football fever

FIFA 2006 has kicked off and the football fever is running high everywhere.It is so infectious that it has affected me, a die-hard cricket buff, who rarely watches football.

I just saw the Sweden v/s Trinidad&Tobago match and was quite surprised by the result. Sweden,one the biggies of the football world, was competing against T&T, the one who have the distinction of qualifying last for this world cup finals. With stars like Larsson and Freddie Ljungberg, the Swedes were expected to make mincemeat of the Caribbeans. Also T&T had to play their reserve goalkeeper and was reduced to 10 men at the start of the second half. What do you expect in this scenario? A Sweden win, right?
But No !! The minnows had their own plans. With their grit and determination, coupled with a tinge of overconfident play from their opponents, they successfully gained a point. The 0-0 scoreline must have kicked of celebrations in the island country with calypso music in the background and heavy introspection in the Sweden camp. I wonder how many such unexpected results are in store ahead ..??

Next up, just a few minutes away from now, is another mismatch from the Group of Death, that is Argentina vs Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast have qualified for the first time ever in the history of the Cup finals, but with star stricker Drogba they cannot be underestimated. We just know what happened a few minutes ago, don't we ? Nevertheless, I am supporting the Africans for the match because somehow I enjoy supporting the underdogs.


Update: Sadly, that was the only point T&T gained in this world cup and were the only team to do so without winning a single match.