Footballers’ samba in the Brazil heat

The Fifa 2014 World Cup kicked off Monday night in Brazil with 32 nations vying for the ultimate prize in international football. The tournament, from its very start, has been a hot topic in the news. Be it the hosting rights given to Brazil, the delay in the construction of stadiums, the death of eight workers at the Sao Paulo Stadium or the strikes by the construction workers over lesser incentives, the protest by Brazilians over too much money being spent on the World Cup while the poor die of hunger or the rebellious favela causing problems for the local police to handle. Anything and everything related to Brazil hosting the World Cup had been given limelight by the local and international media.

After 1950, when Brazil first hosted the World Cup, this is the second time when the football-crazy South American nation is being given a chance to host the biggest international tournament. It is raging on in full swing, but the foundations were laid on fallen bodies and heavy government spending rather than private investment.

Conversely, the world has found a silver lining amidst the pre-celebratory mayhem. A grand contest in the home of football, Brazil, seems to attract masses. And once again the biggest bets are being laid on the home team as they will strive to add a sixth World Cup in their trophy cabinet. The new face of the ‘pentacampeao’ (five-time champions) doesn’t include legends like Kaka and Ronaldinho but the likes of Neymar, Hulk, Marcelo and Dani Alves are thought to provide enough quality to beat any team they face.

Apart from the hosts, Italy will be in search for their fifth World Cup title to equalise Brazil’s record of five wins despite their poor run in the qualifiers and warm-ups. However, defending champions Spain and runners-up the Netherlands will also be in contention to take the title home.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi inspired Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and star-studded England side will also be strong contenders, who will go all out for glory. All in all, the hustle bustle before the World Cup might also be seen in the matches as this World Cup promises some big upsets and vows great surprises. I will place my bet on an underdog to   clinch the title this time. Fingers crossed!

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2014.