It is FIFA World Cup time and everyone is talking football. Even if you aren't a football fan, just pretend to be one as everyone around you shows off the new found knowledge (and interest) of 'O Jogo Bonito' (my two bits of showing off - that is 'the beautiful game' in Portuguese).
Your knowledge of football might begin and end with David Beckham (psst! he isn't playing this one - he retired) but you can still be caught up in the footie frenzy.
Here are my top 5 reasons why 'fans' with limited knowledge may still find staying up late at night worth their while:
1. After Elections 2014, it is the ideal break from the hurly-burly that is Indian politics
No maligning political opponents, no brickbats or barbs. Just hard tackling, competitive football - with players dodging opponents with 'escape' velocity - at least to the untrained eye (please do make discounts for the occasional bites and head-butts) 'Acche Din' finally here I'd say.
2. Some relief from the all the cricket that team India plays these days
India (with many players taking a break) took on Bangladesh last week in what was a damp squib - literally and metaphorically. Almost looked as if the rain gods wanted us to switch to watching football. And by the time the die-hard cricket fans have something to watch in right earnest (the India-England test series next month), the football action will be over. So enjoy the break!
3. What's playing at the neighbourhood multiplex?
Power cuts aren't the only low point in what has been a long, hot Delhi summer. There are no good movies playing... Humshakals may have made over 50 crores but some critics did not even give it half a star. Surely that is a new low...
4. 'Yahan Tension hain, Emotion hain, Action Hain'
If you don't like football because it lacks the drama, the scheming and conniving of any decent potboiler (or reality TV show) and of course the fist-fights, think again. From orchestrated dives that merit at least an Academy Award nomination (my vote goes to Giorgios Samaras of Greece whose extra-time antics helped his team make it to the last 16) to a bite on the shoulder (Uruguay's Luis Suarez has almost become Snickers brand ambassador)
England has gone out (and that's huge). So has Australia (and they aren't that big on soccer but they have booked an early flight back home). But here is what makes it tension-free for an Indian -- no south Asian nations play (we don't figure in the top 100 in world football) - nor do Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh - no losing face to neighbours, no traditional rivals there...
So pick any or all of the reasons above - or get one of your own -- pick out a team or two and start cheering. It is a beautiful game, indeed!
Your knowledge of football might begin and end with David Beckham (psst! he isn't playing this one - he retired) but you can still be caught up in the footie frenzy.
Here are my top 5 reasons why 'fans' with limited knowledge may still find staying up late at night worth their while:
1. After Elections 2014, it is the ideal break from the hurly-burly that is Indian politics
No maligning political opponents, no brickbats or barbs. Just hard tackling, competitive football - with players dodging opponents with 'escape' velocity - at least to the untrained eye (please do make discounts for the occasional bites and head-butts) 'Acche Din' finally here I'd say.
2. Some relief from the all the cricket that team India plays these days
India (with many players taking a break) took on Bangladesh last week in what was a damp squib - literally and metaphorically. Almost looked as if the rain gods wanted us to switch to watching football. And by the time the die-hard cricket fans have something to watch in right earnest (the India-England test series next month), the football action will be over. So enjoy the break!
3. What's playing at the neighbourhood multiplex?
Power cuts aren't the only low point in what has been a long, hot Delhi summer. There are no good movies playing... Humshakals may have made over 50 crores but some critics did not even give it half a star. Surely that is a new low...
4. 'Yahan Tension hain, Emotion hain, Action Hain'
If you don't like football because it lacks the drama, the scheming and conniving of any decent potboiler (or reality TV show) and of course the fist-fights, think again. From orchestrated dives that merit at least an Academy Award nomination (my vote goes to Giorgios Samaras of Greece whose extra-time antics helped his team make it to the last 16) to a bite on the shoulder (Uruguay's Luis Suarez has almost become Snickers brand ambassador)
Hey @luis16suarez. Next time you're hungry just grab a Snickers. #worldcup #luissuarez #EatASNICKERS pic.twitter.com/3RAO537HjW
- SNICKERS(@SNICKERS) June 24, 2014England has gone out (and that's huge). So has Australia (and they aren't that big on soccer but they have booked an early flight back home). But here is what makes it tension-free for an Indian -- no south Asian nations play (we don't figure in the top 100 in world football) - nor do Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh - no losing face to neighbours, no traditional rivals there...
So pick any or all of the reasons above - or get one of your own -- pick out a team or two and start cheering. It is a beautiful game, indeed!
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