The World Cup, the holy grail of world football. This exhilarating competition brings together the best, rather, the superb talents from every corner of the globe. Blood, sweat, and tears are a requirement; skill, intelligence and pedigree are innate. The passion that is expressed by player and supporter alike is something of dreams, an immeasurable phenomenon explained simply by what drives your reality, love for the beautiful game. We as teens experience daily what it takes to succeed in life. Success involves taking the right steps, making the correct decisions, and developing an uncompromising belief in what we are capable of. The World Cup is no different. Imagine preparing for an important aspect of your life for two years, and then have it brutally taken from your fingertips in a matter of days. This is the reality of what these players face. They play a myriad of teams over a two year period just to be a part of the grand finale, only for their aspirations to be shattered in a ninety minute game of football, can you say heartbreak! Importantly though, once this competition has commenced, those circumstances are the very ones that significantly contribute to the fervent atmosphere that can be found in every stadium, the ardent expressions of loyalty and pride in the hearts of every supporter, as well as, the sheer will to succeed in every player. However, as far as dreams go, nightmares follow. As far as qualifying for World Cup 2010 goes, one must begin to fathom this immense accumulation of talent without arguably the best two players in the world. Argentina and Portugal are making very hard work out of each and every qualifying round. Really, would World Cup 2010 be the same without the audacity of Cristiano Ronaldo or the suave of Lionel Messi?
Though for varying reasons, these two world footballing powerhouses are finding it very difficult to express the quality which they possess on paper. I have two words that perfectly explain the woes of Argentina, namely ‘Diego Maradona’. In him, Argentina possesses a coach with misplaced, sporadic confidence which stems from his insatiable appetite to be viewed as the best. His ignorant deportment has driven him to make questionable decisions in his squad selection, in-game substitutions and his overall tactics. The last time Argentina did not qualify for a World Cup was back in 1970, and one would doubt there would be much hero status left, if the legend who is Diego Maradona masterminded the demise of the Proud Argentinian footballing body.
Portugal on the other hand is experiencing the same dilemma that has plagued them for years. They lack a striker that compliments their impressive midfield and defensive capabilities, put simply, Portugal struggle to score goals. Though they have CR7 in the locker, it is apparent that even a player of his stature is rendered ineffective when not supported in the manner he is used to at his club team.
The World Cup is a beautiful event full of culture and excitement, as well as, joy and sorrow. The expression of passion is an ample representation of what this competition displays every four years. For us football lovers, it is an opportunity to experience the brilliance of what this sport has to offer. Support your teams, represent with your colours, and make a strong statement with your jerseys. Essentially, absorb all that this World Cup has to offer in South Africa 2010, the best will be on show, but only the great will have their names put on the trophy.
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