opponent. Where did the gentleman in the players go? Even when Figo was stoned by the Barca supporters, while he was playing with for Real Madrid, he concentrated only on the ball and the game. Why did he do what he did, that night? and again.. Why didnt van Nistelrooy play?

Not just Figo, the attitude carried by the entire Portuguese team, especially Deco, was un-imaginably bad. CHEATS, the only word to describe those who braught the game to such a disrepute. With Ronaldo in the team, crying to be streatched off injured, not able to play, others in the bench were, getting into the field to assault the opposition players. So un-professional. 4 people sent off, summing up the over all picture of the game, THE WORST EVER. How different it could have been, had van Nistelrooy been played. Why wasn't he?

I am not able to digest the basic character of mankind, the dirt in the human mind and what not will it do for success. Why no one is ready to realise Pierre de Coubertin's attitude towards any sport - "It is less important to win than to take part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.". Showing up with this infamous performance, they let their country down, the sport down, and not the least, the trust and passion in the minds of their fans, down. Cantona, has perhaps the worst disciplinary record, and numerous prison sentences for any professional player. But, looking back at them, he had done everything for the sake of the game. He punched unfair referees, and un-professional players. He would never tolerate in-justice on the field. That way, even after picking up so many suspensions, he still remains in the hearts of people. Great people would live after their time. But Figo? He is already dead, while living. He has been FIFA player of the year once. Now? What mistake I had done, by respecting their skill and genius? Why am I so let down? Dont they have the responsibility to keep their status up? Arent they responsible for us? Now about van Basten's ego... why didnt he bring in from the bench, van Nistelrooy, as a substitute?

With so much negatives in the game, I was pleased to see one GEM, Philip Cocu, at the age of 35, still playing in the highest level, in the team because of merit, showing excellent leadership, not affected by all these sidey things in the game, even when subbed, went out clapping and wishing his substitute, putting the team first. A lesson to learn. And also van Persie, such a kid in the game, was so patient to Portuguese sledging, and unfair play. He did his business. He had nothing else to think about, other than the ball and the goal, and he never thought about anything else. Why didn't elder players show such maturity and professionalism. And why wasnt van Basten so professional enough, to think about the welfare of the team, and why didnt he play van Nistelrooy?

Had I been Beckenbauer, I would have stepped in the pitch, called game off, disqualified both the teams, and would have given England a bye to Semi's. But I am not Beckenbauer. All I can do now is to sit, feeling so upset with all that had happened. Now I want Portugal to go all the way to the finals, face Brazil and get POUNDED.. really bludgeoned, 5-0 or 6-0. Football is more about playing well and fair rather than scoring goals. If you would remember, in the last world cup Rivaldo did behave this way, and was fined and made to apologise in public and the team, for having let them down. That's Brazil. I remember Roy Keane, against Juventus, taking a free kick quickly where others would have tried to waste time and see their side win easily. It is the game that is important, and not winning. Portuguese must realise that, seeing the yellow mob, running at them, clobber them off the field, Humiliated. Scolari must realise, discipline is the most important thing.

Hope, we learn from the right people, like Cocu, and go ahead, not minding these insanes. Not just the game, but the way of living. Life is a contest, to be won fairly. Hope FIFA fairplay, does survive. Hoping for a better tomorrow, I would conclude with one question which every Dutch supporter will keep asking for years to come,(really in tears)

Why didn't van Nistelrooy play?

Tactics Board

Midfield Defence is the Key-

Throughout the world cup one could have noticed one common fact. Whenever a big-team plays a minow, the underdogs play an ultradefensive formation, trying to stop the biggie from scoring. As always, they breakdown in the end and lose. I am a defensive minded person. Whenever I play, I play either as a defender or a defensive midfielder. Its not so glamorous to play in such positions. They dont get into the score sheet, dont hit the headlines in the backpages of the newspaper, hardly get media coverage and fans dont often sing their praise. But those players will be the first in the team sheet whenever ur coach reads out the starting line up. They are the foundation blocks of a team. Often you would have heard from the (stupid) media ppl, calling Italian game, "negative-minded". I call it common sense - "u dont conceed a goal => you cannot lose"; this obviously increases the probability of ur win. A well made tactic with an ordinary team can work wonders.

Lets take the English team.

