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?