Author’s note: The battle of Waterloo was allegedly won on the playing fields of Eton, and sport is war and war is sport. It was world cup time and we were about to start another war in the Middle East so why not write an article about the world cup – but it’s really about war – geddit?
Teams from countries around the globe have started to compete in what looks set to be one of the most tense set of matches since the 1940’s. Media and public alike are finding it increasingly difficult to predict the result and can only watch with anticipation to hope that they will be on the winning side.
Pundits generally agree that the European teams are off form with Germany appearing to have lost heart since defeat in the last final and other qualifiers including France and Italy appearing to favour defensive strategies. England, however, has sought to establish itself in the training and equipment market by supplying anyone who has enough money to pay, regardless of their attacking preferences and crowd control techniques
South America continues to shine with a number of countries finding excellent form recently. Argentina is tipped to re-establish it’s premier position after a disappointing flirtation with new team tactics including democracy. However, it seems likely that new leadership could take-over at any time and an almost military style regime could be in charge very soon. Other countries including Chile, Bolivia and Columbia are also showing good form although Columbia is struggling to cope with allegations of drug abuse.
Africa is also becoming a more confident challenger for the crown. Teams from countries as diverse as Rwanda, Sudan and, most recently, Zimbabwe are all showing excellent form and are becoming more confident in taking on their previous coaches in England and France.
Most recently some unexpected countries look set to go all the way to the finals. The Israel Palestine conflict remains one of the most exciting with new techniques such as the famous suicide swoop and the devastating Israeli attack continuing to dazzle. India and Pakistan are also in fearsome competition and their famed “nuclear defence” could be called into play at any time.
The USA is a new entrant, and is keen to counter its reputation for not taking part in a game until well after it has begun. It is now rapidly acquiring skill and determination to prevail on the world stage. Their recent friendly against the Russians provoked surprise by the subtlety of their attack, not least from the Russian Captain who felt certain that they had emerged victorious from the encounter despite a clear victory by the visitors.
Afghanistan has also shown recent good form. However, after succumbing in a lacklustre engagement with the US, pundits fear they may be past their prime and they appear to have lost a number of their squad to injury. Their tactics of insisting on sudden death playoffs has also weakened the team. Their main goal scorer, Osama Bin Laden, a transfer from the Saudi Academicals, has also not made an impression since his devastating destruction of the US defence last year.
With many other countries, including North Korea, Sri Lanka and Chechnya, keen to enter the fray, it can only be hoped that Roy Keane will stick to his pledge to stay out of things before they get really violent.
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