Their attack sucks!. Rooney is the only work horse to bet on to score, if at all he is able to play full 90 mins. Ericksson is one useless guy to manage the team. Ha ha.. the first two lines shows my bias against them. But being a honest football fanatic, I want every side to play good football. Even England... for that matter even USA (but they cant :P ).... Their strangth is midfield. I see either Gerrard or Lennon as the potential scorers. Its better for them to look for 1-0 here after. The first thing they must do is GIVE MORE POWERS TO McLAREN.. Puleezzz!!!!!! :-((.... Ericksson is Dumb!... atleast McLaren is a better tactician. Play Hargreaves..... enuf of stupid politics in the team, not to play foreign based players (if you ppl dont know, only Beckham and Hargreaves play their professional football outside England ).

Club form has got nothing to do with their ability to perform in the international stage. Lampard might be a great midfielder, and had won the best player award last year, but Gerrard has played well for England in the past, and has a better scoring touch than Lampard. So kick Lampard out and bring in Hargreaves, make him sit in front of the defence... he is damn good as a midfield destroyer. That would allow Gerrard to attack more, atleast take more shots and get into the box often. If Gerrard plays in an offensive role, Owen plays well.... thats a fact know to even a dog in England ;-)..... but y Ericksson never realises that?.... if one midfielder is going to sit ultra defensive, full backs get more support going on the offensive, especially Ashley cole on the left...... Their second half substitute against Trinidad, Lennon seemed to be a good prospect. Especially pulling back Beckham as a right full back.....I would even try out a three at the back strategy with wingbacks... Becks as right wingback... .he makes better deep-crosses than whipped ones close to the corner flag.... but that is not likely to work out hereafter in this tournament... and last.... allow Joe Cole to play more towards the center, rather than restricting him to the left.....

well that was pre-Sweden match...

now post Sweden effect..

Owen most likely out for another week atlest, if not for the rest of the tournament. Rooney having played for an hour, looks ok, though not a stormer. What was Beckham dong??? :O.... so responsible as a captain< :P pun intended>.. if u ppl look at the replay of the last goal scored in the game: Rule book says, offside does not apply for throw-ins. So Ljunberg was delebrately staying close to the goal post, drawing Campbell with him. Now the face of the goal is exposed to two strikers to poach on. Ball played there... and score sheet ticked... simple tactics... England had 10 men inside the box.. wat wer they able to do abt it?.. nothing....


Brazil :
Safest bet to win the Cup, bfor it began... not so after.... But I would stlll go with them.... Nevertheless I am not pleased with Perrira's way of handling the team.... It looks like he is giving too much importance to the star value.... and he has made modifications to Scolari's tactics in the last world cup, just to make some change in the side, to press his originality... but Brazilian Christmas tree is the best formation for this team, which is no different from the last except for the addition of another quality striker in Adriano... I prefer rotating him with Ronaldo..... and I am in full support with Perrira, for sticking with Ronaldo as his main striker.....He is the best.... if u want to contend with me, then better go and see the first goal against Australia.... Outstanding tactical play..... a footballing genius... some one who looks for dribble and goals will be blind to see what impact Ronaldo had in that game..... I was able to sense Aussies wetting their pants whenever he gets the ball...... they literally panic and throw the entire team on him, to stop him from doing anything..... For that goal's move, when Ronaldihno passed the ball onto Ronaldo, he had three defenders surrounding him.. as he stopped the ball to gain control, one more closed in.... now no center-backs with Adriano... Chipperfield had to run from left to catch up with him...... Ronaldo finally manages to turn three of his markers and fool the fourth and make tha pass... if Ronie can handle 4, Adriano can put off one eyes shut... he drove the ball between Chipperfield's legs and past Schwarzer....

If you read this and say that i am biased and am blowing up the Brazilian tactics.. and that was just a co-incidence.... then I am sorry..... This is football... That goal was scored on the dressing room on the drawing board.. or may b even in the training grounds.. or in Ronaldo's mind.... and not just on the pitch during the game.....this is football... its not David Beckham, not Ronaldinho, not Ronaldo, nor Zinedine Zidane.... its football....... its the game which is so beautiful, and nobody is bigger than the game...... look for the replay of the match and see.. for the first 15 minutes Adriano was playing in the center... but Hiddink ahd employed Emerton to take care of Ronaldinho and Chipperfield to mark Kaka.. the main threats.... seeing this, Adriano was made to play in the right.. he is a predominantly left footed... he uses his right foot just to stand and run :-D..... even then he was taken towards the right, to disrupt Chipperfield and give more space to Kaka....and made sure that, no centerback is marking Adriano, and all their concetration was only on Ronaldo....

What they need to change when they face a bigger opponent in the next round?... well, my decision will be to play the Christmas tree again.. Play either Ronaldo or Adriano, and play one extra defender as a sweeper.. that makes Cafu and Carlos wingbacks... so more attack actually by playing one additional defender....

Long live the game
&
FIFA Fair Play

a football fan forever,
Sriram R